EMG: 5105

MEASUREMENTS &Instrumentation

LECTURE 10

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 Lecture Roadmap

• PLC-recap

• PLC Programming

• Ladder Diagram programming

• GMwin Software-Ladder diagram programming

• Examples

– Switches

– DOL

– Traffic Lights
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 PLC Programming

• Via assembler- type commands in ‘statement list’

• In higher-level, problem-oriented languages such as structured text

• In the form of a flow chart such as represented by a sequential function chart

• In Europe, the use of function block diagrams based on function charts with
graphic symbols for logic gates is widely used

• In America, the ‘Ladder diagram' is the preferred language by users

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 Programming languages
Ladder logic Diagram
• The left vertical line of a ladder logic diagram (LAD) represents the power
or energized conductor.
• The right vertical line represents the neutral or return path of the circuit.
• Ladder diagrams are read from left-to-right, top-to bottom.
• Rungs are sometimes referred to as networks.
• A network may have several control elements, but only one output coil.

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 Programming languages

Statement List
• A statement list (STL) provides another view of a set of instructions.
• The operation to be executed is shown on the left.
• The operand, the item to be operated on by the operation, is shown on the right.

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 Programming languages

Function Block Diagrams

• Function Block Diagrams
(FBD) provide another view of a set
of instructions.
• Each function has a name to
designate its specific task.
• Functions are indicated by a
rectangle.
• Inputs are shown on the left-hand
side of the rectangle and outputs are
shown on the right-hand side

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 Ladder programming

• The form of programming commonly use with PLC is ladder programming.

• Each program task is specified as though a rung of a ladder.

• Thus a rung could specify that the state of switches A and B be examined and if
both A and B are closed then a solenoid, the output is energized.

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 Ladder programming
• The sequence followed by a PLC when carrying out a program:
• 1- Scan the inputs associated with one rung of the ladder program
• 2- solve the logic operation involving those inputs
• • Set/ reset the outputs for that rung
• 3- move on to the next rung and repeat operations 1, 2, 3
• ....and so on until the end of program with each rung of the ladder scanned in turn.
• • The PLC then goes back to the beginning of the program and starts again
• The ladder diagram consists of two vertical lines representing the power rails.
• Circuits (rung) are connected as horizontal lines,

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 Ladder programming
• Fig. below shows a basic standard symbols that are used and rung,
• Inputs must always preceede outputs and there must be at least one output
• on each line
• Each rung must start with an input or series of inputs and end with an output

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 Example of a ladder diagram

• The output from the PLC is to energise a solenoid when a normally open start
switch connected to the input is activated by being closed

• This might be a solenoid valve which opens to allow water to enter a vessel.

Switch controlling a solenoid

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Ladder programming

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 Inputs and Outputs

Sensors
• A sensor is a device that converts a physical condition into an
electrical signal for use by the PLC.

• Sensors are connected to the input of a PLC.

• A pushbutton is one example of a sensor that is connected to the

PLC input.

• An electrical signal is sent from the pushbutton to the PLC

indicating the condition (open/closed) of the pushbutton
contacts. 12
 Inputs and outputs

Actuator
• Actuators convert an electrical signal from the PLC into a
physical condition.

• Actuators are connected to the PLC output.

• A motor is one example of an actuator that is connected to the

PLC output.

• Depending on the PLC output signal, the motor will either start
or stop.
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 Inputs and outputs

Digital Input
• A digital input, also referred to as a discrete input, is an input
that is either in an ON or OFF condition.
Examples
• Pushbuttons,
• toggle switches,
• limit switches,
• proximity switches and
• contact closures 14
 Inputs and outputs
Digital Input
• A digital input, also referred to as a discrete input, is an input
that is either in an ON or OFF condition.

Examples
• Pushbuttons,
• Toggle switches,
• Limit switches,
• Proximity switches and
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• Contact closures
 Inputs and outputs

Digital Output
• A digital output is an output that is either in an ON or OFF
condition.
• Solenoids, contactor coils, and lamps are examples of actuator
devices connected to discrete outputs.
Example
• A lamp can be turned on or off by the PLC output it is
connected to it.
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 Inputs and outputs

Analog Input
• An analog input is a continuous, variable signal.
Analog inputs may vary from 0 - 20 mA, 4 to 20 mA,
or 0 to 10 V.
Example
• A level transmitter monitors
the level of liquid in a tank.
• The signal from the level
transmitter to the PLC can either
increase or decrease as the level
increases or decreases.
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 Inputs and outputs

Analog Output
• An analog output is a continuous, variable signal. The output may be
as simple as a 0-10 VDC level that drives an analog meter.

Example
• Speed
• Weight
• Temperature.
• Current-to-pneumatic
transducer that controls an air-
operated flow-control valve.
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 Ladder Logic Programming

• Additionally, PLC programming language includes counters and timers.

• COUNTER: It counts the number of times logical statements go from false or true.

• It is used when an application must start or stop after a number of same task is
performed, or simply when a task is needed to be counted.

• It is represented by the symbol below, with the number indicating that the following
step will be performed after counter counts that number of times.

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 Ladder Logic Diagrams

• TIMER: It basically counts time units. It is used for similar

purposes like a counter’s, and represented by the symbol below.

• The number indicated means that the following task will be

performed after timer counts that number of time units (usually
seconds).

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Lighting a bulb

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PLC Control Circuit

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Electric Motor Starting (DOL)

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 Ladder Diagram for DOL

NB: stop and overload buttons are in normally closed state

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PLC Control Circuit

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Traffic Lights program variables

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PLC ladder diagram program

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Ladder diagram using Gmwin (LG-GLOFA PLC)

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