DoIt2Win

Can a $20 micro-controller equal a PLC for a real-world industrial control application?  The “maker” world of basement robot builders continues to grow, with companies developing hardware and software to support all sorts of interesting applications. A number of micro-controllers have emerged to perform a wide variety of functions at very low upfront hardware and software costs. A large number of boards, including micro-controllers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and single-board computers, have emerged. Among these, Arduino and Raspberry Pi are two leading names (Figure 1). Both are open-source devices, with components available from a variety of suppliers, and both require a high level of programming skills and some imagination before they can be used for real-time industrial control applications. Some industrial users might envision these platforms as a substitute for an entry-level PLC. After all, if an Arduino can control a robot for a STEM competition entry, why can’t...

Differences between grounding and earthing: In electrical engineering, grounding (or earthing) is a critical safety measure that involves connecting electrical systems or equipment to the earth. This connection provides a reference point for voltage levels and helps protect both people and equipment from electrical faults. Here are some differents between earhing and grounding: 1.Earthing is more commonly used in Britain, European and most of the commonwealth countries standards (IEC, IS). 2. Grounding is the word used in North American standards (NEC, IEEE, ANSI, UL). 3. Earth or Ground is for safety concerns against leakage or residual currents on the system via least resistance path. 4. The purpose of earthing is to minimize the risk of receiving an electric shock if touching metal parts when a fault is present. Generally green wire is used for this as a nomenclature. 5. Earthing is to ensure safety or Protection of electrical equipment and Human by discharging the electrical e...