PLC Assignments
PLC Assignments
1. Push Buttons: These are commonly used for manual input control,
like starting or stopping a process.
2. Proximity Sensors: These detect the presence or absence of an
object without physical contact, useful for automation in detecting
objects on a conveyor belt.
3. Limit Switches: They are used to detect the position of moving parts
in a machine, ensuring they reach the correct position before
continuing the process.
Regarding the communication standards, Ethernet is suitable for both coaxial cable and fiber
optic cable as it is a widely used standard for networking and data communication. Ethernet
can support various cable types, including both coaxial and fiber optic cables, making it
versatile for different applications. RS-232 and RS-422 are more commonly associated with
serial communication over shorter distances and are not typically used with coaxial or fiber
optic cables for PLC communication due to their limitations in speed and distance compared
to Ethernet.
Task 4:
a) The CPU card: The CPU card is like the brain of the PLC. It processes the
logic program, executes instructions, and coordinates communication between
different parts of the PLC system.
b) The Communications card: This card enables the PLC to communicate with
external devices such as computers, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) screens,
or other PLCs. It facilitates data exchange for monitoring and control
purposes.
c) Digital input cards: These cards receive digital signals from devices like
sensors or switches. They convert these signals into a form that the PLC can
understand and process in its logic program.
d) Digital output cards: On the flip side, digital output cards take signals from the
PLC's CPU and convert them into a form that can control external devices like
relays, motors, or lights.
e) Analogue input cards: Analog input cards handle continuous signals from
devices like temperature sensors or pressure transducers. They convert these
signals into digital data that the PLC can work with.
f) Analogue output cards: Analog output cards do the opposite; they convert
digital signals from the PLC into continuous signals to control devices like
variable speed drives or control valves.
g) Rack vs. fixed type PLCs: The main difference lies in their physical structure.
Rack-type PLCs allow for modular expansion by adding more input/output
cards to a central rack, offering flexibility for customization. On the other
hand, fixed-type PLCs have a fixed number of built-in inputs and outputs,
making them more compact but less flexible for future expansion.
Task 5:
The IEC 61131-3 standard recognizes five programming languages for
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), but here are three of the most
used: