HARAMAYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

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May, 2023
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What is Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) ?

Definition: National Electrical Manufacturers Association US

(NEMA)

A PLC is a digital operating electronic apparatus which uses

a programmable memory for internal storage of instruction
for implementing specific function such as logic,
sequencing, timing, counting and arithmetic to control through
analog or digital input/output modules various types of
machines or process.

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Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a microprocessor based

system that uses programmable memory to store instructions
and implement functions such as logic, sequencing, timing,
counting and arithmetic in order to control machines and Processes.

Programmable logic controllers, also called programmable

controllers or PLCs, are solid-state members of the computer
family, using integrated circuits instead of electromechanical
devices to implement control functions.

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PLC Features
PLC features can be concluded in the following:
• They are rugged, withstand industrial environment,
such as heat, humidity, mechanical shocks and
vibrations.
• The interfacing for inputs and outputs is inside the
controller.
• They are easily programmed.
• PLC is capable of both logic and PID control.
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 The I/O modules and a PLC functional block diagram are

shown in Figure below.

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PLC Architecture

A typical PLC mainly consists of a CPU (central processing unit),

power supply, memory, communication module, and appropriate
circuits to handle I/O data. A PLC can be viewed as an intelligent
box having hundreds or thousands of separate relays, counters,
timers, and data storage locations. These counters, timers, and relays
do not physically exist but they are software-simulated internal
entities.

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PLC Architecture

Programming
device Communications
Program & data
memory interface

Input Output
inter- Processor inter-
face face

Power supply

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PLC Architecture
 The processor unit or central processing unit (CPU) is the unit
containing the microprocessor. This unit interprets the input
signals and carries out the control actions according to the
program stored in its memory, communicating the decisions as
action signals to the outputs.
 The power supply unit is needed to convert the mains AC
voltage to the low DC voltage (5 V) necessary for the processor
and the circuits in the input and output interface modules.

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PLC Architecture

 The programming device is used to enter the required

program into the memory of the processor. The program is
developed in the device and then transferred to the memory
unit of the PLC.
 The memory unit is where the program containing the
control actions to be exercised by the microprocessor is
stored and where the data is stored from the input for
processing and for the output.

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PLC Architecture

 The input and output sections are where the processor receives
information from external devices and communicates
information to external devices.
 The communications interface is used to receive and transmit
data on communication networks from or to other remote
PLCs.

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RELAYS
 A switch whose operation is activated by an electromagnet is called a "relay."

contact

coil

input

Relay coil Output contact

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COUNTER
 Digital counters output in the form of a relay contact when a
preassigned count value is reached.

TIMER
 A timer consists of an internal clock, a count value register, and
an accumulator. It is used for or some timing purpose.

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PLC Ladder Programming
 A very commonly used method of programming PLCs is based
on the use of ladder diagrams. Writing a program is then
equivalent to drawing a switching circuit.
 The ladder diagram consists of two vertical lines representing
the power rails. Circuits are connected as horizontal lines, that
is, the rungs of the ladder, between these two verticals.
 Each rung on the ladder defines one operation in the control
process.

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PLC Ladder Programming

 The end rung might be indicated by a block with the word
END or RET, for return, since the program promptly returns
to its beginning

Power flow
Left power Right power Read the status of
rail rail all the inputs and
Rung 1 store in memory

Rung 2 Read the inputs

from memory and
implement the
Rung 3
program, storing
the outputs in
Rung 4 memory

Update all the

End End rung outputs

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PLC Ladder Programming
AND Logic gate Inputs

A B A B
A B
Current flow
when A and B Output
0 0 0
are closed
0 1 0
Applied voltage Applied voltage
1 0 0

1 1 1

Input A Input B Output

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PLC Ladder Programming

OR Logic gate
Inputs
A A A

B B B A B

Output
0 0 0
Applied voltage Applied voltage Applied voltage
0 1 1

1 0 1

1 1 1

Output
Input A
Current flow when A or
Input B B are closed

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PLC Ladder Programming

Example: A signal lamp is required to be switched on if a pump is

running and the pressure is satisfactory, or if the lamp test switch
is closed.

Pump Pressure Lamp

Test
Pump
Pressure

END Test

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PLC Ladder Programming
Exercise: Draw the ladder diagrams to represent:
1) There is to be a motor startup when either switch A or
switch B is activated.
2) Two switches are normally open and both have to be
closed for a motor to operate.
3) Consider a situation where a normally open switch A
must be activated and either of two other, normally
open switches B and C must be activated for a coil to be
energized.
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THANKS

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