(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG > MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC Changes for the Better FA Equipment for Beginners (PLCs) This is a quick overview of PLCs for beginners. Copyright ©2014 Mitsubishi Bectric Corporation. All Rights Reserved. L(NA)O0049ENG(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG This is an introductory course designed to provide beginners, who are new to PLCs, an opportunity to learn the basics of PLCs.1G FA_Equipment.for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG eas 5 CHNINTE Course Structure SCS) sO Chapters of this course are made up as follows. We recommend that you start from Chapter 1. Chapter 1 - Sequence Control Learn about the basics of Sequence Control: including the meaning of the term "sequence". Chapter 2 - PLC Learn about the basics of PLCs: including history, roles, advantages. Final Test Passing grade: 60% or higher.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG Rt Ly Go to the next page. Cee en etc Td Back to the previous page. “Table of Contents” will be displayed, enabling you to navigate to Neneh eae ha Ts thedeted pane Cait Ute learning. Window such as "Contents" screen and the learning will be closed. Exit the learning(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG eas y Meret lia tt) Safety Precautions If actually using any of the products while taking this course, please read through the Safety Precautions in the manual for the product being used and take all necessary safety precautions to ensure that you are using the product in a proper manner.1G FA_Equipment.for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) > force a Sequence Control coc fai Meaning of "Sequence" ) Ifyou look up the meaning of “sequence”, you will find it has the following meanings. (2) Consecutively occurring : succession, linkage, successive occurrence (2) Order of things : rank order, order, progression 3) Transition of things: order, natural result The term "sequence" has also come to be used in association with computers and telecommunications, basically refers to a continuous operation procedure in accordance with rules and regulations. From this, we can infer that the term "sequence control" refers to causing @ target to operate as intended in accordance with a predetermined order and conditions. Definition of Sequence Control "Control that progresses in stages in a predetermined order" Sequence control frequently exists in our daily lives.1G FA_Equipment.for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) > - Familiar Forms of Sequence control ooo Automatic car-washing machines at gasoline stations operate in an established order. > STEP "STEP2 STEP3 Insert money and The car is washed with The dirt is removed press the start button. water. with detergent. v | aaa « + >_> STEP6 STEPS STEP4 The car is dried. The car is rinsed with The car is mopped. water. Thus, sequence control can be seen in familiar car-washing machines.FA_Equipment_for_8: 4 Familiar Forms of Sequence control ooo Car Wash Example ;ners(PLCs)_ENG 3, Now let's take a look at specific types of control in the example of a car-washing machine. Actions are processed in an established order according to conditions such as "button pressed,” "time elapsed,” and “previous action completed.” Click the "Play" button to check the actions of the car-washing machine. Overview of Control Gontents Visual Actions ‘Car moved into the car wesh “Done” lamp lights up A“ Dore" lamp lights up at the end to inform the user that the car wash cycle has finished. Ei(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG eas y cE} Advantages of Sequence Control oo Sequence control is widely used especially in factories. Many operations and tasks are automated by sequence control. Tasks, dangerous and simple, that used to be performed by people are now performed by machines so people can focus on safe tasks. Machines are also not subject to fatigue. While people are taking a break, products continue to be produced by accurately performing a series of predetermined actions even in environments that are too harsh for people to work in, Concequently, machinec have made it poccible to efficiently mace produce high quality manufactured goods This streamlining of the production process is known as "factory automation", or "FA". Thus, sequence control plays an important role in FA. Lille ALL Ye Tale eel tce) Recto Beco one - 2 i Sorting Size of products on a belt conveyor in a production line is determined and then are sorted Cutting Length of materials in rolls is measured and cut by a cutter mobilized at fixed intervals, Bottling Liquids Empty bottles are transported to position below the nozzle, filled with a certain amount of liquid, then transported ta another pasition The next ampty battle is then transparted Products are counted and when the necessary amount is reached, the robot is instructed to produce Retooling | a different product. Monitorit The amount of liquid is monitored; if the fixed amount is about to exceed, the bottle will be SENSI | diccharged andl's lamp lighte dimailananiehy toitiiaen'tha hiimanaparstir Part Change Barcode label applied to the product is read and machine is instructed to change which parts are to be mounted according to where it will be exported,(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG FS +e Basic Sequence Control Basic sequence control is produced through a combination of the following. + Sequencial control *Conditions control -Time limit control / counting control (2) Sequencial control Sequencial control operates apparatus in an predetermined order, and is also known as “step control". The flow described in section 1.2 involving a car-washing machine, where you insert money, press the start button, and Uhe car is Uren washed with water, washed with Ueteryentand then mupped is @ fur uf seyuencial cuntiul, Machinery usually operates by some sort of predetermined sequence. Sequencial control, in the case of machinery, controls the sequence of actions that the machinery performs. The following describes “conditions control,” which determines by what conditions the machinery will operate or stop. Sequencial control ControllerFS (Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG (2) Conditions contro! Conditions control is a type of control where equipment is operated when predetermined conditions are met by combining status signals and completion signals. This is also called "interlock control" because conditions are applied by combinations of signals so the apparatus only operates when necessary. With the type of control used in the example of a car-washing machine in section 1.2, the car being washed when money insertion is detected and the button is pressed is an example of conditions control ‘As shown in the following figure, if the controller is regarded a black box, the status/completion signals from the target of control become "input" and the command cignale te the target become "output". “Output” is determined by "input" conditions, which operates the control target. The signal from the control target will become the next "input". Thus, with conditions control, a loop is created between the control equipment and the target of control by status/completion signals and command signals. Conditions Control Controller oo a i Control Target ; i & Detection +e Basic Sequence Control coc(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG FS +e Basic Sequence Control (3) Time limit control / counting control “Time limit control” is a type of control whereby the operation commands to the target of control are determined by time of day and elapse time. With the car-washing machine control described in section 1.2, step 2 (initial washing with water), for example, is performed and when the operation completes it proceeds to the next step (step 3). This corresponds to time limit control. Counting control is similarly a type of control whereby actions that impact the target of control are determined by counting such as number of products or number of times machinery performs a certain action. Time limit control requires a timer function and counting control requires a counter function. Time Limit Control Controller Control Target oO Shimane (Output) ‘Timer (Time Device) Counting control Controller(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG Dey 5 Systems that Function U: Sequence Control Human Being Its basically the same principle Come) <__ Machine Input Output Processing Input Device: Device operated by human being (start/stop switch, etc). Device that detects ctatus of machine (position limit ewitch, proximity switch, etc) Output Device: Device that moves machine (motor, solenoid valve, etc.) Devices that inform human operator of status of machine (indicator lamps, waming buzzer, etc.)Gi FA_Equipment.for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG =x | €5 Systems that Function U: Sequence Control ooo Basic Knowledge of Contacts () Contacts Contacts can stop or allow flow of electricity by opening/closing. Electrical parts such as switches, rolays, timors and counters are equipped with contacts. Timers and counters, which are internal parts of PLCs, can also be thought as a type of contact, rather than an actual electrical component. (2)a Contact Normally, an open contact closes when provided a command. Here, "commands" refer to operation commands. In the case of a pushbutton, the act of pressing the button is the equivalent of a command. The term ‘a contact" comes from the first initial of "arbeit contact" (working contact). It is also known as a “normally open contact”. Operation (Pushbutton Switch) Contac is open as long as the pushbutton switch is not pressed and closed when pressed. Pushbutton Pushbutton Moving Open { Contact Circuit ~ Fixed Contact3, (Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG 5 Systems that Function U: Sequence Control ooo (3) b Contact Normally, a closed contact opens when provided a command. The term "b contact" comes from the first initial of "break contact" (working contact). It is also known as a “normally closed contact". Operation (Pushbutton Switch) Contac is open as long as the pushbutton switch is not pressed and closed when pressed. Pusnbutton Pushbutton Current flows. Wiring [ Circuit opens. | = Fixed Contact3, (Gi FA Equipment, for 8 ;ners(PLCs)_ENG 5 Systems that Function U: Sequence Control Basic Knowledge of Relays (Electromagnetic) relays consist of a coil and contact. The contact can be opened or closed depending on whether the coil is conducting current or not. ‘As was explained on the preceding page, there is both a contact output and b contact output. Here, "a contact output" is shown in the following figure. a contact output: Contact closes when coil conducts current. - or Relays, for which current flow to the coil produces output in the form of opening or closing the contact, are equipped with the following functions. (a) Signal insulation/amplification Since coils and contacts are electrically insulated, input is not affected by output. Significant output current can be controlled by insignificant coil current. (b) Signal conversion Using b contact output enables you to reverse the on/off relationship of input and output. For thece reasons, before the appearance of PLC, cequence control waz accompliched by combinations of relays. More convenient PLCs are widely used currently, (See Chapter 2 for details)[(@ FA_equpment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) p>, Cera PLC ooo ei PLC Overview ) Commonly referred to as a "Programmable Logic Controller”, "PLC", “Programmable Controller” or "PC", PLC started out as a controller to satisfy the required specifications of an automobile manufacturer in the United States. (1969) Sequence control, before the advent of the PLC, was accomplished by (contact) relay. It had the following disadvantages. Has become) (a) Poor contact and wear. very usefull (b) Difficult to mount and wire large numbers of relays. (©) Diffcuit to modify wiring when control contents were changed. From these backgrounds, PLCs soon came to be widely used as a programmable controller by technicians at the sites of production and installed on the production site for factory automation (FA). ene reed owe Programs enable flexible, complex contro) to be achieved. In addition to original sequence control, PLCs also enable wide variety of functions such as data processing, analog positioning and commurication, Flexible Control Modification | Can be altered freely by modifying the program. There is no alternative other than to modify wiring, : “ 5 Since relay contacis are used, they may develop poor High reliability and tong fife. conatacte and havea imitation of fe nthe case of (Basicaly all semiconductor) prolonged use. ‘Complex control using a number of relays is difficult from the standpoints of economy and reliability. They basically offer on/off control only. Function Reliability Equipment failure can be monitored by peripheral Ease of Maintenance | software. etc. PLC modules can be replaced individually Itis difficult to determine the cause and replace when there 's relay rawure ‘Support for Large Scale and Complexity Use in a large scale becomes impractical in terms of time and, Offers more flexibility and extendibilty than the relay type] |”(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG 3, Input R a Input Device Output Device e Device Memory Memory of signal valves such as inputioutput | 1 Y 1 Output Computer (CPU) Power Source “tepulibipstinietece: Place where comrminieaion of senets wih occurs. Input Power Source As was described on the preceding page, the basic role of the PLC is to provide sequence control by means of a program. Generally speaking, it isa dedicated controller (type of computer) that controls output equipment by program according to command signals of input equipment. The program is based on the actions of the input and output relays. The basic operation is described here in sequence.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG > External Input External Output (Switch) (indicator Lamp) Input | {input Output Signal] [Relay Col eo lo. } | a xo} Extemal input can be thought of as accomplished by pushbutton switch (PBO) and external output by indicator lamp (L) Signal flow is from left to right. (1) When external input switch PBO (contact) connected to PLC input pin XO shown on the left side of the figure above doses, current flows to the coil of input relay XO. The input relay coil changes according to the status of external input equipment, and does not exist in the program. (2) When current flows to the coil of input relay X0, information is imported as relay XO contact “on” information to the PLC internal device memory area and is saved. In other words, "on/off" of input relay contact XO used by the program corresponds to that of input pin X0 of the same number.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG > External Input External Output (Switch) (Indicator Lamp) Output Signal oe No (3) Inthis program example, the information of input relay contact X0 in the device memory area is "on", so the output relay Y10 coil is also "on". (4) Output signal No. Y10 corresponds to the "on" status of output reley coil Y10 of the same number; the indicator lamp of the external output equipments therefore also “on (lit). + You can think of current flowing to the (imaginary) coil of the input relay when the input signal of the PLC is “on’. = You can think of the (imaginary) output relay being “on" when the output signal of the PLC is “on” + The terms "coil" and "contact" are used metaphorically in relation to the electrical component relay inside the PLC.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG y Ladder diagrams, which are easier for people to intuitively understand than a program of command language, are often used in conventional PLC program development. Example 1: A program which needs both input switches X1 and X2 to be "on" for output lamp Y10 to be ‘on would be as fulluws. x1 x2 AQ [HFAtt— CH “The condition of input switches X1 and X2 both being ‘on’ is called an "AND" condition In this case, symbols X1 and X2 lined up in series is the equivalent of an "AND" condition. Roane eee Pane 0 LD XL 1 AND x2 2 OUT Y10 3 END The PLC CPU executes commands in sequence beginning from step No. 0. When the "END" command is reached, computation continues by returning to the initial step 0. This is referred to as “cyclic computation’. The time required to run one cycle is called "scan time”. Scan time is usually anywhere from several milliseconds to 20 milliseconds. Eas 5 PLC Program ooo(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG eas €s PLC Program soc Example 2: A program which needs either input switches X3 or X4 to be “on” tor output lamp 20 to be "on" would be as follows. =e “The condition of input switch X3 or X4 being ‘on’ is called an "OR" condition. In this case, symbols X3 and X4 lined up in parallel is the equivalent of an "OR" condition Rene eae Pee 0 Lo x3 1 AND x4 2 OUT ¥20 3 END Tn this case, itis ai OR Cormmand instead of Ue AND command of exarnple 1. Portions such as this are usually put together in a single program, xt x2 van Fs Sal *) Because early PLCs were only equipped with a relay sequence replacement function, they could only handle on/off status. Today's PLCs can handle numerical data and have become extremely high-function devices for connecting computers to networks, etc.[Wd Fa_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG The "b contact" of input XO in the ladder program signifies logic that is the opposite of that of signal XO (on/off) from the input pin.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) [>, 2.3 PLC Program ooo Timers and counters are used to provide time limit control and counting control for PLCs. Each has an independent coil and contact for each device number. + Timer (Notation Tx: "x" stands for a number) Timer function for PLC generally employ "on-delay timers" whereby the coil contact is "on" when the coil of the timer conducts electricity in excess of e preset amount of time. If the coil goes "off" even for an instance, the timer count is reset to zero and the timer contact also goes “ofi". The timer setting value sets how many multiples to wait, usually in 0.1-second increments, The notation "T10 K30" in the following figure means the time setting of timer No. T10 is 3 seconds. Time Setting (0.1 soc. x0 increments) 1 ' T10 Contact, —— Time + Counter (Notation Cx: "x" stands for a number) The counter function of PLC counts the times that count input changes from "off" to "on" The counter contact turns "on" when the count reaches the setting value (count up), After counting up, the count remains unchanged and the output contact remains "on" as well. When the counter register is reset, the counter count becomes zero and the counter contact is “off” as well. In the following figure, the notation "C20 KS" means the count setting for counter No. C20 is Program Counter Coil} Count Setting x4 x1 020 Ks Count Setting: 5 1 5; C20 Counter 30 Contact Contact —— Time[(@ FA_equpment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) 5 Pe PLC Program ooo Let's summarize the memory device for storing PLC intemal data. pail Contents (Device symbol) x This device is a channel of receiving signals from the external input switch, etc, of the PLC. The device symbol is "X." Its also referred to as an "input relay." y This device is a channel of communicating signals outside the PLC. The device symbol is "Y.” It is also’ referred to as an “output relay: This device is a timer contained inside the PLC. It is equipped with a function for measuring time, and T is equipped with coils and contacts corresponding to each timer device No. When the set time is reached, the contact can turn "on. This device is a counter contained inside the PLC. It is equipped with a function for counting, and is é equipped with coils and contacts corresponding to each counter device No. When the set count is reached, the contact can turn "on. (2) The example given above is a fundamental case, Actually, many more devices are available. Example: Internal relay (Notation Mx: "x" stands for a number that indicates sequence) Internal relays are auxiliary relays equipped with coils and contacts that can be used in the program without restriction. The fact that the switch was pressed will be saved in the memory and will be used as a flag indicating some sort of signal or status. (2) The type and amount of devices that can be used depends on the type of PLC.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG y 5 PLC Program ooo Self-holding circuits are circuits that maintain the status when a self-holding relay coil is "on". Self-holding circuits include initiation and cancelation conditions. Here we are primarily concemed with initiation conditions. {@) As shown in the following figure, when initiation conditions (KO = ON) are satisfied, the holding relay coil is "on". (b) Consequently, because coil contact (Y10) of Fig. 2is ‘on’, coil output continues even if initiation condition X0 is “off”. Thus, coil output "on" status is maintained by the signal of the holding coil itself. Because Figs. 1 and 2 show a "b contact", cancellation conditions are satisfied when X1 = ON, and the holding coil becomes "off" immediately. Cancellation [\Conations D x1 y10 Tnivation [“Ganceitation ~) Conditions, { SConaitons| XO. x1 YA0 ig relay coil output continues. Fig. 1: initiation of Seit-noiding Using the SET and RST commands of the PLC, you can produce a function similar to that of a self-holding circuit in the form shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 2: Continuation of Setf-noiaing XO HHHlser yi. xt Hrs vi0. Fig. 3: Realization by SET/RST Command Sa)1G FA_Equipment.for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) 5 2.4 PLC Features ooo So far we have covered sequence control and PLCs. Since Mitsubishi Electric entered PLC market in 1977, our PLCs(MELSEC) have been used in variuous fields such as FA for many years, and being trusted by customers all over the world. Finally, we would like you to know the reason why PLCs have continued to be used for a wide range of applications © Real time reaction © Environment resistance + Able to respond to instructions instantly + Continue to work in harsh environments © High reliability and long-term stability ‘© Mutual connectivity ~ Because they use components with high reliability, - Offers an assortment of products to match the apecifications they can function for an extended period of time of input/output devices connected. with minimal incidents of failure. Backup battery ensures that important data is not lost even in the event of power failure. © Compatibility + The language system of the program never changes significantly, so you can use it without worry @ Language suitable for control field sai + Offers long product life with minimal impact of model change. + Language system is easy to understand for those with an understanding of electrical control. © Enhanced support system | ; © Expandability + Offers complete backup system such as internet, e-learning and school. + Facilitates structural expansion. * Able to respond flexibly to specifications by modification of the program. + Offers numerical computation in addition to sequence control. Able to receive information from a computer to enable comprehensive automation such as production management. Factoriec are not the only placer that require the features of cuch PLCs. In the future, PLCe will be nosded for a wide range of applications including construction, civil engineering, agriculture, transportation, telecommunications, public waste disposal, public facilities and leisure facilitiesy 33 Now that you have completed all of the lessons of the FA Equipment for Beginners (PLCs) Course, you are ready to take the final test. if you are unclear on any of the topics covered, please take this opportunity to review those topics. There are a total of 10 questions (28 items) in this Final Test. You can take the final test as many times as you like. How to score the test After selecting the answer, make sure to click the Score button. Failure to do so will not score the test. (Regarded as unanswered questions, Score results The number of correct answers, the number of questions, the percentage of correct answers, and the pass/fail result will appear on the score page. Correct answers: 3 Total questions 10 . To pass the test, 60% of correct answers is required. soe Parcentage (Gi FA_Equipment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG eas aoe {Proceed ] [Review Retry * Click the Proceed button to exit the test. * Click the Review button to review the test. (Correct answer check) + Click the Retry button to retry the test multiple times.[(@ FA_equpment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) yy —____ Ane | 33 Final Test 1 coc Sequence Control Fill in the blanks in the following configuration diagram of sequence control with the appropriate terms. Machine Processing ~-Select—- Back(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG aoe yy --Select-- Control that operates equipment according to an established sequence. Control that operates equipment when predetermined conditions are met by combining status and completion signals of the conuol wget Control that operates equipment by established time and timing. Control that operates equipment by counting until a predetermined count is, reached.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG yy oo o Device whereby the contact opens/closes according to whether control current to the coil is on or off. Device whereby the contact opens/closes according to whether a pushbutton switch is on or off Device whereby a buzzer sounds when control current to the coil is on. Moving Contact Fixed contact Electromagnet(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG y 33 Final Test 4 Function of contacts Fill in the blanks in the following text indicating the function of contacts. Anormally open contact of a relay switch closes when provided a command is called a/an|_|¥ contact. In reverse, a contact that is normally closed and opens when provided a command is called a/an| |v] contact.1G FA_Equipment.for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) > 33 Final Test 5 coc Sequence circuit Select the condition for which the coil of the following sequence circuit becomes “on.” x x 10 =-Select--__|¥) Coil ¥10 becomes “on” when both contacts X1 and X2 are “on.” x 20 xa ~-Select--__|¥ Coil Y20 becomes “on” when either contacts X3 or X4 is “on.” Score(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG 33 inal Test 6 coc The PLC CPU executes commands in sequence beginning from step No.| ¥) When the| ¥. command is reached, computation continues by returning to the intial step number. Thie ie roforred to ac “| =) computation” The time required for one cycle is referred to as “| J time” le(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG y og PLC function Fill in the blanks in the following explanation of a PLC. APLCisa ~-Select—- ¥ that executes sequence control by controlling output equipment ~-Select-- ) according to signals ~-Select-- ¥) of input equipment. ete.. Control of which output signal to operate or stop operating by input signal is executed by a program according ~-Select-- x to Final Test 7 coc le(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG 2 a 33 inal Test 8 coc {___|¥| Ameans of receiving signals from extemal input switch, etc, of the PLC, itis referred to as an “input relay” {|} A means of communicationg output signals outside the PLC, itis referred to as an “output relay” Auxiliary relay inside the PLC used for creating a program. Timer inside the PLC equipped width a function for measuring time. Counter inside the PLC equipped with a function for counting.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) > 33 Final Test 9 coc Basically used for on/off control only. o Control contents can be altered freely by modifying the program. Life is restricted by poor contact of the relav.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG 33 Final Test 10 Advantages of Using a PLC Select the correct description of the features of PLC usage. a contact b contact Cannot be distinguished from the ladder program. Input Device Memory Relay Coil xo Ladder Program Yu END[\@ FA_equpment_for_Beginners(PLCs)_ENG ea =a) y og Test Score coc You have completed the Final Test. You results area as follows. To end the Final Test, proceed to the next page. Correct answers: 0 Total questions: 10 Porcantage + on, (Proceed) You failed the test.(Gi FA_Equipment_for_Begnners(PLCs)_ENG > ooc You have completed the FA Equipment for Beginners (PLCs) Course. Thank you for taking this course. We hope you enjoyed the lessons and the information you acquired in this course is useful for configuring systems in the future ‘You cant review the Wuurse a> many Lines a9 yuu wert. Review