Author: John Mulindi
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AC vs DC Power & Motors – Differences and Benefits
AC and DC power isn’t new and yet it has been two main types of power we are taking advantage of even in the modern age we live in. But did you ever understand the difference between AC and DC power, did you know how we use it, and what is the preferred power type…
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What is the difference between a Power transformer and a Distribution Transformer?
Introduction The transformer, in simple terms can be defined as the voltage regulator. It helps in stepping up and stepping down of the voltages. We all have seen transformers in our locality, where the current is passed from higher voltage to the lower voltages. In this blog, we will discuss about the differences between the…
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Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition in Power Systems
The term supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) refers to the network of computer processors that provide control and monitoring of remote electrical or mechanical operation e.g. management of power distribution grid or the control of mechanical processes in a manufacturing plant. Typical the old SCADA systems would encompass computers and network links that manage…
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The Principle of Operation of Optical Encoders
An encoder is a device that provides a digital output as a result of an angular or linear displacement. The position encoders can be grouped into two categories: Incremental Encoders Let’s consider the basic form of an incremental encoder for the measurement of angular displacement of shaft shown below: The incremental encoder shown above consists…
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Transfer Functions and Block Diagrams of Control Systems
Transfer Functions A transfer function is a mathematical formulation that relates the output variable of a device to the input variable. For linear devices, the transfer function is independent of the input quantity and solely dependent on the parameters of the device together with any operations of time, such as differentiation and integration that it…
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A Digitally Controlled Drill Press
The diagram below shows a digital control system for a drill press that includes: the input, digital processor, drill-positioning mechanisms, and sampled-data position control system. The process is controlled as follows: The processor receives the input data and determines the sequence of operations while storing both the sequence and the hole positions in the memory.…
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Features of Analog Signal Transmission
Analog voltage or current signals are hardwired between the transmitter and the receiver. These analog signals can be relatively be slow to settle compared to digital signals, due time constant of the lead capacitance, inductance and resistance. Analog signals can lose accuracy if the signal lines are long with high resistance. These signals can be…
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Advantages of Industrial Control Networks
Industrial networks have evolved to become an integral part of manufacturing replacing the point-to-point communication at all levels. At lower levels in the plant/factory setup, networks provide higher reliability, visibility and diagnosability and enable capabilities such as distributed control, diagnostics, safety and device interoperability. At higher levels networks can leverage internet services to enable factory-wide…
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The Construction & Principle of Operation of Load Cells
A load cell converts a force (usually the gravitation force from an object being weighed) to a strain which can then be converted to an electrical signal by strain gauges. A load cell will typically have a local circuit as illustrated in figure 1(a) with four gauges; two in compression and two in tension and…
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A Detailed Note on the Benefits and Working of Automatic Voltage Controllers
Automatic voltage Controllers hold a regular voltage level to electrical tools loads that require a steady, dependable voltage supply. With a range of voltage regulation equipment to select from, it can be difficult to pick the excellent one for your tool loads. It is indispensable to be aware of what to look for in an…