Introduction With Basic PLC
Introduction With Basic PLC
AC INPUT MODULE
DC / AC OUTPUT MODULE
Discrete Input
A discrete input also referred as digital input is an input that is either ON or OFF is
connected to the PLC digital input. In the ON condition it is referred to as logic 1 or a
logic high and in the OFF condition may be referred to as logic o or logic low.
Normally Open
Pushbutton
Normally Closed
Pushbutton
Normally Open
switch
Normally Closed
switch
Normally Open
contact
Normally closed
contact
Analog Input
An analog input is an input signal that has a continuous signal. Typical inputs may vary from
0 to 20mA, 4 to 20mA or 0 to10V. Below, a level transmitter monitors the level of liquid in
the tank. Depending on the level Tx, the signal to the PLC can either increase or decrease as
the level increases or decreases.
PLC Operation
Basic Function of a Typical PLC
Read all field input devices via the input interfaces, execute the user program stored in
application memory, then, based on whatever control scheme has been programmed by the
user, turn the field output devices on or off, or perform whatever control is necessary for the
process application.
This process of sequentially reading the inputs, executing the program in memory, and
updating the outputs is known as scanning.
While the PLC is running, the scanning process includes the following four phases, which are
repeated continuously as individual cycles of operation:
PHASE 1
Read Inputs
Scan
PHASE 2
Program
Execution
PHASE 3
Diagnostics/
Comm
PHASE 4
Output
Scan
Selecting a PLC
Criteria
• Number of logical inputs and outputs.
• Memory
• Number of special I/O modules
• Scan Time
• Communications
• Software
A Detailed Design Process
1. Understand the process
2. Hardware/software selection
3. Develop ladder logic
4. Determine scan times and memory requirements
PROGRAMMING
Power flows through these contacts when they are closed. The normally open (NO) is true
when the input or output status bit controlling the contact is 1. The normally closed (NC) is
true when the input or output status bit controlling the contact is 0.
Coils
Coils represent relays that are energized when power flows to them. When a coil is energized
it causes a corresponding output to turn on by changing the state of the status bit controlling
the output to 1. That same output status bit maybe used to control normally open or normally
closed contact anywhere in the program.
Boxes
Boxes represent various instructions or functions that are executed when power flows to the
box. Some of these Functions are timers, counters and math operations.
NOT OPERATION
A C
Rung
In the rung above, it can be seen that if input A is be true (1), then the output C is true (0) or
when A is (0), output C is 1.
Areas of Application
Manufacturing / Machining
Food / Beverage
Metals
Power
Mining
Petrochemical / Chemical