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Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Control System Basics – Isolation

Jun 27th 2017

In the final installment of this five-part series, Jon Titus explores the basic elements of a control system. In previous installments, Jon has covered relays, sink … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Control System Basics – Open Collectors

Feb 22nd 2017

In the fourth installment of this five-part series, Jon Titus explores the basic elements of a control system. In previous installments, Jon has covered relays, sink … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Control System Basics – NPN vs. PNP Logic

Feb 22nd 2017

In the third installment of this five-part series, Jon Titus explores the basic elements of a control system. In the first two installments, Jon covered relays and s … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Control System Basics – Sink vs. Source Control

Feb 22nd 2017

In the second installment of this five-part series, Jon Titus explores the basic elements of a control system. Click the following link if you missed the first insta … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Control System Basics – Relays Explained

Feb 22nd 2017

In the first installment of this five-part series, Jon Titus explores the basic elements of a control system. Check back next month for the 2nd installment.Q: I just … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

How to Program and Debug RS-485 Networks

Sep 9th 2015

Q: Some of the data sheets for RS-485 devices mention a 9-bit UART protocol. What does it do?A: In a network with many devices you need a way to identify each one … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

How to Properly Configure and Wire RS-422 and RS-485 Networks

Sep 9th 2015

Q: Why do the diagrams for the RS-422 and RS-485 buses include resistors at the end of the bus wires and what values do I need for them?A: Signals that reflect f … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Basics of RS-422 and RS-485 Communications

Sep 9th 2015

Q: I must create an instrument network but need some guidance on RS-422 and RS-485 communications. What’s the difference?A: First, carefully describe what … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Getting the Max Resolution from Your Analog Measurements

Apr 28th 2015

 Q: How do resolution and accuracy relate to an ADC? Do they mean the same thing?A: No, each term refers to something different. Say I have an inexpensive plast … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

How and Why to Use an Anti-Aliasing Filter

Jan 17th 2015

Q: What is an anti-alias filter, and do I need one?A: At its simplest an anti-alias filter removes unwanted high-frequency signals from the signals you want to measu … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Analog Signal Conditioning for Accurate Measurements

Oct 30th 2014

 Q: Should I put some sort of circuit between my sensor and an analog-to-digital converter?A: Yes. You probably need some signal conditioning. The explanation … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Differential Nonlinearity in Analog Measurements

Sep 20th 2014

 Q: In a previous answer you noted, “… most applications require linearity but not absolute precision…” What does that mean?A: Typical … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Analog Resolution vs. Accuracy

Sep 20th 2014

 Q: I need an analog-to-digital converter, probably one with 16 bits. The more bits, the better the resolution, right?A: Not so fast. To start, understand t … View More

Tech Update with Jon Titus

Learning Center Manuals

Determining an Effective Analog Sampling Rate

Sep 16th 2014

Q: How often should my equipment make measurements?A: This question often arises when people draft plans to automatically measure a physical quantity such … View More