This book makes use of ample illustrations and clear, no-nonsense explanations to provide a fundamental understanding of modern automatic control systems and industrial electronics. It is logically organized, taking readers on a 'virtual journey' through a typical control system, starting with an introduction, then moving on to discuss basic components, sensors, wiring, motors, motor control circuits, and mechanical parts. At the conclusion, these functional parts are 'put together' by discussing control strategies and controller types, including Programmable Logic Controllers. The text is both contemporary and comprehensive in scope, with supplemental information on various basic applied physics and mechanical concepts, such as linear and rotational motion, springs, friction, gears, levers, heat transfer, and energy transfer not found in other books in its class. Digital controllers and concepts are introduced early and referenced throughout the book. Analog concepts are also included. This edition features new material on digital 'panel mount' controllers, differential gears, the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), ultrasonic proximity sensors, inductive proximity sensors, ultrasonic flow sensors, and cascade control. Information has also been added to better address such topics as AC variable frequency motor drives, PID control, and the AS-I sensor factory network.