Chapter 10

PLC Processors

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 Objectives
Describe the function of the processor.
Describe processor operating modes.
Explain the function of the watchdog
timer.

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 The PLC Processor
The processor is a digital computer that
reads inputs, solves the ladder logic,
and updates the output field devices.
Processors are available with differing
capabilities within a specific PLC family.
Processors have different operating
modes.

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 Processor Operating Cycle
Processor is designed to perform
specific duties in a specific sequence.
This operating cycle is called the
processors scan or sweep.
In run mode, the operating sequence is
continuous.
Operating cycle consists of numerous
steps.

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 Input Scan
During the input scan, the processor
scans each input module for the on or
off states of each input point.
Input status information is stored in the
input status file.

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 Program Scan
Processor scans ladder program
starting at rung zero at the left power
rail, working left to right, evaluating one
instruction at a time until the output
instruction is reached.
The output instruction will be either true
or false.

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 Program Scan (cont’d.)
A logical 1 or 0 will be placed in the
output status table address referenced
by the particular output instruction.
With rung completed, processor goes
on to the next rung, sequentially until
the last rung of the program has been
executed.

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 Output Scan
The output scan is where the processor
writes the on or off status, one word at a
time, to the associated output module.
Output module updates each field
device’s status.

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 Service Communications
After all output modules have been
updated, the processor services
communications.
Updates handheld or personal
computer monitor screens.
Sends communications to other devices
on the network.

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 Reset Watch-Dog Timer
Last part of scan is to reset the watch-
dog timer.
Watch-dog timer ensures current scan
is complete.
When watch-dog timer is reset, the
scan starts over.

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 Serial Communications
Simplest method to communicate
between a PLC processor and a
computer is serial communications.
Connect proper serial cable between
computer’s COM port and processor’s
RS-232 communications port.
Not all processors have RS-232
communications port.

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 Selecting Proper
RS-232 Interface Cable
Most serial communication problems
between computer and PLC are due to
incorrect cable.
Two types of serial cables:
Straight through cable
Null-modem cable

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 Straight Through Cabling between
Computer and Peripheral Equipment

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 Straight Through Serial Cable
Straight through serial cable all wires go
through the cable without crossing.
Wires are identified as pin numbers.
Pin 2 goes straight through to pin 2.
Pin 3 goes straight through to pin 3.
Used when intermediate communication
device between two computers.

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 Directly Connecting Computers
with a Straight Through Cable
Both computers sending information out
on pin 2.
Computers expecting information on pin
3.
Communication will not be successful.

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 Connecting Two Computers
with a Straight Through Cable

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 Null-Modem Cable Wired so
Pin 2 Crosses to Pin 3
Pin 2 physically crosses to pin 3 in
cable.
Information sent from computer crosses
from pin 2 to pin 3 so it can be received
by other computer device.
Communication is successful.

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 Null-Modem Cable Crosses
Pin 2 to Pin 3

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 PLC Processors Have
Multiple Operating Modes
Processor has two modes of operation:
Program mode
Some variation of run mode

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 Program Mode
In program mode, the processor is
accepting new instructions, either as a
new program, or as changes (edits) to
an existing program.

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 Run Mode
When the creating or editing of a
program is complete, the processor is
put into run mode to run or execute the
program.
In run mode, the processor executes
the operating cycle called the scan or
sweep.

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 Remote Run Mode
Some processors have key switches on
processor module to change operating
modes.
Changing operating mode to run or program
using key switch is called local mode.
Changing operating mode from a personal or
industrial computer through a
communications cable is remote mode.

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 Remote Program Mode
If processor put into program mode from a
remote programming device, this is called
remote program mode.
The remote computer device can perform any
programming operations remotely.
When completed, processor can be returned
to remote run mode to execute PLC program.

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 Test Mode
Test mode is used to test a program
during installation, maintenance, or
troubleshooting.
Test mode reads inputs and solves
ladder program, but does not allow field
devices to be energized.

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 Processor Communications
The physical connection between a
processor and the outside world is
called a communication port.

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 SLC 500 Processor
Communication Capabilities
MicroLogix 1000
DH-485 and Ethernet
5/01 processor
DH-485
5/02 processor
DH-485

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 SLC 500 Processor
Communication Capabilities
(cont’d.)
5/03 Processor
Serial and DH-485
5/04 Processor
Serial and DH Plus
5/05 Processor
Serial and Ethernet

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 SLC 5/03 and 5/04
Communication Ports

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 Processor Capabilities
A processor’s capabilities are
determined by
Memory size
Instruction set
I/O supported
Communication ports

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 SLC 5/01 Processor
Specifications

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SLC 5/02 Processor Specifications

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 SLC 5/02 Processor

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 SLC 5/03 Processor

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 SLC 5/04 Specifications

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 SLC 5/04 Processor

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SLC 5/05 Processor Specifications

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SLC 5/05 Modular Processor

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 General Electric Series 90-30
Series 90-30 processors come in two
configurations:
Processor embedded in baseplate
Modular processor

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Model CPU 311 and Model CPU
313

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 GE Series 90-30
Embedded Processors

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Five-slot Modular CPU Baseplate

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 Modular CPU 351
and CPU 363

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 Series 90-30 Ten-Slot
Modular CPU Baseplate

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