Proportional Control Amplifier
By Terry Bartelt
Learners examine the operation of a proportional control amplifier and the two ways that it is programmed using proportional gain or proportional band. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Electrical Generator Basics
In this animated activity, learners examine how a voltage is induced into a conductor when the conductor cuts across magnetic flux lines. They also view the four factors that determine how much voltage is generated. A brief quiz completes the learning object.
The PLC Examine-Off Instruction
In this animated object, learners examine the operation and programming requirements of a PLC Examine-Off instruction. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Hydrocarbon Gas Sensor
Learners study how a hydrocarbon gas sensor operates and why it is used. A short quiz completes the activity.
The LVDT: A Linear Voltage Differential Transformer in Action
In this animated object, learners study the operation of a linear voltage differential transformer. A brief quiz completes the activity.
The Counter-Reset Function
Learners examine the counter-reset function of a programmable controller and how it is used.
Ultrasonic Sensors (Screencast)
In this animated activity, learners examine the operation of an ultrasonic sensor and the procedure to perform zero and span adjustments. A brief quiz completes the object.
The Transmission of Force in a Hydraulic System
In this animated object, students view a depiction of how force is transmitted by hydraulic cylinders and confined fluid.
PLC Sourcing Input Modules
In this interactive and animated object, learners study how to wire field devices to a PLC sourcing input module. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Integral Contol Mode Application
In this animated object, learners examine the operation of a robot using the integral control mode to overcome a steady state.
Industrial Control Classifications
In this animated object, learners examine automated manufacturing systems classified as motion control, batch process control, and continuous process control.
The Timing Functions of Optical Sensors
In this animated object, learners examine the switch settings for the on-delay, off-delay, and one-shot timing functions of an optical sensor. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Maximum Proximity Sensor Switching Speed
In this animated object, learners study what happens if the maximum switching speed of a proximity sensor is exceeded.
Surface Finish
By Barbara Anderegg
Learners review surface finish basics and read how to calculate the roughness average.
Pneumatic Directional Control Valves (Screencast)
In this animated object, learners examine the operation of two-way, three-way, and four-way directional control valves used in pneumatic systems.
Boyle's Law (Screencast)
Learners apply the principles associated with Boyle’s Law.
PID Control (Screencast)
Learners examine an animated motion-controlled robotic arm and observe the operation of a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control that makes movements quickly without overshooting or having a steady-state error. This activity has audio content.
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.
Ratio Pyrometers
Learners study the theory of operation for a ratio pyrometer that measures temperature. A short quiz completes the activity.
Retro-Reflective Optical Sensors
Learners study the operation of the retro-reflective optical sensor, along with the guidelines that should be followed regarding the target size, reflector size, alignment, and the reflectivity of the target.
Four-Wire Sensors
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.
Sinking/Sourcing Input Modules
Learners examine the conventional current flow at a PLC input module, along with the field devices connected to it. This interactive object includes quiz questions and feedback.
Mechanical Advantage (Screencast)
By James Bourassa, John Rosz
Learners apply lever ratios to calculate the mechanical advantage in basic mechanisms.
Line Symbols (Screencast)
Learners examine the different types of lines used on a P&ID diagram and the types of connections they represent. They test their knowledge in a matching exercise.
Thermal Flowmeters
In this animated object, learners examine the operation of a thermal flowmeter used in process control applications. A brief quiz completes the activity.