PLC Hardware

Components
 Discrete I/O Modules

Discrete type I/O interface modules connects field

devices of the ON/OFF nature.

Discrete input modules

are used with field control
devices such as selector
switches, pushbuttons,
and limit switches.
 is powered by some
Discrete I/O Modules
rce of a specified value.
are:The classification of discrete I/O covers bit-orientated
inputs and outputs. In this type of input or output,
each bit represents a complete information element
in itself.
Input Interfaces Output Interfaces
12 V ac/dc 12-48 V ac
24 V ac/dc 120 V ac
48 V ac/dc 230 V ac
120 V ac/dc 120 V ac
230 V ac/dc 230 V dc
5 V dc (TTL level) 5 V dc (TTL level)
24 V dc
 Discrete I/O Modules
The I/O modules receive their module voltage and
current from the power supply module through the
backplane of the rack enclosure into which they are
inserted. Power from this supply is used to power the
electronics, that reside on the I/O board. The relatively
higher currents required by the loads of an output
module are supplied by user-supplied power.
 AC Discrete Input Module
The input circuit is composed of two basic sections:
the power section and the logic section.

The power and logic sections are normally coupled

together with a circuit, which electrically separates
the two.
 AC Discrete Input Module Operation
When the pushbutton is closed,
120 VAC is applied to the bridge
rectifier through R1 and R2.

This produces low level DC voltage across the LED.

The resulting light switches the phototransistor into conduction and
the closed status of the pushbutton is communicated to the processor.
A Zener is not like a normal diode. A normal diode lets current flow in only one
direction and needs to be installed in the correct direction. A Zener diode is
placed in the opposite direction, against the flow of current. A Zener diode will
prevent current from flowing until it reaches a certain voltage, depending on the
diode rating. Once this critical value is reached, current is allowed to flow. The
diode will also try to keep the outgoing voltage at its rated level, say 5 volts. If
you feed 10 volts through the diode, the voltage might climb to 5.5-6 volts, but it
will try to stay at the same voltage. If you feed too high a voltage through the
diode, it will break down and fail.
Input Module Tasks

Sense when a signal is received

from a sensor

Convert the input signal to the

correct voltage level for the
particular PLC

Isolate the PLC from

fluctuations in the input signal’s
voltage or current

Send a signal to the processor

indicating which sensor originated
the signal
 AC Discrete Output Module
The output circuit is composed of two basic sections:
the power section and the logic section, coupled by
an isolation circuit.

The output interface can be though of as a simple

electronic switch to which power is applied to
control the output device.
 AC Discrete Output Module Operation

The processor sets the output status

according to the logic program.

When the processor calls for This in turn switches the

an output, a voltage is applied Triac into conduction which,
across the LED of the isolator, in turn, turns on the lamp.
which switches the
phototransistor into conduction.
AC Discrete Output Module
Provided with LEDs that indicate
the status of each output.

Fuses are generally required for

each circuit. Some modules also
provide visual indicators for
fuse status.

Individual AC outputs are

usually limited to 1 or 2 amps.
The maximum current load
for any one module is also
specified.
 Interposing Relay Connection
Used for controlling larger loads such as motors.

The low current output

from the module operates
the relay coil, the contacts
of which operate the
motor starter.
 Types Of Discrete Output Modules
Are used to turn two-state devices either ON or OFF

Triac outputs can only be used only for control

of AC devices.

Transistor outputs can be used only for control

of DC devices.

Relay outputs can be used with AC or DC devices.

However they have a much slower switching
time compared to solid-state outputs.
 Sinking And Sourcing References
Sinking and sourcing references are terms used to
describe a current signal flow relationship between
DC field input and output devices in a control system
and their power supply.

Sourcing device
with sinking
output module
circuit
 Sinking and Sourcing DC References
The design of DC field devices typically require that
they be used in a specific sinking or sourcing circuit,
depending on the internal circuitry of the device.

Sourcing device
with sinking
input module
circuit
 Sinking And Sourcing References
Sinking device
with sourcing
input module
circuit

Field devices connected to the negative side (DC common)

of the field power supply are sinking field devices

Sinking device
with sourcing
output module
circuit
PLC PRORAMMABLE LOGIC
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