EMTC 135 – Programmable Logic Controller Application
Introduction to PLC
PLC or Programmable Logic Controller is a special form of microprocessor-based controller that
uses a programmable memory to store instructions and to implement functions such as logic,
sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic to control machines and processes and is designed
to be operated with perhaps a limited knowledge of computers and computing languages.
Richard E. Morley – created the first PLC in 1977 which replaced the relay-based machines.
Relay- and PLC- based control panels
Relay-Based Control Panel
- Relays have to be hardwired to perform a specific function. When the system
requirements change, the relay wiring has to be changed or modified.
PLC-Based Control Panel
- PLC has eliminated much of the hardwiring associated with conventional relay control
circuits.
Benefits of PLC
Increased Reliability Faster Response Time
More Flexibility Easier to Troubleshoot
Lower Cost Easier to Test Field Devices
Communications Capability
Prepared by: E.Flores
EMTC 135 – Programmable Logic Controller Application
Introduction to PLC
Parts of a PLC
1. Power Supply – supplies DC power to the other modules of the PLC system.
2. Processor (CPU) – “brain” of the PLC. It usually consists of a microprocessor for
implementing the logic and controlling the communications among the modules.
3. I/O system – forms the interface by which field devices are connected to the controller.
4. Programming device – used to enter the desired program into the memory of the
processor.
5. Program – a user-developed series of instructions that directs the PLC to execute
actions.
6. Memory unit – where the program containing the control actions to be exercised is
stored and where the data is stored from the input for processing.
7. Communications interface – used to receive and transmit data on communication
networks from or to other remote PLCs.
Types of Signals
1. Discrete / Digital – signals are binary, which means it can only have two possible states.
2. Analog – signals are variable which means it has a range of values.
Types of I/O Devices
1. Discrete Input Device
2. Analog Input Device
3. Discrete Output Device
Prepared by: E.Flores
EMTC 135 – Programmable Logic Controller Application
Introduction to PLC
4. Analog Output Device
PLC Principle of Operation
1. C
P
U
reads or accepts the input data from the field devices via the input interfaces.
2. CPU executes, or performs the control program stored in the memory system.
3. CPU writes or updates the output devices via the output interfaces.
This series of events is called the PLC Scan Cycle.
IEC 61131 - an IEC standard for programmable controllers
IEC (International Electro technical Commission) 61131-3 defines the programming
languages for PLCs:
Ladder Diagram (LAD)
Instruction List (IL)
Sequential Function Charts (SFC)
Structured Text (ST)
Function Block Diagrams (FBD)
Prepared by: E.Flores
