Programmable Logic

Controllers
Mary Holleboom
ENGR 315
Dec. 5, 2001
 What is a PLC?
Automates a process, and can withstand an
industrial environment
CPU processor, memory, power supply
Input sensors, contacts, buttons, relay switches
Output lights, motors, displays

CPU I/O CARDS

 Examples
Automotive Industry

Airport luggage
transportation

Power plants
Micro PLC Alternatives
Less expensive
Smaller

Simple instruction set

Embedded control
Motion Controller
Continuous closed-
loop control
Critical position of

load or timing PC
applications Sophisticated process

control
Operator feedback

High processor speed

Low total system cost

Software Reliability
 Personal Experience
Allen Bradley SLC 5/03 PLC
Interface electronic display with cruise
control assembly line
Touch screen display for manual data entry
CPU, I/O
Future Developments

Smaller platform - AB
CompactLogix 5320
Ethernet connections
Stand alone - no PC
Portable PLCs
PLCs running schools
and large homes