Dec 11, 2013

The Definition. What Is PLC?

By Samuel Akinwumi


What is a PLC? A programmable controller, or Programmable logic controller is really a gadget which is able to being programmed to perform a managing function. Before the advent of the programmable controller, the problem of industrial control was usually solved by the use of electromechanica relays or by hardwired solid-state logic blocks. These systems were very flexible in design and easy for servicing personnel to understand. However, they engaged a vast amount of interconnection from relay to relay, and logic block to logic block. In order for the wiring cost to be minimized, relays and logic blocks had to be kept close together. This led to the development of the control panel concept for larger and more complex logic control systems.

Another important aspect in the development of the control panel was to be able to check field devices at a common point. A control system with 1000 sensors, limit switches, pushbuttons, and output devices could easily cover a very large area in a manufacturing plant. Thus, it would take a considerable amount of time for a technician to check each device at its location. By having each device wired back to a common point, each gadget could be checked for operation fairly quickly.

What is a PLC? Programmable controllers were originally designed to provide flexibility in control based on programming and executing logic instructions. Major advantages were realized by adopting the ladder diagram programming language, simplifying maintenance, and reducing the cost of spare parts inventories. Also, programmable controllers allow for shorter installation time and faster commissioning through programming rather than wiring.

In recent years, one of the areas of greatest growth and innovation has been in data communication for PLCs. PLC technology has been adopting the expanding resources of information and communication technology such as wireless local area networks (WLAN). Initially, each manufacturer had their own proprietary system whereby one could remotely interact with the PLC to monitor status and data. These days PLCs are more and more becoming compatible with standards- based communications systems such as Ethernet, Profibus, DeviceNet, and Genius networks. This means that the PLC can be hooked up to any other device on the factory floor that can communicate through these networks.

Ethernet is commonly used for interconnecting information and communication networks in the office, so the PLCs can be monitored and controlled from anywhere in a building. And not only that - they can be accessed from anywhere in the world via modem and telephone line. The newest trend is enabling control and monitoring over the Internet by using a Web browser such as Internet Explorer

What is PLC? Modern PLCs are very similar to personal computers in their size, speed, and memory capacity. Recent innovations in flash memory and LCD-screen technology has greatly improved the memory storage and graphic user interface functionality of these systems, allowing for a wider range of programming applications and greater flexibility in programming languages. With the IEC-61131-3 standard, it is now possible to program these devices using structured encoding languages (such as C), and logic elementary operations. A graphical programming notation called Sequential Function Charts is available on certain programmable controllers.

The following points outline some of the other numerous advantages derived from using PLCs:

1. Programmable controllers are easy to program and to install. Most PLCs are provided with quick- release type screw connections for fast wiring of input and output devices. PLC editing features allow program changes, corrections, and loading procedures to be accomplished in a matter of seconds in most cases.

2. The actual pace along with that inner timers run is a lot quicker compared to traditional period hold off exchange techniques. For instance, an average period hold off exchange may create a brief hold off because quick because a hundred and fifty milliseconds (ms), having a totally reset amount of three hundred microsoft. The PLC may create a brief hold off associated with 15 microsoft, having a totally reset amount of around 15 microsoft. When it comes to the pace distinction between your 2 techniques, the PLC is actually approximately 13 occasions quicker. A good set up device utilizing a PLC might consequently possess a greater efficiency price.

3. Access to PLCs is restricted by hardware features such as keylocks, and by software attributes, such as passwords. Timers and their timing values can also be protected through special commands

4. Problem solving with PLCs is also a significant advantage over any other type of control system. Many PLCs are provided with analysis indicators which monitor power supply, central processing unit faults, low battery power for memory backup, input and output conditions, forced output conditions, and so on.

5. Programmable controllers could be fashioned with marketing communications abilities which permit them in order to speak to nearby as well as remote control personal computers in order to supply human being interfaces. These types of interfaces vary from easy gentle or even annunciator techniques along with alpha- numeric shows in order to sophisticated movie displays which permit the present condition of the procedure to become seen.

6. PLCs are extremely reliable control devices and can be acquired in forms that can survive and function in harsh conditions. They can meet almost any set of installation code specifications.

What's PLC? Whilst the benefits of utilizing PLCs when compared with conventional exchange manage techniques are very obvious, recently one of many rivals towards the PLC may be using pcs within commercial programs. Because you will notice within following quests, you will find a lot of commonalities in between PLC as well as pc equipment. Nevertheless, there's also a few unique benefits related to PLCs in comparison with pcs as well as these types of benefits consist of:

large base of qualified maintenance personnel knowledgeable in troubleshooting and servicing systems with ladder logic coding, rather than personal computer software languages such as Visual Basic, C++, HTML, etc.

More effective reaction to power disruptions and breakdowns

Price advantages of easy device manage programs

Greater dependability which reduces the cost associated with shutdown, troubleshooting, restore, & new venture

Durable, weather-proof, industrial strength packaging

Long availability and support for product models without the rapid obsolescence common in personal computers.

What is a PLC? A digitally operated electronic apparatus which uses a programmable memory for the inner storage of directions for applying specific functions such as logic, sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic, to control, through digital or analog input/output modules, various types of machines or processes.




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