1 - Introduction To PLC - Programmable Control 1

Programmable Control 1
Introduction to Programmable Control
Module Overview
This module will discuss the overview of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), the history of
PLC and main components of PLC. This module also discusses the advantages and
disadvantages of PLC. Lastly, discuss some practical applications of PLC
Outline
What is PLC?
PLC Size
Main Components of PLC
History of PLC
Advantages and disadvantages of using PLC
Requirements/Task(s):
Task 1 The student should read and understand what is plc, history and main components.
Student must be able to identify the advantages and disadvantages of using PLC.
Task 2 The student should supplement his/her knowledge using the youtube link below
https://youtu.be/jzy0so3h_kc
Task 3 Student should be able to answer the questions in this module.
What is PLC?
1. PLC stands for programmable logic controller.
2. A Programmable Logic Controller is basically a small computer that can carry out pre-
programmed outputs based on inputs and a set of specific rules.
3. They are used in commercial and industrial applications to control systems with minimal and
sometimes even zero manual intervention. The operation can be a simple on off control based
on the status of the input or a more sophisticated response based on calculations, sequence
and logic.
4. PLCs are often used in factories and industrial plants to control motors, pumps, lights, fans,
circuit breakers and other machinery.
Brands of PLC
AMERICAN
1. Allen Bradley
2. Gould Modicon
3. Texas Instruments
4. General Electric
5. Westinghouse
6. Cutter Hammer
7. Square D
EUROPEAN
1. Siemens
2. Klockner & Mouller
3. Festo
4. Telemechanique
JAPAN
1. Toshiba
2. Omron
3. Fanuc
4. Mitsubishi
PLC Size
1. SMALL
 it covers units with up to 128 I/O’s and memories up to 2 Kbytes.
 these PLC’s are capable of providing simple to advance levels or machine
controls.
2. MEDIUM
 have up to 2048 I/O’s and memories up to 32 Kbytes.
3. LARGE
 the most sophisticated units of the PLC family.
 They have up to 8192 I/O’s and memories up to 750 Kbytes.
 can control individual production processes or entire plant.
Main Components of PLC
CPU module: This module contains a central processor along with its memory part. This
processor executes all needed data processing and computations by receiving appropriate inputs
and producing the corresponding outputs
Power supply module: A 5V DC output is needed to run PLC's computer circuitry, which is
duly supplied by the power supply module. This is fundamentally the module in charge of
system power-up. It accepts AC power and then converts it to DC power that the remaining two
modules (Input/output and CPU modules) use.
I/O Modules: The input/output modules oversee the sensors and actuator's connection to the
PLC system to sense different parameters like pressure, flow, and temperature. The I/O modules
are either analog or digital
Additional Components of PLC
1. Programming unit is necessary to create, edit and download a user program to the PLC
2. Network interfaces: to allow PLCs to function in a networked environment
3. Communication adapters for remote I/O devices: so I/O devices do not have to be
physically close to the CPU module
4. Operator interface devices: allow monitoring and/or data entry by operators
History of PLC
- Developed to replace relays in the late 1960s
- Costs dropped and became popular by 1980s
- Now used in many industrial designs
 The Hydramatic Division of the General Motors Corporation specified the design criteria
for the first programmable controller in 1968.
Their primary goal:
 To eliminate the high costs associated with inflexible, relay-controlled systems.
 The controller had to be designed in modular form, so that sub-assemblies could be
removed easily for replacement or repair.
 The control system needed the capability to pass data collection to a central system.
 The system had to be reusable.
 The method used to program the controller had to be simple, so that it could be easily
understood by plant personnel.
Before vs. After

Richard E. Morley (December 1, 1932 – October 17, 2017) was an American mechanical
engineer who was considered one of the "fathers" of the programmable logic controller
(PLC) since he was involved with the production of the first PLC for General Motors, the
Modicon, at Bedford and Associates in 1968.
Advantages and disadvantages of using PLC
Questions
Instructions:
View the video https://youtu.be/jzy0so3h_kc
After watching the video. Answer the following:
1. What is the operator measuring in the system in the video?
2. Can the operator get near the process? Why or why not?
3. Why is it recommended to use PLC in the system?
4. What is relay?
5. What is the evolution of PLC? (start from manual control)
6. What is the purpose of optical isolation
7. How many components are most important mentioned in the video?
8. What are the advantages of PLC mentioned in the video?

1 - Introduction To PLC - Programmable Control 1

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1 - Introduction To PLC - Programmable Control 1

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Programmable Control 1

Introduction to Programmable Control

Before vs. After

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