PLC Scan
(or)
Program Scan
Program Scan
During each operating cycle, the processor reads all
inputs, takes these values, and energizes or de-energizes
the outputs according to the user program. This
process is known as a scan.
I/O scan records status data of input
devices. Energizes output devices that
have their associated status bits set to
ON (1)
Program scan instructions are
executed sequentially
Because the inputs can change at any time, the PLC
must carry on this process continuously.
Scan Process
The scan time indicates how fast the controller can react
to changes in inputs. Scan times vary with computer
model and program content, and length. If a controller
has to react to an input signal that changes states twice
during the scan time, it is is possible that the PLC will
never be able to detect this change.
Scan time may be a concern
in high speed operations
Scan Process
Read inputs
The scan is a
a continuous
and sequential
process
Adjusts Run
outputs program
Data Flow Overview
Input Output
Input data Input Output data Output
image
modules table file image
modules
table file
Examine data Return results
Program
Check/compare/examine Take some
specific conditions action
Scan Process
Input Output
Module Module
Input Output
Input Output
file device
device file
I:3/6 O:4/7
I:3/6 O:4/7
Program
When the input is The processor turns
closed, the input
O:4/7 light output O:4/7
module senses a I:3/6
ON during the next
voltage and an ON During the program I/O scan
condition (1) is scan the processor
entered into the sets instructions I:3/6
input table bit I:3/6 and O:4/7 to ON (1)
Scan Patterns
Horizontal Scanning
Order
The processor examines
input and output
instructions from the
first command, top left
in the program,
horizontally, rung by
rung.
End of ladder
In addition to the program itself, the scan time is also
dependent on the clock frequency of the processor!
Scan Patterns
Vertical Scanning
Order
The processor examines
input and output
instructions from the
first command, vertically,
column by column and
page by page. Pages are
executed in sequence.
End of ladder
Misunderstanding the way the PLC scans can cause
programming bugs!