Sequence Control

Sequence control uses control systems in which a number of events occur in a desired
sequence.

An example of a sequence controlled system may a fan which starts when the temperature
rises above a certain value and stops after a specified time of operation.

• The variables can assume only two values : 1 or 0, TRUE of FALSE, ON or OFF etc.

• Sequence control is based on logic with binary numbers i.e. Boolean algebra.
Input elements Output elements
Push buttons Motors
Toggle switches Other actuators
Relay coils Solenoids
Timers Light emitting elements
Limit switches Valves etc.
Some commonly used sequence control elements

1. A solenoid valve 2. A relay switch

The relays can be of several types:

i. Relay with instantaneous operation
ii. Delay on timer relay
iii. Delay off timer relay Image courtesy: B C Nakra and S P Singh, Theory and Applications of
Automatic Controls
Pneumatic Valves: • 3 Ports
3/2 valve
• P: input A: output T: exhaust

• 2 positions : when pressed the

output is connected to exhaust

4/2 Valve:

Pistons: Single and double acting

Logic gates and Boolean algebra
Ladder diagram:

Symbols of some commonly used input and output elements

Ladder Diagram:
Used in industries to describe a sequence control system.

Consists of
i. 2 vertical lines: left one having some electrical potential (i.e. always in state ‘1’) right one is
grounded.

ii. Horizontal lines i.e. branches or rungs.

iii. Sequence control elements put on the horizonal lines complete the ladder diagram.

Example of a Ladder diagram:

Example problem:

A conveyor shown in the figure starts when a pushbutton PB1 is momentarily pushed. It may be
stopped by an emergency push button PB2. When a product reaches sensor S1 the conveyor
stops for a minute and starts again. When the product finally reaches sensor S2 the conveyor
stops.
Draw a ladder diagram implementing the control sequence.
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

PLCs were built to replace the relay-based hard-wired logic devices. As the logic becomes more
complicated the hard-wired device becomes more and more impossible to assemble.

Programming in PLCs is based on ladder diagrams.