Experiment No.

Object: Introduction to Programmable Logic Controls (PLC). Programmable Logic Controls (PLC): A Programmable Logic Controller, or PLC for short, is simply a special computer device used for industrial control systems. They are used in many industries such as oil refineries, manufacturing lines, conveyor systems and so on. Where ever there is a need to control devices the PLC provides a flexible way to "soft wire" the components together. The basic units have a CPU (a computer processor) that is dedicated to run one program that monitors a series of different inputs and logically manipulates the outputs for the desired control. They are meant to be very flexible in how they can be programmed while also providing the advantages of high reliability (no program crashes or mechanical failures), compact and economical over traditional control systems.

Components of PLC: Programmable controllers have grown throughout industrial control applications because of the ease they bring to creating a controller: ease of programming, ease of wiring, ease of installation, and ease of changing. PLCs span a wide range of sizes, but all contain six basic components:

processor or central processing unit (CPU) rack or mounting input assembly output assembly power supply programming unit, device, or PC/software

Working Principle: The operation of a programmable controller is relatively simple. The input/output (I/O) system is physically connected to the field devices that are encountered in the machine or that are used in the control of a process. These field devices may be discrete or analog input/output devices, such as limit switches, pressure transducers, push buttons, motor starters, solenoids, etc. The I/O interfaces provide the connection between the CPU and the information providers (inputs) and controllable devices (outputs). During its operation, the CPU completes three processes: (1) it reads, or accepts, the input data from the field devices via the input interfaces, (2) it executes, or performs, the control program stored in the memory system, and (3) it writes, or updates, the output devices via the output interfaces. This process of sequentially reading the inputs, executing the program in memory, and updating the outputs is known as scanning. Advantages of PLC: 1. Flexible: In the past, each different electronic device controlled by each controller. Suppose ten machines require ten controllers, but now with only one tenth PLC machine can be run with each program. 2. Changes and error correction system easier: If one system will be modified or corrected, the change is only done on the programs contained in computers, in a relatively short time, after that it downloaded to the PLC. If not using a PLC, for example relays the amendments made by altering the wiring cables. This course takes a long time.
3. Number of contacts many: Number of contacts held by the PLC on each coil is more than the contacts held by a relay. 4. Cheaper: PLC is capable of simplifying a lot of cabling compared to a relay. So the price of a PLC at a price cheaper than some fruit relay capable of doing the wiring for the same amount with a PLC. PLC includes relays, timers, counters, sequencers, and other functions.

5. Operating speed: PLC operation speed is faster than the relay. Speed PLC scan time is determined by its in units of milliseconds. 6. Documentation: Printout of the PLC can be directly obtained and do not need to see the blueprint of his circuit. Unlike the printout relay circuit cannot be obtained. 7. Addition of faster circuits: Users can add a circuit controller at any time quickly, without requiring great effort and cost as in conventional controllers.