Why use programmable logic

Almost any production line, machine function, or process can be greatly enhanced using this type of control system. However, the biggest benefit in using a PLC is the ability to change and replicate the operation or process while collecting and communicating vital information.

Another advantage of a PLC system is that it is modular. That is, you can mix and match the types of Input and Output devices to best suit your application. These steps continually take place in a repeating loop. The following table lists of some of languages that are used to program a PLC. Ladder Diagram LD Traditional ladder logic is graphical programming language. Initially programmed with simple contacts that simulated the opening and closing of relays, Ladder Logic programming has been expanded to include such functions as counters, timers, shift registers, and math operations.

We built Ignition from the ground up to improve the processes for every industrial professional in virtually every industry. Design any kind of industrial application with ease, and instantly web-deploy clients to anyone, anywhere. Have you ever gotten to the end of a project and wished it had gone smoother? This white paper will walk you through how to set up your project from the start to reach a better end product.

Call Us Schedule a Demo. Ignition Exchange Discover Ignition resources. Services Training Pricing. Distributors International Distributors. Posted on February 24, You Might Also Like. What is Ignition?

Want to stay up-to-date with us? Sign up for our weekly News Feed. One such task is predictive maintenance. The power of predictive maintenance , especially at the onset of Industry 4.

In a connected factory, which is one of the features of the fourth Industrial Revolution, one piece of equipment may connect with and be responsible for the operation of several other processes. Predictive maintenance, then, can significantly increase efficiency and make downtime a less frequent and less catastrophic event.

Predictive maintenance starts with preventative maintenance. If particular equipment reaches a pre-programmed threshold, a sensor goes off that tells the technician that the equipment needs maintenance or replacement. Enough of these reports are then collected as data points themselves to communicate to the system about which factors predict wear and tear or an impending issue.

As manufacturing and plant-based, industrial businesses embrace the digital transformation that their niches demand, PLCs are proving their worth now more than ever. Their fundamental ease and simplicity in the face of increasing complexity makes them a flexible and familiar solution.

As a logic control system, PLCs are well-suited to Industry 4. The critical position and role that PLCs occupies also requires it to be fully functional at all times. A PLC loops the process continuously, as long as it has power. When a PLC has successfully completed the execution one time that duration is termed as scan time. In the figure below, the Operating cycle is shown. As with every computer, the input devices can be digital or analog.

These devices include push-buttons, switches, flip switches, etc. For the analog devices, an analog input card is responsible for the conversion of voltages or current into a digitally equivalent number for the CPU.

For example, pressure plates and temperature readings use analog input cards to convey the readings to the CPU. Similar to input devices, the output devices are also of two types digital and analog. An analog output card can convert a digital signal at the output to its actual values in terms of voltages or current. Usually, output signals range from 0 to 10 volts or 4 to 20mA. To begin programming on a PLC, usually ladder logic is used.

Ladder logic was developed exclusively for programming a PLC.