Faculty of Engineering

Department of Industrial Engineering

Industrial Automation (INEN- 535)

Types of (PLC)

By students :

Ibrahim Khalid Bamuqabil 382015799

Ryan Mohammad Alissa 391001887

Supervisor :

Dr. Muawia Mahmoud

Semester : Fall 2022

Introduction :

A digital computer called a programmable logic controller (PLC) is used to

automate electromechanical activities that are commonly found in industrial
settings, including equipment control on factory assembly lines, amusement
rides, or light fixtures.
People have been able to reach unprecedented levels of inventiveness and output
thanks to automated technology. However, if scientists had not invested in the
programmable logic controller, the level of automation we have today would not
be conceivable (PLC). Discover the PLC definition and its uses by reading this
article further.
Many different machines and businesses use PLCs. The most common
automation controllers in use today are programmable logic controllers, which
were first created in the 1970s.

Figure(1): an example of PLC [1

Types of programmable logic controllers (PLC) :

1- PLC Types Based on Size

2- PLC Types Based on Hardware setup
3- PLC Types Based on Power Supply
4- PLC Types Based on Programming Language
1. PLC Types Based on Size

Small (PLC)
Conveyors and motors are examples of smaller machinery that can be managed
by a [PLC] computer. Its capability is less extensive than that of the other two
kinds of PLCs, and its memory can accommodate ladder logic programs for
keeping track of nearby I/O devices.
They often have serial communications ports set up to connect to RS-232 or RS-
485 cables to communicate with field actuators and sensors. To make it simple to
integrate these devices into current control systems, separate modules of each
device can be purchased.
A few little PLCs are built into the controller they are used with. These tiny
PLCs have limited programming languages that often only support ladder logic
programs.

Medium (PLC)
A computer called a "medium" (PLC) can manage larger machinery like motors
and assembly lines. Due to its enormous memory space, extended connection
ports, faster processing, and additional input/output devices, it offers more
capabilities than the other two classes of PLCs.

Digital-to-analog converters (DACS), serial communications ports set up to

communicate with field actuators via networks or buses like Ethernet or
DeviceNet, and analog input modules for local sensors set up to track physical
parameters like pressure, temperature, and weight are examples of medium
programmable controllers.

These machines use PLC programming languages, which enable the

implementation of a wide range of logic structures for monitoring instruments
and operating machinery.
Large (PLC)
An extremely big machine, such as an entire building block or a power-
generating turbine, can be controlled by a massive PLC. Due to its large memory,
increased communication connections, fast processing, and additional
input/output devices, it offers more capabilities than the other two classes of
PLCs.
Digital-to-analog converters (DACS), serial communications ports configured to
communicate with field actuators via networks or buses like Ethernet or
DeviceNet, and other peripheral devices are some examples of large
programmable controllers. Analog output modules for local actuators configured
to monitor physical parameters like speed or torque output from motors
connected to them are another example.
These machines have programming languages that enable the implementation of
a wide range of logic structures for monitoring equipment and operating
machinery.

2. PLC Types Based on Hardware setup

The architecture of a PLC is another factor used to categorize PLCs.

A- Compact PLC
The PLC processor and I/O modules are combined into a single straightforward
electronic module, or compact type PLC.
Since compact PLCs by default only have a few inputs and outputs, we can use
expansion modules to add more inputs and outputs to the existing compact PLC.
 B- Modular PLC

Each component or module in a PLC of the modular type has its own
independent card, which could be a CPU card, an analog input card, a digital
output card, a communication card, etc.

For the CPU, I/O modules, connection modules, etc., we occasionally employ
redundant cards.
If the redundant cards need to be replaced due to a failure, some PLC
manufacturers include an option to automatically copy the software from the
main card to the redundant cards.

We provide two different installation styles for modular PLC:

1- Rack
2- Chassis

3. PLC Types Based on Power Supply

PLCs can be divided into two main types depending on their power supply: those
with a built-in power supply and those that require an external power supply.
PLC without built-in power supply: These types of PLC do not have a built-in
power supply, meaning they must be connected to an external power source such
as batteries.
PLC with the built-in power supply: This type does have a built-in DC voltage
DC24V or DC48V for the circuit inside the machine, so it will never need a
separate battery or transformer.
These are more efficient because they do not need to use up space for a separate
voltage conversion device and cut down on the number of components that can
break. [1]
4. PLC Types Based on Programming Language
There’s a lot of Programming language for PLC Controller here is the most four
languages :
A. Ladder Logic PLC Programming :
The most popular language, it’s represent the wiring of the devices in electrical
drawings that assumed the layout

Figure(2) : an example of Ladder Diagram [4]

B. Structured Text PLC Programming

This language is closely to C Language ( Assembly ), The user enter lines of
codes execute sequentially, evaluate specific functions, Boolean checks, and
energize appropriate outputs of the PLC.

Figure(3): Structured text programming [4]

 C. Function Block Diagrams PLC Programming Language
Also known as FBD , FBD is a programming language developed with chemical
processes in mind. It allows the user to create a visual representation and flow of
the process with appropriate transitions between the instructions.

Figure(4): FBD Example [4]

D. Sequential Function Charts PLC Programming Language

As the name implies, sequential function charts, or SFC, shine when it comes to a
subsequent process. For those who aren’t familiar with this notion, an example
would be a chemical transformation from raw materials into the finished product

Figure(5): sequential function chart[3]

Resources

[1] : chintglobal.com
[2]: instrumentationtools.com
[3] :solisplc.com
[4] :Electrical4u.com