PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)

 

 

According to the history I read on the internet, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) was first introduced in 1969 by Richard E. Morley who was the founder of Modicon Corporation.
According to the National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) PLC is defined as a digital electronic device with a memory that can be programmed to store instructions that carry out specific functions such as: logic, sequence, timing, counting and arithmetic to control an industrial machine or process. industry as desired. PLC is able to carry out a process continuously according to input variables and provide decisions according to programming wishes so that the output value remains controlled.

PLC is a "special computer" for applications in industry, to monitor processes, and to replace hard wiring controls and has its own programming language. However, PLCs are not the same as personal computers because PLCs are designed for installation and maintenance by technicians and electricians in industry who do not have to have high electronics skills and provide control flexibility based on the execution of logic instructions. That's why PLCs are increasingly developing day by day, both in terms of the number of inputs and outputs, the amount of memory available, speed, communication between PLCs and programming methods or techniques. Almost all kinds of production processes in the industrial sector can be automated using PLC. The speed and accuracy of operations can be greatly improved using this control system. The advantage of a PLC is its ability to change and imitate operating processes at the same time as communicating and gathering vital information.

Operations on a PLC consist of four important parts:
1. observation of input values.
2. run the program
3. provide output values.
4. control

Of the advantages above, PLCs also have disadvantages, one of which is often highlighted, namely that to program a PLC, someone is needed who is an expert and really understands what the factory needs and understands the security that must be met. Meanwhile, such trained people are quite rare and the programming must be done directly to the place where the server connected to the PLC is located, while it is not uncommon for the main computer to be located in dangerous places. Therefore, we need a device that is capable of observing, editing and running programs remotely.

 

Advantages of Using PLCs

PLCs have been a standard element of industrial machinery design for many decades. What advantages do PLCs offer that make them such a popular choice?

    PLCs are fairly intuitive to program. Their programming languages are simple in comparison to other industrial control systems, which makes PLCs great for businesses that want to minimize complexity and costs.
    PLCs are a mature technology with years of testing and analysis backing them up. It’s easy to find robust research into many different PLC types and comprehensive tutorials for programming and integrating them.
    PLCs are available at a wide range of price points, including many extremely affordable basic models that small businesses and startups often use.
    PLCs are extremely versatile, and most PLC models are suitable for controlling a wide variety of processes and systems.
    PLCs are completely solid-state devices, which means they have no moving parts. That makes them exceptionally reliable and more able to survive the challenging conditions present in many industrial facilities.
    PLCs have relatively few components, which makes them easier to troubleshoot and helps reduce maintenance downtime.
    PLCs are efficient and don’t consume very much electrical power. This helps conserve energy and may simplify wiring considerations.