PLC’s CPU Functions Programmable Logic Controllers are digital electronic devices that are mainly used as industrial control systems. PLCs contain a programmable memory that stores a series of user-defined instructions. They function by continuously monitoring the state of input devices and executing the stored program logic so as control the state of connected output devices. Since modern PLCs have increased in functionality and are very cost-effective, PLCs are now becoming mainstream in the sector of industrial automation; as fundamental systems that can monitor and control both complex pro ..read more

There are a variety of manufacturers of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), with Omron Corporation being one of the leading makers of compact micro-range PLCs that are used in the automation industry. The company offers a flexible product line of scalable and high-performing industrial PLCs for use in stand-alone machines or as part of larger machine control systems. A PLC is a ruggedized, compact digital computer designed to control specific industrial processes, machine systems, or an entire production line in a manufacturing setup. It controls these machines, equipment, and processes bas ..read more

In recent years, remote monitoring systems have been fueling the proliferation of industrial automation, partially due to significant advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. These systems allow industries to have a clear, continuous, and comprehensive view of their processes, production equipment/machinery, and personnel, as well as monitor the working conditions and environmental factors that may affect their final products and occupational safety. In this article, we’ll look at how IoT technologies can be leveraged for remote monitoring of industrial automation systems as ..read more

Solenoid valves are an essential part of almost every fluid control system. These electromechanical valves automatically control the flow of liquids and gases. The solenoid valve may work with different circuits to achieve the desired control, ensuring control precision and versatility. It also eliminates the hassle for an engineer to operate the valve physically. That saves time and money while ensuring the safety of the personnel in some hazardous situations.  There are numerous types of solenoid valves available, allowing the valve to be selected to fit the application in the issue. An ..read more

PLC Inputs and Outputs Overview  A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a microprocessor-based digital electronic device, which uses a programmable non-volatile memory to store user-defined instructions and implement specific control functions like programming logic, and sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic operations to control various electro-mechanical systems and industrial processes. As a user, you can program a PLC using a programming device like a Hand-Held Monitor (HHM) or a personal computer connected to the PLC through a LAN cable. Today, PLCs are considered the backbo ..read more

Sinking vs Sourcing Overview  The concept of sinking vs sourcing describes a current flow relationship between input and output devices in a control system and their power supply. The two terminologies apply only to DC (Direct Current) logic circuits. A logic circuit is an electric I/O circuit whose output is a function of the input. It can include a single binary (ON/OFF) output and one or more binary inputs. Such circuits may include any type of binary electronic or electric devices such as switches, transistors, solid-state diodes, and relays. Sink and source DC logic circuits are main ..read more

What does PLC stand for? In industrial automation terms, PLC stands for a Programmable Logic Controller. PLCs are specialized computers designed and built to automate a variety of industrial electromechanical processes. Automation of manufacturing processes began long before the invention of PLCs. From the early to the late 1900s, industrial automation was carried out by complicated hard-wired relay control systems. However, these relay circuits’ required an enormous amount of wiring and more control-panel space to create even simple automation circuits. Such that thousands of relays could be ..read more

A PLC is a large standalone control unit that is pre-packaged and typically rack-mounted in a control cabinet near the equipment or the process being controlled. On the other hand, an embedded system is designed as a single board and can be fully integrated into a product. For example, a smart TV consists of an embedded system integrated into its body. However, in spite of the differences in hardware build-ups, an embedded system can easily perform the functionalities of a PLC. Though embedded system design engineers view PLC engineers as dinosaurs. While PLC experts view embedded systems as o ..read more

The topic ‘Raspberry Pi vs. PLC’ has been an all-time favorite of the DIY and industrial automation community. In this article, we’ll be discussing each one, what they can do, what each has to offer, and contrast them according to their capabilities to better understand which one we should select for a particular application. What is a PLC? PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller, a special purpose computer specifically designed to work in industrial environments where reliability is key. They are designed with extreme conditions in mind such that they can withstand harsh environmental c ..read more