Introduction to Programmable

Logic Control
Lesson Outcome 19(LO19:CO4)
By the end of this lecture, student should be
able to:
Explain the functions, symbols and components of
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC): i) CPU ii)
memory (ROM/RAM) iii) programming device iv)
power supply v) input section vi) output section.
What is PLC?
Industrial computer in which the hardware
and software have been specifically adapted
to the industrial environment
Comparison between Traditional Relay
Logic and PLC logic
Components of PLC
Power Supply

Valves
Switches

Output
CPU
Input

Motor starter
Sensors
Lights
Etc. Memory
Etc.

Programming
device
(PC, PLC, etc.)
CPU (central processing unit)
Contains one or more microprocessors brain for
PLC
Same type of microprocessor in microcomputer -
except PLC microprocessor accommodate ladder
logic instead of other languages
Functions executes the tasks, manages memory,
monitors input, evaluate logic (ladder diagram) &
turn on appropriate output.
 ROM
Operating System (OS) is burnt into ROM by
manufacturer
Contains OS control function (software..e.g.
Windows in PC)
Nonvolatile memory-when the electricity shut off,
the memory is retained
Users cannot change ROM
Memory (2)

RAM
User memory
User can read or write program to RAM
Volatile when electricity shut off, the data
in memory lost
Use battery to avoid memory loss
 Device that are used to write the program and
trouble shoot the PLC
Example
PC, handheld programmers, microcomputers
Power Supply

To supply power for CPU

Most PLCs operate on 115 V AC
Input Section

Performs 2 tasks taking input from outside

world & protecting CPU from outside world
Convert real-world logic (eg. 250 V AC input
module) to require logic level by CPU (eg.
Low-level DC signal for CPU)
Input devices switches, sensors, etc.
 Provide connection to real-world output
Eg. motor starters, lights, coils, valves etc.
Fundamentals of Programming

Ladder Logic
Symbolic representation of electrical circuit
Symbols in ladder logic is divided into
contacts (input) and coils (output)
Ladder Logic (example)
Contacts

Most input to PLC are either on (true) or

off (false)
Input sensors and switches
Common symbols
Normally open--------
Normally closed------
 Coils are output symbols
Real output device motor, light, pump,
counter, timer, relay
PLC examine contact (input) in ladder and
turn the coil (output) on or off
Coil symbol -------
Ladder Diagram Design
Problem: Draw a ladder diagram for a bell
circuit. When a switch is pressed, the bell will
ring
Ladder Diagram Design
Modify the diagram, so that when the switch
is pressed once and released, the bell is
ringing continuously
Ladder Diagram Design
Add another button to stop bell ringing
Exercise!
A drill press machine only works if there
is a part present and the operator has
one hand on each start switches (2 start
switches)
Example: A+ B+ A- B-
Using single solenoid with spring return & 2
sensor for each cylinder
A+ B+ A- B-
Using single solenoid with spring return & 1
sensor for each cylinder
How about this one? Explain
what happen