PLC programming and techniques

PLC, or programmable controller is a digital computer used for automation of typically industrial electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines, amusement rides, or light fixtures.

PLCs are used in many machines, in many industries. PLCs are designed for multiple arrangements of digital and analog inputs and outputs, extended temperature ranges, immunity to electrical noise, and resistance to vibration and impact.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) have been used for many decades for standard control in industrial and factory environments. Over the years, PLCs have become computational efficient and powerful, and a robust platform with applications beyond the standard control and factory automation.

The programmable logic controller’s (PLC’s) ability to support a range of communication methods makes it an ideal control and data acquisition device for a wide variety of industrial automation and facility control applications.

PLC networks provide you with a variety of networking options to meet specific control and communications requirements.

Typical options include remote I/O, peer-to-peer, and host computer communications, as well as LANs. These networks can provide reliable and cost-effective communications between as few as two or as many as several hundred PLCs, computers, and other intelligent devices.

PLCs also can be connected with computers or other intelligent devices.

In fact, most PLCs, from the small to the very large, can be directly connected to a computer or part of a multi drop host computer network via RS232C or RS422 ports.

This combination of computer and controller maximizes the capabilities of the PLC, for control and data acquisition, as well as the computer, for data processing, documentation, and operator interface.