UNIVERSIDAD

TECNOLOGICA DE DURANGO

Programmble Logic Controllers

Guadalupe Angelina Lopez

Victor Hugo Ceniceros Serrato

Mechatronics 2A

12/09/2021
Programmable Logic Controller
What is a PLC?
It is a ruggedized computer used for industrial automation. These controllers can
automate a specific process, machine function or even an entire production line.

How it Works?
The PLC receives information from connected sensors or input devices, processes the
data, and triggers outputs based on pre-programmed parameters. Depending on the
inputs and outputs, a PLC can monitor and record run-time data such as machine
productivity or operating temperature, automatically start and stop processes and
generate alarms if a machine malfunctions.

Siemens
The S7-200 is referred to a micro-PLC because of its small size. It has a brick design which
means that the power supply and I/0 are on-board. It can be used on smaller, stand-alone
applications such as elevators, car washes etc. but it can be used on industrial
applications. It provides CPU modules that have a large number of I/0 points onboard. The
CPU module has a standard type and compact type for the users to choose, which can
meet the different needs of customers.
The new signal boards are designed with scalable communication ports, digital or analog
channels, that are closely fitting to the user’s application requirements and lower costs for
expansion.
High speed chip, it is equipped with siemens dedicated processor chip, the basic
instruction execution time is up to 0.15μs, it has the leading performance compared to the
micro-PLC of the same level.
All CPUs have integrated Ethernet interface to download the programs conveniently and
quickly using the common cable. Through the Ethernet port, it can connect to other
Simatic CPUs / HMIs to realize interconnection and set up the network
User-friendly software, programming efficiency Based on the powerful functions inherited
from the Siemens programming software, it has absorbed more humanized design which
has enhanced the user friendliness of the software greatly. Improved the efficiency in
developing the program; The new S7-200 SMART has two different types of CPU modules,
i.e. standard type and compact type. Standard type CPU is expandable with I/O expansion
modules and signal boards. Compact type CPUs are non-expandable with I/O expansion
modules and signal boards.

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Allen-Bradley
Allen-Bradley became a major PLC manufacturer in the United States during his
employment with AB.
He also contributed as a leader in the development of IEC 61131-3 PLC programming
language standards.
The SLC 500 1746-HSCE High Speed Counter This module offers a single bidirectional
counting channel, which supports quadrature, pulse/direction, or up/down counter input.
Four on-board open collector outputs allow module control independent of the SLC
processor scan. The module features three modes of operation: Range, Rate, and
Sequencer.
Blow Molding Module This module features four independent axes of PID control plus one
discrete I/O pair per channel for channel synchronization. The 1746-BLM module provides
256 points of resolution for each parison channel with interpolation, and has loop update
times of 100 microseconds. Configurations include accumulator push-out control and
three parison axis, and two accumulator push-outs and two parison axis. The module is
designed to work in a variety of applications, including accumulator machines, continuous

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extrusion machines, and reciprocating screw machines. The module performs its servo
control task independently from the processor, but receives its configuration and run-time
information from the processor.
Network Communications: Rockwell Automation offers many control and
communications media products to help you integrate plant operations. The SLC 500
family features communications modules and devices which provide support for different
networks, including EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, DH+, DH-485, Universal Remote
I/O and serial networks.
NetLinx Open Network Architecture is the Rockwell Automation strategy of using open
networking technology for seamless, top-floor to shop-floor integration. The NetLinxbased
networks – DeviceNet, ControlNet, and EtherNet/IP – all use the Common Industrial
Protocol (CIP), so they speak a common language and share a universal set of
communication services. NetLinx architecture, part of the Integrated Architecture,
seamlessly integrates all the components in an automation system from a few devices on
one network to multiple devices on multiple networks including access to the Internet-
helping you to improve flexibility, reduce installation costs, and increase productivity.
SLC 500 processor: SLC 5/01 This processor offers a basic set of 51 instructions with the
choice of 1K or 4K of memory in a modular hardware configuration. Modular I/O systems
that include an SLC 5/01 processor can be configured with a maximum of three chassis (30
total slots) and from 4 I/O points to a maximum of 3940 I/O points.
RSNetWorx software is the configuration tool for your control network. With RSNetWorx
software you can create a graphical representation of your network configuration and
configure the parameters that define your network. Use RSNetWorx software for:

• ControlNet software to schedule network components. The software

automatically calculates network bandwidth for the entire network, as well as the
bandwidth used by each network component. You must have RSNetWorx
software to configure and schedule ControlNet networks.
• DeviceNet software to configure DeviceNet I/O devices and create a scan list. The
DeviceNet scanner stores the configuration information and scan list.
• EtherNet/IP software to configure EtherNet/IP devices using IP addresses or host
names.

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Allen Bradley and Siemens
The Allen-Bradley PLC is known for boasting both of these qualities and that makes this
Programmable Logic Controller an appealing investment for any manufacturer. Ease of use
means that even a relatively untried PLC technician without extensive programming experience
can still make use of an Allen-Bradley PLC – but the ease of use doesn’t stop there.
Debugging an Allen-Bradley PLC arguably takes less time and effort than it does with a
Siemens PLC.

Further, Allen-Bradley PLCs communicates effectively with third-party devices, and can import
and export tags from Excel to Human Machine Interface (HMI) or SCADA databases.

Having said all that, ease of use isn’t always the most important criteria depending on the
experience level of the technician and the intended application. Siemens allows for their PLCs
to be heavily programmed and customized to suit particular business needs. Naturally, this
implies that a more robust computer programming background will be needed in order for a
technician to effectively make use of and maintain a Siemens PLC, but the opportunities such
customization lends itself to cannot be understated.

When installing an Allen-Bradley PLC you’ll also need to connect the Allen-Bradley power
supply, rack, and additional cards for safety communication ports. Siemens PLCs on the other
hand, can be plugged into most standard 24V DC power supplies and come with built-in safety
communication ports. Lastly, Siemens PLCs come with built-in protocols that meet European
standards (ASI, Profinet, Profibus) whereas Allen-Bradley PLCs come with American protocols
(EthernetIP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, etc.).

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Schneider Electric’s Modicon
Modicon M221: To be competitive in today’s digital era, machine builders must be
innovative. Smart machines, those that are better connected, more flexible, more
efficient, and safe, are enabling machine builders to innovate in ways never before
possible; Flexible and scalable machine control The ranges of Modicon controllers provide
flexible and scalable machine control. Ethernet connectivity, USB port for programming,
and an embedded web server.
Intuitive machine programming with EcoStruxure Machine Expert - Basic EcoStruxure
Machine Expert - Basic is the universal programming software for machines automated by
Modicon M221 logic controllers. Simple navigation that requires only fewer clicks delivers
a more efficient engineering process.
Pros
Modicon’s programming software (called Unity Pro) unifies five different PLC
programming languages. The engineer who programs the PLC can mix and match between
ladder logic, function block diagram, structured text, instruction list, and sequential
function chart. Another great pro to Modicon is that the hardware is hardened for
industrial environments. Most models are made to control large and complex machines in
dirty environments. Additionally, they have incorporated the Ethernet/IP standard in their
product line to allow for deterministic distributed I/O, which is important in mission
critical control environments.
Cons

Like Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric PLCs are considered grade A, due to their robustness
and hardening. A typical cost will be a bit higher than average, especially compared to
other non-hardened PLCs.
Many PLC vendors are protective of their programming software code, and only allow
certified vendors to install and work with their software. They might do this to avoid
competition poaching or simply to ensure the device is programmed correctly. However,
this proprietary policy makes it very difficult for customer O&M techs to fix minor issues,
and forces them to schedule out and pay extra for certified Schneider Electric techs or
control vendors.