Programmable Logic

Controller (PLC)
Group 5:
Avena, Lady Ann S.
Mangahas, Christine Joy A.
Sumaya, Wendelyn L.
ECE-5A
Engr. Nasher Jimenez

What is PLC?
also known as Industrial Computer
It is a major component in the industrial automation sector
The word Programmable differentiates it from the conventional hard-wired
relay logic.
It is a digital computer used for automation of typically industrial
electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery on factory
assembly lines, amusement rides, or light fixtures.
The PLC as a unit consists of a processor to execute the control action on
the field data provided by input and output modules.
Integrated as either single or modular units.

PLC
Configurations
Integrated or Compact PLC
It is built by several modules within a single case.
Therefore, the I/O capabilities are decided by the
manufacturer, but not by the user.
Some of the integrated PLCs allow to connect
additional I/Os to make them somewhat modular.
A modular PLC
It is built with several components that are plugged
into a common rack or bus with extendable I/O
capabilities.
It contains power supply module, CPU and other I/O
modules that are plugged together in the same rack,
which are from same manufacturers or from other
manufacturers.
These modular PLCs come in different sizes with
variable power supply, computing capabilities, I/O

Types of Modular PLC

Small PLCis a mini-sized PLC that is designed as compact and
robust unit mounted or placed beside the equipment to be
controlled. This type of PLC is used for replacing hard-wired
relay logics,counters, timers, etc.
Medium-sized PLCis mostly usedPLC in industrieswhich
allows many plug-in modules that are mounted on backplane of
the system.
Large PLCsare used wherein complex process control functions are required. Mostly,
these PLCs are used insupervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems,
larger plants,distributed control systems, etc.
Some of the manufacturers or types of PLCs are given below:

Allen Bradley PLCs (AB)

ABB PLCs (Asea Brown Boveri)
Siemens PLCs
Omron PLCs
Mitsubishi PLCs
Hitachi PLCs
Delta PLCs
General Electric (GE) PLCs

WHAT IS INSIDE A PLC?

The Central Processing Unit, the CPU, contains an internal

program that tells the PLC how to perform the following
functions:
Execute the Control Instructions contained in the User's
Programs. This program is stored in "nonvolatile"
memory, meaning that the program will not be lost if
power is removed
Communicate with other devices, which can include I/O
Devices, Programming Devices, Networks, and even
other PLCs.

HOW DOES A PLC OPERATE?

Four Steps In The PLC Operations
1.) Input Scan - detects the state of all input
devices that are connected to the PLC
2.) Program Scan - executes the user created
program logic
3.) Output Scan - energizes or de-energize all
output devices that are connected to the PLC.
4.)Housekeeping
this
step
includes
communications with programming terminals,
internal diagnostics, etc...

Programming Language used in PLC

Ladder Diagram (LD)
Traditional
ladder
logic
is
graphical
programming language.
Initially programmed with simple contacts that
simulated the opening and closing of relays

Ladder Logic programming has been

expanded to include such functions as
counters, timers, shift registers, and math
operations.
Function Block Diagram (FBD)
A graphical language for depicting signal
and data flows through re-usable function
blocks.
Very
useful
for
expressing
the
interconnection of control system algorithms
and logic.

If Speed1 > 100.0 then

Flow_Rate: = 50.0 +
Offset_A1;
Else
Flow_Rate: = 100.0;
Steam: = ON
End_If;

Programming Language used in PLC

Instruction List (IL)
A low level assembler like language that is
based on similar instructions list languages
found in a wide range of todays PLCs.
Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
A method of programming complex control
systems at a more highly structured level.
A SFC program is an overview of the control
system, in which the basic building blocks are
entire program files.
Each program file is created using one of the
other types of programming languages.
The
SFC
approach
coordinates
large,
complicated programming tasks into smaller,
more manageable tasks.

LD
R1
MPC
RESET
LD
PRESS_1

ST
MAX_PRESS
RESET:
LD0
ST
A_X43

Advantages of PLC
Very fast
Easy to change logic i.e. flexibility
Reliable due to absence of moving parts
Low power consumption
Easy maintenance due to modular assembly
Facilities in fault finding and diagnostic
Capable of handling of very complicated logic operations
Good documentation facilities
Easy to couple with the process computers
Analog signal handling and close loop control programming
Counter, timer and comparator can be programmed
Ease operator interface due to colourographic and advisory system
introduction

Disadvantages of PLC

Offers only closed architectures for their products

Proprietary
Designed for Relay Logic Ladder
Number of Optional Modules must be added

PLC
Applications