Chapter 4

Number Systems

Objectives
Identify the commonly used number systems used in PLCs. Convert binary data to decimal. Examine how data is stored in PLC data tables. Describe how BCD field devices interface.

Why Do I Need to Understand How Data Is Represented?

In order to install, program, maintain, and troubleshoot todays PLCs, you must understand the different methods by which internal data is represented.

Number Systems Typically Used with PLCs

We Use Words to Represent Information

Our words are groups of characters grouped together to represent something. The words we use are of different lengths.
Controller The Monday

We Use Symbols Called Numbers to Represent Data

Everyday numbers are decimal. 12,345

Computers Do Not Understand

Computers do not understand the words and numbers humans use. Computers have their own language called binary.

Binary Language
Binary information is also represented in groups of characters. A group of binary digits called bits can be organized into words. Binary bits consist of only two characters.
1 and 0

Binary Words
16 bits grouped together is called a word. A binary word might look like: 1010 1010 1010 1010 1010

Decimal Numbers
Ten digits
0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Base or radix
10

Weights
1, 10, 100, 1000 ..

Decimal Number System

Sixteen-Bit Binary Word Bit Weighting

Comparison of Decimal to Binary Numbers

Decimal Place Value Equivalent

Comparison of Decimal to Binary Numbers

Powers of two Place value A: Decimal 1= 24 16 23 8 22 4 21 2 20 1 1

B: Decimal 2=

C: Decimal 3=

D: Decimal 4=

E: Decimal 5=

F: Decimal 6=

G: Decimal 7=

H: Decimal 8=

I: Decimal 21=

Four-Digit BCD Thumb-Wheel

Comparison of BCD to Decimal and Binary Numbers

Single-Digit BCD Thumb-Wheel Interfaced to a PLC

Binary-Coded Decimal Number Bit Patterns

Two-Digit BCD Thumb-Wheel Interface

BCD Invalid Codes

Thumb-Wheel Dialed to 11

Thumb-Wheel Dialed to 743

Output Module Connected to Seven-Segment Display

Decimal 0 through 7 Represented with Binary Bits

Octal Number System Place Values

Decimal, Hexadecimal, and BCD Comparisons

Place Values of Hexadecimal