To ensure the longevity of your test system, National Instruments explains the six things you need to know about USB instrument control.   With plug-and-play connectivity and the near ubiquity of USB ports on modern PCs and laptops, USB has become a popular choice for controlling standalone instrumentation. As more instrument manufacturers begin to includeRead More

The increasing complexity of and demands on networks may be solved with USB technology, but to simplify installations, be sure to follow these 10 rules.   As an industrial, medical, laboratory, or field services interface, USB has many benefits that outweigh the risks. However, you can reduce your odds of disaster with simple fixes – likeRead More

Manufacturers of rolling stock require high-quality electrical connection systems, and there is increasing demand for custom-tailored railway cabling solutions from connector manufacturers.      Like those in traditional mechanical engineering fields, manufacturers of rail vehicles face the increasing challenges of higher costs and time-to-market pressures. Electrical connections and cabling are one area where they canRead More

Industry 4.0 is the point where automation, the Internet of Things, wearables, and customization converge.   “Industry 4.0” is still a bit of a buzzword, but it gets closer to realization every day. Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution. In earlier articles, we discussed the first (industrialization), second (mass production), and third (IT integration)Read More

Cyber and physical worlds merge in connected industry to radically alter industrial production.   Until today, industrial facilities have largely followed a simple concept – that of automated tasks being performed by automated devices that are connected to a central controller. That’s it; nothing more is necessary for industrial production. The network is merely the vehicle for theRead More

CAMI Research shares the top five questions to ask about your new cable and harness tester.     When choosing a cable and harness tester, there are five key factors to address with potential manufacturers: 1. Is it PC-based? A PC-based system is operated by an autonomous (rather than embedded) computer. Being independent of embeddedRead More

Oil can inflict molecular damage on the compounds used for cable insulation and jacketing that will ultimately result in cable failure, downtime, and replacement costs. Lapp USA explains how this happens and how to prevent it.     Of all the chemical exposures that can affect the life and performance of electrical cables, oil is oneRead More

At one time, aluminum was the primary material option for heavy-duty connectors, but now plastic is a reliable and viable option.     Over the years heavy-duty connectors have evolved from clunky pieces of heavy metal with contacts to robust, lightweight connectors that can mate with products from other manufacturers. They are also capable of routing signal,Read More

The VFD cable is often an afterthought in the exhaustive research and consultation process to choose an advanced variable frequency drive. Here, Wayne Spence of Amphenol Sine explains why it is critical to the overall system.     The phone rings; your chest begins to pound, and the receiving manager’s voice confirms it’s the moment you’ve longRead More

Connectors in the oil and gas industry must withstand high pressure, high temperature, and corrosive environments subject to heavy vibration and occasional shock loading. Materials are the key to ensure connector reliability in harsh environments.   The oil and gas industry demands high reliability in drilling and completion equipment, including electrical connectors used downhole. ConnectorsRead More

Fiber optic cable may be the best way to achieve the effective monitoring and control necessary to ensure efficiency in offshore wind turbines.   One of the major challenges facing power generation from renewable energy sources is continuous and cost-effective operation. In the case of wind turbines, both offshore and onshore, this cost-effectiveness depends onRead More

Electrical noise can seriously disrupt the proper operation of equipment. Insulation protects a cable mechanically from scrapes, abrasion, moisture, and spills, but offers no protection against EMI. Here, AlphaWire offers a primer on choosing the best shielded cable for the job at hand.   Industrial applications are typically electrically noisy environments. Electrical noise, either radiated orRead More