In the field of automation and control, PLC programmers are commonly used to program and control automation machines. Besides, you must have come across machines that are only controlled by relays, pure gas. Some automation machines are controlled by PC Control with C# language.
In this article, plctop.com will go with you to learn an overview of the PLC programmer. Applications, advantages and disadvantages, popular PLC brands today.
What is PLC?
PLC is an acronym for Programmable Logic Controller. As a programmable control device, allowing flexible implementation of logic control algorithms through a programming language.
PLC Structure
Structure 1 PLC includes the following blocks: Power supply block, central processing unit (CPU), program memory, output and input blocks (I/O Module).
What is the working principle of PLC? What is PLC Scan Cycle?
The PLC executes the program in an iterative cycle. Each loop is called a Scan Cycle.
Each scan cycle begins with the reading of the input signals, followed by the execution of the program. The execution of the program will be carried out from the first instruction (top) to the end instruction. Next is implementing internal communication and performing self-checking for errors. Finally update the state to the Ouput.
Advantages and disadvantages of PLC compared to “Relay Circuit”.
+ Advantages:
- PLC Allows users to edit and change the program flexibly. As for the relay circuit, to change the function only way to change the control circuit and reconnect the circuit.
- With PLCs, you can program applications ranging from simple conveyors and cylinders to highly complex machines.
- Communicate and communicate with many peripheral devices.
- Using PLC makes it easy for you to maintain.
- PLC is made up of semiconductor components, so it has long life and reliability in industrial environment. Relay circuits are often limited in life because the quality of the relay contacts used for a long time will deteriorate.
- Beyond the mere control function. PLC allows you to perform other functions such as: Data processing, position control, Analogue, temperature control, PID with high accuracy. With relay circuit this is not possible and merely control ON/OFF.
+ Disadvantages
+ With such superior features, the cost of a PLC is quite high. However, at present, PLC lines of companies have very competitive prices such as PLC Mitsubishi, Delta …
+ To program PLC requires users to have a high level of expertise. In addition, some companies require the purchase of their own programming software.
Applications of PLCs.
Currently, PLC programmers are widely used in automation applications from simple to complex control systems. With outstanding advantages of PLC technology, it is applied in many fields such as: Medical, processing, textile, wastewater treatment, product inspection, product packaging system, production lines. , electrical system, food processing…
Popular PLC brands
+ PLC Siemens – Germany
- Known for its high durability, stable performance, powerful SCADA system. PLC Siemens has a high cost. Besides that, the Siemens programming software is quite heavy.
- Popular Siemens PLC series such as: S7-200, S7-1200, S7-300, S7-1500, S7-400.
+ PLC Mitsubishi – Japan
- PLC Mitsubishi is a product of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan). Mitsubishi PLC has the advantages of quality and competitive price, so it is the most commonly used.
- Popular Mitsubishi PLC series are: Mitsubishi FX PLC (FX1N, FX1S, FX2N, FX3G, FX3U, FX3S, FX3GE, FX3UC, FX5U, FX3GA, FX3GC, FX3SA). PLC Mitsubishi IQ-F Series (FX5U, FX5UC, FX5UJ), PLC Mitsubishi Q Series, PLC Mitsubishi L Series…
+ PLC Delta – Taiwan
- PLC Delta is a product of DELTA ELECTRONIS corporation – a Taiwanese electronics manufacturing corporation. Compared with big brands like Siemens, Mitsubishi, PLC Delta has a relatively competitive price. For small projects, Delta PLC will help you optimize costs. However, the quality and stability are still guaranteed. Delta PLC programming software is quite light and completely free.
- Popular Delta PLC series such as: DVP14SS2, DVP20SX2, DVP12SE, DVP12SC, DVP28SV2, DVP-ES2, DVP-EX2, DVP-EC3, DVP-PH2/PH3, DVP-PM…
+ PLC Schneider – France
- PLC Schneider is a product of Schneider Electric – A French brand, known as a manufacturer of electrical and automation equipment.
- Popular Schneider PLC series such as: Zelio Logic (Smart relays), Twido, Modicon M171/M172, Modicon M221, Modicon M238, Modicon M251, Modicon M258, Modicon MC80, Modicon TSX Micro, Preventa XPS MF…
+ PLC Omron – Japan
- PLC Omron is a product of Omron Corporation, one of the famous brands in the medical and industrial fields of Japan.
- Omron’s popular PLC series such as: CP1E, CP1L, CP2E, CP1H, CJ1 Series, CJ2 Series, CS1 Series, NX1 Series, NX1P Series, NJ Series…
In addition to the above PLC brands, in the market we also encounter other PLC brands such as: PLC LS, PLC Panasonic, PLC Allen-Bradley, PLC ABB, PLC IDEC, PLC Honeywell, PLC Fatek, PLC Wecon, PLC Hitachi, PLC Fuji…
