QUESTION 1

a) Outline the differences between a Programmable Logic Controller and a personal

computer. [3]

b) Provide a diagram that shows the internal architecture of a PLC. [5]

c) Explain briefly why a PLC do a self check every time it is turned on.[2]
d) A ladder logic diagram is shown in figure 1 below.

Figure 1

Explain what is wrong with this diagram and hence what will happen if it is used.[5]

e) Some PLCs remove memory when a battery is removed. Explain why. [5]

Question 2

Given a system that is described by the following equation

X = A + ( B.( A + C ) + C ) + A.B ( D + E )
a) Simplify the equation using Boolean algebra.
b) Implement the original then the simplified equation with digital circuit.
c) Implement the original then the simplified using ladder logic

Question 3

a) Describe the basic steps of operation of a PLC after it is turned on. [8]
b) How do input and output cards act as interface between the PLC and external
devices [3]
c) Given a clear plastic bottle, list three types of sensors that could be used to detect it.
[3]
d) Describe the difference between positive and negative edge triggered [4]

Question 4

Figure 2

The diagram in figure 2 shows a ladder logic program.

a) Explain the purpose and operation of the ladder logic program. [4]

b) There are few basic types of memory used in PLCs today. State and explain each.
[12]
c) With the aid of a diagram, describe the difference between an event based device and an
event based device. [4]

Question 5

a) Using a simple diagram, describe the principle of operation of a latch. [4]

b) There are two fundamental types of memory used in Allen-Bradley programmable

Logic controllers. State and then explain each of these. [8]

c) The diagram shown in figure 3 below is a ladder logic program for Allen-Bradley PLCs.
Provide an equivalent instruction list program. [8]
Figure 3

Question 6

a) A ladder logic can be used to design a relay based controller that will allow three switches
in a room to control a single light. There are two possible approaches to this problem.
Provide the ladder logic programs that can be used for the each of the approaches.
[8]

b). The diagram in figure 4 below is a ladder logic representation of a latch instruction.
 Figure 4

Explain how the instruction operates. [5]

c) Explain with the aid of a diagram the difference between an on delay timer and an off
delay timer. [5]

d) State and briefly describe the two basic counters that we have. [2]

Question 7

Consider the traffic lights in Figure 5. The normal sequences for traffic lights
are a green light in one direction for a long period of time, typically 10 or more seconds.
This is followed by a brief yellow light, typically 4 seconds. This is then followed by a
similar light pattern in the other direction. It is understood that a green or yellow light in
one direction implies a red light in the other direction. Pedestrian buttons are provided so
that when pedestrians are present a cross walk light can be turned on and the duration of
the green light increased.
 Figure 5

By first defining the inputs and outputs and describe the system variables, develop a
programmable logic controller for this system. [20]

END