Four-Wire Sensors
By Terry Bartelt
In this animated object, learners examine the signals produced at the N.O. (normally open) and N.C. (normally closed) outputs of sourcing and sinking four-wire sensors. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Stop-Button Wiring to a PLC
Learners consider the correct type of pushbutton to use as a Stop button, the way the Stop button should be hard wired, and the PLC input instruction to use. This animated object includes a short quiz. It is recommended that learners review the learning object “The PLC Examine-Off Instruction” before beginning this object.
The Vortex Flowmeter
Learners view an animation showing the operation of a Vortex flowmeter that is used to measure flow in a process control system.
Digital Thermometers
Learners examine the electronic components of a digital thermometer.
Photoelectric Reciprocation Circuits
This animated lesson shows how a photoelectric sensor, connected to a ladder circuit, causes the cylinder of a hydraulic circuit to extend and retract.
Linear Displacement Transducer
Learners examine how a linear displacement transducer is used to measure the linear position of a physical object. Animations show the sequential steps of the entire operation.
Motor Action (Screencast)
In this screencast, learners examine the interaction between a conductor that represents a motor armature and a magnetic field that represents a motor’s main field. This interaction causes the shaft to turn.
Overflow and Underflow for Signed Binary Numbers
By John Casey, Terry Bartelt, Terry Fleischman
Learners examine the occurrence of overflow and underflow conditions in a programmable logic controller. It is recommended that users view the learning object “Signed Binary Numbers” in advance of this object.
Hydraulic Oil Contamination
By Terry Bartelt, Stephen Schneider
In this interactive object, learners examine how hydraulic oil is contaminated, the types of damage contamination can cause, and the methods used to clean the oil.
Ratio Pyrometers
Learners study the theory of operation for a ratio pyrometer that measures temperature. A short quiz completes the activity.
Digital Position Control
In this animated object, learners examine a closed-loop feedback system that uses digital circuits to control the position of a gear rack.
Aeration
In this animated object, learners examine how aeration develops in a hydraulic pump. A brief quiz completes the activity.
The Air Pilot
In this animated object, learners examine the operation of a pneumatic directional control valve using air pilot lines.
The Hydraulic Cylinder
In this animated and interactive object, learners examine the basic parts and the linear movement of a hydraulic cylinder. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Thermocouples (Screencast)
In this animated object, learners observe the operation of a J thermocouple with a cold junction. A table is used to convert the voltage it produces to a corresponding temperature. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Motor Control Circuits
Learners examine an electric motor control circuit that uses a motor starter module. This activity has audio content.
Radiation Pyrometer Temperature Sensors
Learners examine how a radiation pyrometer converts the frequency of electromagnetic waves to a temperature reading.
Limit Switches
In this animated object, learners examine the basic types of limit switches and how they are used.
DC Compound Motors
Learners study animation showing the operation of cumulative and differential DC compound motors. A short quiz completes the activity.
Absolute Optical Encoders
The operation and characteristics of an absolute optical encoder used in automation applications are presented.
Orifice Plate Flowmeters
Learners examine the operation of an orifice plate flowmeter as it is used to make process control measurements. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD)
Learners study animations to see the connection between temperature and resistance as they examine the operation of an RTD. A table is used to convert resistance readings to the corresponding temperatures. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Time-Delay Relays
This animated lesson shows the operation of timer-on and timer-off delay relays used in ladder circuit operate.
Applying the Motor Voltage
In this animated lesson, learners examine the rectifier circuitry in a DC variable speed drive that supplies the voltages to the field coil and armature.
PLC Software Circuit Capabilities
In this animated object, learners examine how to use a programmable logic controller as an alternative to hardwiring a ladder logic circuit.