Programmable Logic Controllers Configurations
Programmable Logic Controllers Configurations
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are microprocessor-based devices used to control industrial processes or machines. They provide advanced functions, including analog monitoring, control and high speed motion control as well as share data over communication networks.
Basic PLCs are available on a single printed circuit board. They are sometimes called single board PLCs or open frame PLCs. These are totally self contained (with the exception of a power supply) and, when installed in a system, they are simply mounted inside a controls cabinet on threaded standoffs. Screw terminals on the printed circuit board allow for the connection of the input, output, and power supply wires. These units are generally not expandable, meaning that extra inputs, outputs, and memory cannot be added to the basic unit. However, some of the more sophisticated models can be linked by cable to expansion boards that can provide extra I/O. Therefore, with few exceptions, when using this type of PLC, the system designer must take care to specify a unit that has enough inputs, outputs, and programming capability to handle both the present need of the system and any future modifications that may be required. Single board PLCs are very inexpensive (some less than $100), easy to program, small, and consume little power, but, generally speaking, they do not have a large number of inputs and outputs, and have a somewhat limited instruction set. They are best suited to small, relatively simple control applications.The processor sometimes call a CPU Modules, as in the self contained units, is generally specified according to memory required for the program to be implemented. In the modularized versions, capability can also be a factor. This includes features such as higher math functions, PID control loops and optional programming commands. The processor consists of the microprocessor, system memory, serial communication ports for printer, PLC LAN link and external programming device and, in some cases, the system power supply to power the processor and I/O modules.
Mounting rack This is usually a metal framework with a printed circuit board backplane which provides means for mounting the PLC input/output (I/O) modules and processor. Mounting racks are specified according to the number of modules required to implement the system. The mounting rack provides data and power connections to the processor and modules via the backplane. For CPUs that do not contain a power supply, the rack also holds the modular power supply. There are systems in which the processor is mounted separately and connected by cable to the rack. The mounting rack can be available to mount directly to a panel or can be installed in a standard 19″ wide equipment cabinet. Mounting racks are cascadable so several may be interconnected to allow a system to accommodate a large number of I/O modules.
Input and Output Modules Input and output (I/O) modules are specified according to the input and output signals associated with the particular application. These modules fall into the categories of discrete, analog, high speed counter or register types. Discrete I/O modules
are generally capable of handling 8 or 16 and, in some cases 32, on-off type inputs or outputs per module. Modules are specified as input or output but generally not both although some manufacturers now offer modules that can be configured with both input and output points in the same unit. The module can be specified as AC only, DC only or AC/DC along with the voltage values for which it is designed.
are generally capable of handling 8 or 16 and, in some cases 32, on-off type inputs or outputs per module. Modules are specified as input or output but generally not both although some manufacturers now offer modules that can be configured with both input and output points in the same unit. The module can be specified as AC only, DC only or AC/DC along with the voltage values for which it is designed.Analog input and output modules are available and are specified according to the desired resolution and voltage or current range. As with discrete modules, these are generally input or output; however some manufacturers provide analog input and output in the same module. Analog modules are also available which can directly accept thermocouple inputs for temperature measurement and monitoring by the PLC.
Pulsed inputs to the PLC can be accepted using a high speed counter module. This module can be capable of measuring the frequency of an input si
gnal from a tachometer or other frequency generating device. These modules can also count the incoming pulses if desired. Generally, both frequency and count are available from the same module at the same time if both are required in the application. Register input and output modules transfer 8 or 16 bit words of information to and from the PLC. These words are generally numbers (BCD or Binary) which are generated from thumbwheel switches or encoder systems for input or data to be output to a display device by the PLC.Other types of modules may be available depending upon the manufacturer of the PLC and it’s capabilities. These include specialized communication modules to allow for the transfer of information from one controller to another. One new development is an I/O Module which allows the serial transfer of information to remote I/O units that can be as far as 12,000 feet away.
The power supply specified depends upon the manufacturer’s PLC being utilized in the application. As stated above, in some cases a power supply capable of delivering all required power for the system is furnished as part of the processor module. If the power supply is a separate module, it must be capable of delivering a current greater than the sum of all the currents needed by the other modules.
For systems with the power supply inside the CPU module, there may be some modules in the system which require excessive power not available from the processor either because of voltage or current requirements that can only be achieved through the addition of a second power source. This is generally true if analog or external communication modules are present since these require ± DC supplies which, in the case of analog modules, must be well regulated.
Programming Unit
The programming unit allows the engineer or technician to enter and edit the program to be executed. In it’s simplest form it can be a hand held device with a keypad for program entry and a display
device (LED or LCD) for viewing program steps or functions More advanced systems employ a separate personal computer which allows the programmer to write, view, edit and download the program to the PLC.
This is accomplished with proprietary software available from the PLC manufacturer. This software also allows the programmer or engineer to monitor the PLC as it is running the program. With this monitoring system, such things as internal coils, registers, timers and other items not visible externally can be monitored to determine proper operation. Also, internal register data can be altered if required to fine tune program operation. This can be advantageous when debugging the program. Communication with the programmable controller with this system is via a cable connected to a special programming port on the controller. Connection to the personal computer can be through a serial port or from a dedicated card installed in the computer.
For systems with the power supply inside the CPU module, there may be some modules in the system which require excessive power not available from the processor either because of voltage or current requirements that can only be achieved through the addition of a second power source. This is generally true if analog or external communication modules are present since these require ± DC supplies which, in the case of analog modules, must be well regulated.
Programming Unit
The programming unit allows the engineer or technician to enter and edit the program to be executed. In it’s simplest form it can be a hand held device with a keypad for program entry and a display
device (LED or LCD) for viewing program steps or functions More advanced systems employ a separate personal computer which allows the programmer to write, view, edit and download the program to the PLC.This is accomplished with proprietary software available from the PLC manufacturer. This software also allows the programmer or engineer to monitor the PLC as it is running the program. With this monitoring system, such things as internal coils, registers, timers and other items not visible externally can be monitored to determine proper operation. Also, internal register data can be altered if required to fine tune program operation. This can be advantageous when debugging the program. Communication with the programmable controller with this system is via a cable connected to a special programming port on the controller. Connection to the personal computer can be through a serial port or from a dedicated card installed in the computer.