PRACTICAL NO.
TITLE: Classification of various components available in laboratory into discrete
I/O and analog I/O devices.
D.O.P.:
D.O.S.:
Dated Signature
Marks Obtained
of Teacher
Process Related Product Related Total
(10) (15) (25)
Objective:
To classify and understand the difference between discrete I/O and analog I/O components of a
PLC system available in the laboratory.
Apparatus Required:
1. Discrete I/O devices (Switches, Proximity sensors, Lamp, Motor etc )
2. Analog I/O Devices (Thermocouple, RTD, control valve, Light Dimmer)
Theory Description:
1. Discrete Input devices:
Discrete input devices are devices that send signals that are either on or off. They are
used in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and can detect the status of input
signals.
1. Switch
A "switch" is considered a "discrete input device" because it can only provide
a binary state, meaning it's either "on" or "off," representing a single, distinct
value, unlike analog inputs which can provide a range of values; essentially, a
switch acts as a simple on/off signal when used as an input in a system
2. Proximity sensor
A proximity sensor is considered a "discrete input device" because it provides
a clear, binary signal (either on or off) to a controller, indicating whether an
object is within its detection range, essentially acting as a simple "yes/no"
input rather than providing a continuous range of values.
2. Discrete Output devices:
Discrete output devices are devices that can be turned on or off, such as lights, relays,
and motor starters. They are controlled by discrete input/output (I/O) signals, which
are digital signals that are either on or off.
3. Lamps
lamps are an example of a discrete output device that can be used with a
programmable logic controller (PLC). Discrete output devices are devices that
send digital signals that are either on or off.
4. Motor
A "discrete output device" like a motor means that the motor can only be in
two distinct states: on (activated) or off (deactivated), with no intermediate
states, essentially acting as a simple on/off switch for the motor's power
supply; this is commonly used in applications where precise control over
motor speed or position isn't necessary, but just a basic start or stop function is
required.
3. Analog Input devices:
Analog input devices are devices that convert analog signals into digital signals that
can be processed by a computer. They are used to measure physical quantities like
temperature, pressure, and weight.
5. RTD
An RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) is an analog input device
that measures temperature by detecting changes in its electrical resistance
based on the surrounding temperature, essentially acting as a temperature
sensor that outputs an analog signal proportional to the measured
temperature; making it a common example of an analog input device used in
various applications like industrial process monitoring and scientific research
6. Thermocouple
A thermocouple is an analog input device that measures temperature by
generating a small voltage based on the temperature difference between two
dissimilar metal junctions, essentially acting as a temperature sensor that
produces an electrical signal proportional to the temperature at its sensing
junction; this signal is then read by an analog-to-digital converter to determine
the temperature value
4. Analog Output devices:
Analog output devices are devices that produce a continuous stream of
measurements. They are used to send signals from a programmable logic controller
(PLC) to field devices, such as sensors.
7. Control valve
A control valve is a prime example of an analog output device, as it can be
used to precisely regulate the flow of a fluid by adjusting its position based on
a continuous analog signal, allowing for fine-tuned control over the flow rate
depending on the input signal received from a controller.
8. Light dimmer
An "analog light dimmer" is a device that controls the brightness of a light by
continuously adjusting the voltage supplied to the bulb, essentially acting like
a variable resistor, allowing for smooth, gradual dimming across a range of
light intensities, unlike a simple on/off switch; this method of dimming is
considered "analog" because it can smoothly transition through a spectrum of
brightness levels rather than discrete steps like a digital signal.
Procedure:
1. Gather input and output devices available in the laboratory for analysis.
2. Note the type of signals (binary or continuous) each device handles.
3. For each component, classify it as discrete or analog based on its operation:
- Discrete I/O: Devices with ON/OFF or binary operation.
- Analog I/O: Devices with varying signal levels (e.g., 0-10V, 4-20mA).
4. List at least two components each, their signal type, and classification.
Observation Table:
Component Type Signal Type Classification
Sr. No.
Name (Input / Output) (Binary/Continuous) (Analog / Digital)
1 switch Input Binary Digital
2 proximity sensor Input Binary Digital
3 lamps Output Binary Digital
4 motor Output Continuous Analog
5 RTD Input Continuous Analog
6 thermocouple Input Continuous Analog
Conclusion:
Discrete I/O devices handle binary signals, while analog I/O devices handle continuous signals.
This classification helps in selecting the appropriate devices for specific PLC applications.
