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Lab 6-Discussion 2

PLC discussion points

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Nisal Karunathilake
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12 views3 pages

Lab 6-Discussion 2

PLC discussion points

Uploaded by

Nisal Karunathilake
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2.

Discuss differences, advantages, and disadvantages between Textural and Graphical


languages for PLC. Identify for which applications each language type is most appropriate.

Textural and Graphical languages for PLCs are two programming paradigms used in the
development of control systems. Each has quite unique features, advantages, and disadvantages,
making them quite suitable for several applications.
Textual Languages
These include Structured Text and Instruction List among other languages for PLCs.
1. Structured Text (ST)
This is a high-level, block-structured language with similarities to Pascal or C. It allows complex
algorithms and data manipulation.
Advantages:
 Flexibility: Within this language, complex mathematical expressions, loops, and
conditional statements can be constructed.
 Precision: Perfect for applications where complete calculation details or algorithmic
control is required.
 Compactness: More compact compared to graphical languages, especially when
implementing complex logic.
Disadvantages:
 Learning Curve: The language requires some programming experience and syntax
knowledge.
 Debugging: Debugging might be more difficult compared to graphical languages.
Appropriate Applications:
 Complex control algorithms
 Extensive data processing applications
 Code compactness-critical applications

2. Instruction List (IL)


A low-level, assembly-like language. It is extremely basic and simple to understand for people
who have a background in hardware-level programming.
Advantages:
 Simplicity: More feasible to learn for people coming from a hardware background.
 Performance: Can be efficient. It has direct control of every instruction.
 Low Overhead: Uses very few system resources.
Disadvantages:
 Limited Expressiveness: It is not appropriate for implementing complex algorithms or
extensive data manipulation.
 Maintenance: Maintenance and modification become a headache as the complexity
increases.
Appropriate Applications:
 Simple control tasks
 Legacy systems having constraints on resources
 It involves systems where every operation needs to be controlled with exactitude.

Graphical Languages
These are Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, and Sequential Function Chart.
1. Ladder Diagram (LD)
It resembles the electrical relay logic diagrams and is, hence, familiar to electricians and
technicians.
Advantages:
 Easy to Use: It is easy to understand for people with an electrical background since
one can visualize it.
 Wide Usage: It is commonly used, especially in industrial automation.
 Debugging: It is easier to debug and modify.
Disadvantages:
 Handling Complexities: It gets cumbersome for complex algorithms.
 Limited Flexibility: Less appropriate for programs requiring advanced data
manipulation or complex algorithmic logic.
Appropriate Applications:
 Simple control systems
 Systems which implement simple logic, such as motor control
 Industrially oriented applications with a high electrical engineering content

2. FBD (Function Block Diagram)


It expresses functions by means of blocks and interconnecting lines showing the flow of data
among the blocks.

Advantages:
 Modularity: It is easy to reuse and encapsulate functions as blocks.
 Visualization: It is clear for process control because it shows the flow of data.
 Integration: Ready-made functions and libraries are easily integrated.
Disadvantages:
 Complex Logic: Very cluttered to manage with complex logic.
 Learning Curve: Some knowledge is needed about how structure and manage the blocks
effectively.
Appropriate Applications:
 Control systems
 Program applications that involve graphic visualization of data flow
 Systems that involve inherent modularity and re-use of functions

3. Sequential Function Chart (SFC)


It is a graphical programming language, and it describes the sequence of the operations in a
flowchart-like notation.
Advantages:
 Sequential Processes: Very suitable for processes with clearly defined steps of operations
in a sequence.
 Clarity: A clear view of process flow and transitions of state conditions is obtained.
 Debugging: Errors in sequences of processes can be easily detected.
Disadvantages:
 Low Flexibility: Not suitable for non-sequential or complex logic.
 Scalability: Hard to manage with many steps
Appropriate Applications:
 Batch processing
 Manufacturing processes with distinct phases
 Applications requiring strict sequencing and transition control

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