Analog I/O Modules of PLC Earlier PLCs were limited to discrete or digital I/O interfaces, which allowed only on/off-type devices to be connected. This limitation meant that the PLC could have only partial control of many process applications. Today, however, a complete range of both discrete and analog interfaces are available that will allow controllers […]
Discrete I/O Modules of PLC The most common type of I/O interface module is the discrete type ( Figure 1). This type of interface connects field input devices of the ON/OFF nature such as selector switches, pushbuttons, and limit switches. Likewise, output control is limited to devices such as lights, relays, solenoids, and motor starters that
Input Output Section of PLC The input output section of PLC is the section to which all field devices are connected and provides the interface between them and the CPU. Input/output arrangements are built into a fixed PLC while modular types use external I/O modules that plug into the PLC. Figure 1 illustrates a rack-based
Parts of Programmable Logic Controller A typical PLC can be divided into parts, as illustrated in Figure 1. These are the central processing unit (CPU), the input/output (I/O) section, the power supply, and the programming device. The term architecture can refer to PLC hardware, to PLC software, or to a combination of both. An open
Programmable logic controllers are now the most widely used industrial process control technology. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is an industrial grade computer that is capable of being programmed to perform control functions. The programmable controller has eliminated much of the hardwiring associated with conventional relay control circuits. Other benefits include easy programming and installation,
There are two categories of SCR, the fast turn-off inverter grade SCR and relatively slow turn-off converter grade SCR. Some of the properties of these are interdependent and designers have aimed to combine them in most suitable manner. The application therefore decides what category is to be chosen. Once the category is chosen in each
Function of Adder An adder is the primary computation unit in a digital computer. Few routines are performed by a computer in which the adder is not used. Adders are designed to work in either serial or parallel circuits. Because the parallel adder is faster and used more often, it is covered in more detail
Function of Encoder An encoder is a combinational logic circuit that accepts one or more inputs and generates a multibit binary output. Encoding is the process of converting any keyboard character or number as input to a coded output such as a binary or BCD form. Figure 1 shows a decimal-to-binary encoder. Its function is
A shift register is a sequential logic circuit widely used to store data temporarily. Data can be loaded into and removed from a shift register in either a parallel or serial format. Figure 1 shows the four different methods of loading and reading data in a shift register. Because of its ability to move data
A counter is a logic circuit that can count a sequence of numbers or states when activated by a clock input. The output of a counter indicates the binary number stored in the counter at any given time. The number of counts or states through which a counter progresses before returning to its original state