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SpinDistribute.com Article Directory

The following article was published in our article directory on October 10, 2011.
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Programmable Logic Controller

Article Category: Computers and Technology

Author Name: Michael Garza

A programmable logic controller or PLC is a controller used in automation to control machinery in factories and production lines. It's a digital computer that is more specialized than an ordinary computer. It has more input and output devices, made to sustain more stress, and generally have greater immunity to electrical noise than regular computers. A PLC performs in real time with output signals required to be processed within a limited time to insure system functionality. In controls automation systems, the development of the PLC led to greater freedom, allowing operators a greater degree of control over remote systems.

The advantages of PLCs

PLCs provide an easier way to perform complicated mathematical functions. This helps stabilize a system and improve its accuracy. They are also suited for a vast range of applications. PLCs are compatible with most industrial devices and controls, so bringing it into the fold of your factory operation is relatively easy. And because PLCs are highly customized systems, they may prove less costly when the object is to provide a more generic way of controlling mass-produced units. PLCs can be incorporated with motion control units so that it can be used to control machine movements and other system functions.

But the biggest advantage of a programmable logic controller lies in its capacity to adapt to changing variables. If a PLC is designed correctly, it will be able to sense when a machine it oversees is not functioning within its maximum condition, and it can intervene and make changes to the machine's operating procedures to make the machine perform at the desired levels pre-programmed into the PLC.

Programming PLCs

Early programmable logic controllers were programmed using ladder logic, a programming language based on circuit diagrams of relay logic. Modern PLCs however are programmed with more traditional programming languages such as BASIC and C. However, modern PLCs still keep on using ladder logic as this is the easiest language programmers can use to identify timing issues with the logic sequence of the PLC than with any other language format.

Uses of PLCs

Programmable logic controllers have progressed from basic sequence controllers to more advanced controller functions such as motion control, distributed control, process control, and even networking. Modern PLCs have the computing power equivalent to most desktop computers. The one reason why PLCs are used instead of normal desktop computers is because PLCs are built to withstand pressures and temperatures in industry which desktops have not been designed to endure.

Another advantage is the PLC scan time which needs to be very fast, otherwise the response of the PLC would be too late to be of any use to the machine or processes it's controlling or monitoring. As an example, if it's monitoring water levels, the input of the valves, used in gauging water levels, is processed too slowly, the output signal of the PLC may be too late to stop the overflow of water. There are many ways PLC's can be used to control automation processes and manufacturers such as Allen Bradley, Siemens and Omron provide high quality solutions that can easily integrate into your automation processes.

Keywords: automation controls, factory floor automation, plant automation, industrial automation, control systems integration, control systems design, distributed controls systems, SCADA, supervisory control and data acquisition, PLC programming, programmable logic controller, Allen Bradley, A-B, Siemens, S7, S5, WinCC, Wonderware, iFix, Factory Talk, Rockwell Automation, RS View, RS Logix, ControlLogix, Compact Logix, Kinetics, Ladder Logic, Factory Talk Transaction Manager, Human Machine Interface, Panel Views, vision systems, motion control and design

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