Digital Electronics and Systems

UNIT-IV
Digital electronics and systems, digital logic control, micro
processors and micro controllers, programming, process
controllers, programmable logic controllers, PLCs versus
computers, application of PLCs for control.
Micro Processors and Micro Controllers
Microprocessors and Microcontrollers

• logic gates and sequential logic controllers such as flip-flops can perform certain
predefined functions and have very less flexibility in the operations. To make any
change in the functionality, the circuits must be modified and may require redesign.

• In many situations, the control tasks may involve more complex relationships among
many inputs and outputs which make the conventional logic control circuits more
complex and sometimes impossible too. The simplest solution of such complex digital
design involves the use of a microprocessor-based system which involves software
programs.
A microprocessor is a single, very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) chip that contains
programmable electronic components that perform arithmetic, logic, communication and
control functions.

Several storage registers are included in a microprocessor for holding binary numbers.

It also contains an instruction decoder to interpret instruction as well as an arithmetic logic

unit (ALU), a control unit and three groups of internal signal lines.

The signal lines are: the address bus, the data bus and the control bus.

A bus is a set of conductors that provides transfer path between various components in a
system.
The timing and control unit is the portion of the microprocessor which is
responsible for the overall function of microprocessor. It determines the
timing and sequence of operations. This has an on-chip clock generator. The
generator is in fact a counter or a frequency divider. The input is given from
an external crystal or a suitable RC or LC network. This input frequency is
divided by an internal divider into half and this halved frequency is the
frequency of the processor. The usual crystal frequency selected will be
between 1 MHz and 10 MHz.
The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations such as increment,
decrement, compare, add, subtract etc.
Registers are a type of computer memory used to quickly accept, store, and transfer data
and instructions that are being used immediately by the CPU. The registers used by the
CPU are often termed as Processor registers.
Microcomputer
When a microprocessor is packaged in a printed circuit board with other components, such
as interfaces for accepting signals from the outside world, and can output signals that can
control external devices (called I/O interface) and memory chips, the resulting assembly is
referred to as a microcomputer.

Structure of Microcomputer

A microcomputer consists of three sections:

• A central processing unit (CPU)

• An I/O interface
• A memory block.
CPU consists of a microprocessor which is constructed with microcircuit technology. It
has digital circuits for data handling and computation.

I/O interfaces are used to handle communications between the microcomputer and the
outside devices called peripherals.

Memory is of two types: read-only memory (types being ROM, PROM or EPROM) and
random access memory (RAM).
Buses carry digital signals from one section to another along paths. Buses might be tracks
on a printed circuit board or wires in the form of a ribbon cable.
There are three busses commonly used in a microcomputer: address bus, data bus and
control bus.
Address Bus This is a unidirectional bus used to transmit the address of a location in
memory or I/O parts involved in the data transfer. Though all devices connected to the
microprocessor receive this address, only the device which has been addressed will respond.
For example, if the address bus is 16-bit wide then the microprocessor can access 216
memory locations which equals 65,536 locations.
Data Bus This is bidirectional because the data has to be received by as well as transmitted
from the microprocessor. The length of the data bus determines the length of data that can
be processed by the microprocessor at a time.
For example, an 8-bit microprocessor has an 8-bit data bus because it processes 8-bit data at
one time.
Control Bus This carries control signals such as read or write from the control unit to the
memory and I/O devices and the other parts of the microprocessor. Physically the address
and data buses themselves act as control bus.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) The CPU, also called the microprocessor unit (MPU), is where the primary
computation and system control operations are carried out. It processes the data by fetching instructions from
memory, decoding them and executing them.
CPU consists of control unit, instruction register, instruction decoder, data register and ALU. Figure 8.32
shows a schematic of a microcomputer CPU.
Computer Registers
Registers are a type of computer memory used to quickly accept, store, and transfer data
and instructions that are being used immediately by the CPU. The registers used by the
CPU are often termed as Processor registers.

A processor register may hold an instruction, a storage address, or any data (such as bit
sequence or individual characters).

The computer needs processor registers for manipulating data and a register for holding a
memory address. The register holding the memory location is used to calculate the address
of the next instruction after the execution of the current instruction is completed.

A group of registers is used in the CPU to temporarily hold the internal data while
instructions are being executed. There are various types of registers used in the
microcomputer. The number, size and types of registers vary from one microprocessor to
another.
Memory Memory devices are where the control plan or program is held or stored in the
controller or store groups of binary digits of 1s and 0s in the form of bytes at individual
locations identified by their addresses.
The memory of a microcomputer is divided into many sections based on specific
functions.
1. Sectors to store the status of inputs and outputs.
2. Sectors to store system information such as scan time, fault status, fault codes and
watch dog timers.
There are several types of memory in memory systems of microcomputer systems.

They are divided into two major categories:

1. volatile memory;

1. non-volatile memory.
The volatile memory loses its stored information if power is disrupted and can be easily
altered, whereas
the non-volatile memory retains the information if power is disrupted.

Some of the microcomputers are used to hold system memory and some are used to hold
user memory. The broad classification of memory used in a microcomputer is given
Figure 8.35.
The important memory types are as follows:
1. Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is used to store temporary data. It is
designed so that information can be written into or read from the memory. Dynamic
RAMs refreshed typically by external refresh circuits can hold data for few million
seconds. Pseudostatic RAMs are refreshed internally, whereas static RAMs store the
data in flip-flops. The typical pin connections fora1K × 8 bits RAM chip are shown
in Figure 8.35(a).
2. Read-Only Memory (ROM):The internal use and operation of the microcomputer
requires ROM to give permanent storage for the operation of the system. This non-
volatile memory is designed so that the information stored in the memory can only be
read and cannot be changed. Software permanently stored in ROM is referred to as
firmware. The typical pin connections ofa1K × 8 bits ROM chip are shown in Figure
8.35(b).
3. Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM): It is a special type of ROM that
allows initial and/or additional information to be written into the chip. It can be written
into only once after being received from the manufacturer.

4. Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM): It is a specially designed PROM, and

is programmed using a dedicated programmer. It can be reprogrammed after having been
entirely erased with the use of an ultraviolet light source.

5. Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM): It is a non-volatile

memory that can be erased using electrical pulses rather than ultraviolet light. The
EEPROM can be electrically overwritten with new data.
Input/Output Interfacing A processor has to process data available from any system. To
feed in the data and to store the processed data, the peripheral devices, also called the I/O
devices – for example keyboard, monitor, memory devices, etc. – are connected to the
processor.

Connecting an I/O device with a processor involves careful design. The main reason is that
the speed of the I/O devices is very less when compared with that of the processor. Since the
I/O device is very slow, the processor will be idle most of the time waiting for the data to
come in and also most of the output data from the processor will be lost. Hence the data
flow has to be monitored. Another major problem is that not all I/O devices will produce
information or data in binary form. Each device is characterized by its own code, for
example keyboard produces ASCII data, printer recognizes only Extended Binary Coded
Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) data (some devices produce analog signals only), etc.
So it becomes necessary to convert each of these data into a processor understandable form.
To overcome the above problems, the I/O devices are interfaced to microprocessors using
their own special interfacing. The data input rates from the I/O devices to the computer on
one side and the speed of data transmission within the computer and data output from the
computer on the other side cannot match with
each other and consequently interfacing between the I/O device and the computer is done
by the “interfacing systems”. Similarly the speed of data acceptance that is possible by
the I/O device and the internal speeds of the computer are matched by the interfacing
systems. Interface is the mid-system between I/O and a microprocessor and takes care of
code conversion, synchronization and other associated problems. In other words, interface
is the device which resolves the functional and constructional differences between I/O
device and microprocessor. The differences are enumerated below,
1. Peripherals are electromechanical devices while microprocessors are electronic devices.
So their ways of operation are different.
2. Data transfer rates between I/O devices and microprocessor vary vastly.
3. Operation of I/O devices has to be synchronized with that of the microprocessor.
Basically we mean here the protocols and mechanisms which should see that the
information is transmitted between the I/O device and microprocessor without any
problems such as loss of data or data corruption.
4. Data format between microprocessor and I/O is different.
5. Operation of each I/O has to be individually controlled so as not to disturb the
operation of the microprocessor. For these reasons an I/O interface is used.
The I/O interface performs the following tasks:
1. It provides ways through which data from each external device will be transferred properly
with the microprocessor without causing interference to other devices connected to the
system buses.
2. It resolves any difference that may exist regarding the timing (clock speeds) between the
microprocessor and the peripheral device. The microprocessor CPU runs on its own internal
clock while the peripherals may or may not have their own internal clocks.
3. It converts the format of the data of the peripherals to the format that is acceptable by the
microprocessor and vice versa.
4. Also produce interrupt signals to force the microprocessor to react immediately in case some
peripherals demand immediate action.

Intel has designed an interface/controller for each one of the I/O devices separately. Some of the
most popular interface chips used with 8085 microprocessors are: 1. 8279: Keyboard/display
interface. 2. 8255: Programmable peripheral interface (general purpose). 3. 8253:
Programmable interval timer/counter. 4. 8257: DMA (direct memory access) controller. 5.
8251: USART (universal serial asynchronous receiver/transmitter). 6. 8259: Programmable
interrupt controller. 7. 8212: I/O port. Microcontrollers As previously explained, a
microcontroller is the integration of a microprocessor
Microcontrollers A microcontroller is the integration of a microprocessor with I/O
interfaces and memory and other peripherals in a single IC chip. Therefore, it is basically
a microcomputer on a single IC chip.

Microcontrollers are used in many applications including home appliances, entertainment

equipment, telecommunication equipment, automobiles, trucks, airplanes, toys and office
equipments. The aforementioned equipments require some sort of automatic control based
on various inputs. For example, an electronic engine management system of an
automobile uses microcontrollers to control ignition timing, antilock braking, air-bag
control, temperature control, air intake pressure control, fuel injection control, pollution
control,
8051
History
The first microprocessor 4004 was invented by Intel
Corporation. 8085 and 8086 microprocessors were also invented by Intel. In 1981, Intel
introduced an 8-bit microcontroller called the 8051.

It was referred as system on a chip because it had 128 bytes of RAM, 4K byte of on-chip
ROM, two timers, one serial port, and 4 ports (8-bit wide), all on a single chip.

When it became widely popular, Intel allowed other manufacturers to make and market
different flavors of 8051 with its code compatible with 8051. It means that if you write
your program for one flavor of 8051, it will run on other flavors too, regardless of the
manufacturer. This has led to several versions with different speeds and amounts of on-chip
RAM.
8051 Flavors / Members

•8052 microcontroller − 8052 has all the standard features of the 8051 microcontroller as
well as an extra 128 bytes of RAM and an extra timer. It also has 8K bytes of on-chip
program ROM instead of 4K bytes.

•8031 microcontroller − It is another member of the 8051 family. This chip is often
referred to as a ROM-less 8051, since it has 0K byte of on-chip ROM. You must add
external ROM to it in order to use it, which contains the program to be fetched and
executed. This program can be as large as 64K bytes. But in the process of adding external
ROM to the 8031, it lost 2 ports out of 4 ports. To solve this problem, we can add an
external I/O to the 8031
Features of 8051 Microcontroller
An 8051 microcontroller comes bundled with the following features −

• 4KB bytes on-chip program memory (ROM)

• 128 bytes on-chip data memory (RAM)
• Four register banks
• 128 user defined software flags
• 8-bit bidirectional data bus
• 16-bit unidirectional address bus
• 32 general purpose registers each of 8-bit
• 16 bit Timers (usually 2, but may have more or less)
• Three internal and two external Interrupts
• Four 8-bit ports,(short model have two 8-bit ports)
• 16-bit program counter and data pointer
• 8051 may also have a number of special features such as
UARTs, ADC, Op-amp, etc.
Basic components present internally inside 8051 Microcontroller architecture are:
CPU (Central Processing Unit): CPU act as a mind of any processing machine. It
synchronizes and manages all processes that are carried out in microcontroller. User has no
power to control the functioning of CPU. It interprets the program stored in ROM and carries
out from storage and then performs it projected duty. CPU manage the different types of
registers available in 8051 microcontroller.
Interrupts: Interrupts provide a method to postpone or delay the current process, performs a
sub-routine task and then restart the standard program again.

Types of interrupt in 8051 Microcontroller:

Let's see the five sources of interrupts in 8051 Microcontroller:
Timer 0 overflow interrupt - TF0
Timer 1 overflow interrupt - TF1
External hardware interrupt - INT0
External hardware interrupt - INT1
Serial communication interrupt - RI/TI
Memory: For operation Micro-controller required a program. This program guides the
microcontroller to perform the specific tasks. This program installed in microcontroller
required some on chip memory for the storage of the program.
Microcontroller also required memory for storage of data and operands for the short
duration. In microcontroller 8051 there is code or program memory of 4 KB that is it has 4
KB ROM and it also comprise of data memory (RAM) of 128 bytes.
Bus : Bus is a group of wires which uses as a communication canal or acts as means of data
transfer. The different bus configuration includes 8, 16 or more cables. Therefore, a bus can
bear 8 bits, 16 bits all together.
Types of buses in 8051 Microcontroller:
Let's see the two types of bus used in 8051 microcontroller:
Address Bus: 8051 microcontrollers is consisting of 16 bit address bus. It is generally be
used for transferring the data from Central Processing Unit to Memory.
Data bus: 8051 microcontroller is consisting of 8 bits data bus. It is generally be used for
transferring the data from one peripherals position to other peripherals.
Oscillator: As the microcontroller is digital circuit therefore it needs timer for their
operation. To perform timer operation inside microcontroller it required externally connected
or on-chip oscillator. Microcontroller is used inside an embedded system for managing the
function of devices.

In an oscillator circuit the crystal is mechanically vibrating on its resonance frequency

fOSC, and provides a stable reference oscillation signal to the microcontroller and is used
as input reference clock.

Therefore, 8051 uses the two 16 bit counters and timers. For the operation of this timers and
counters the oscillator is used inside microcontroller.
Pins 1-8: These pins belongs to Port 1 of microcontroller. Port 1 is used as domestically
pulled up, quasi bi directional input/output port
Pin 9: It is a RESET pin which is utilized to set the microcontroller 8051 to its primary
value. During the beginning of an application the RESET pin is to be set elevated for two
machine rotations.
Pins 10-17: These pins belong to Port 3 of microcontroller. Port 3 can be used for number
of functions such as timer input, interrupts, serial communication indicator for transmitting
(TxD) and receiving (RxD). It is also known as domestic pull up port with quasi bi
direction port embedded within.
Pins 18 and 19: These pins are generally be used for interfacing outer crystal oscillator
with given system clock.
Pin 20: This pin titled as Vss. It symbolizes ground voltage or 0 V is connected to this pin
of microcontroller.
Pin 21-28: These pins belong to port 2 of microcontroller. Port 2 can be used as
Input/output port, senior order address bus are multiplexed with this quasi bi directional
port.
Pin 29: This pin belongs to Program Store Enable or PSEN. It is used for interpreting the
sign from outer program memory.
Pin 30: This pin belongs to External Access or EA input is used for permit or prohibits
outer memory interfacing. If there is no outer memory need, this pin is set to high by
linking it with supply voltage .
Pin 31: This pin belongs to Address Latch Enable or ALE is used for de-multiplexing the
address data indication of port 0 for outer memory interfacing.
Pin 32-39: These pins belong to Port 0 of the microcontroller. Port 0 can be used as
input/output port, lower order address and data bus signals are multiplexed with this port.
This pin act as bi directional Input/output port and outer connected pull up resistors are
necessary for utilizing these ports as Input/output.
Pin 40: This pin is used to provide power supply to the circuit.
Applications of Microprocessor Control
Almost all control systems nowadays contain either a microprocessor or a microcontroller or a
DSP (digital signal processor) or some such processor. Some applications are explained in the
following sections.

Temperature Monitoring System The block diagram of a temperature monitoring system

using a microcontroller is shown in Figure 8.37. This system uses Motorola MC68HC11
microcontroller. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of a place of interest and
gives a voltage proportional to the temperature. Since the temperature sensor produces analog
voltage as output, it is sent to the A/D converter of the microcontroller which converts the
analog signal into the digital signal. This signal is stored in the CPU of the microcontroller.
The CPU has an in-built program to convert the temperature data into a BCD output. This
output can be used to switch on the LED’s of the digital display. However, because the
temperature may vary continuously during the period of time, it is necessary to use storage
register. The storage register can hold data for some time for the display to be read. Here,
74HCT273D flip-flop is used as a storage register.
Programming

A series of instructions written, which can be understood by the microprocessor, to carry out
a specific task is called a program.

The instruction set contains a list of instructions the microprocessor recognizes and carries out
a specific operation such as addition, multiplication, etc. intended by the programmer.

Microprocessors understand instructions written in binary code – called the machine code. It
is very time consuming to write programs in machine code, therefore, a set of codes called
mnemonic code is given by the manufacturer for each microprocessor which is easy to learn
and use. The programs written using the mnemonic code are called assembly level programs
and the language is referred to as the assembly language. Each instruction in assembly
language is an abbreviated statement of the operation that is intended to be carried out and as
such becomes easily comprehendible during the program writing process as well as when
checking the program for errors.
As we have already mentioned, the microprocessor would only recognize the machine code.
To perform a series of operations we will have to convert these instructions in assembly
language into the machine code. For this we can use manufacturer’s instructions/data sheets
which give the binary code for each mnemonic code used in the assembly language. This
work can be very time consuming and also extremely error-prone and as such is not feasible
when the programs are long. To overcome this we use computer programs that convert
assembly level programs into machine code programs.

As a further refinement or improvement we have what are called higher level programs such
as FORTRAN, BASIC, PASCAL, C, etc. These languages are closer to the problem or
application and very easily comprehendible when read. This makes these languages less
error-prone and also very user-friendly. The output of the programmer increases substantially.
However, programs written in these languages have to be converted into machine code
before the microprocessor can perform any operation. This is again done by compilers which
are programs that convert these programs into machine code.
PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers)
The basic structure of a PLC is shown in Figure 13.4 in order to control machine and
process. Here, the switches are not connected directly to lamps; instead the switches are
connected to the input modules and lamps are connected to the output modules. Therefore,
the input devices such as sensors are connected to PLC and form switching devices. The
output devices such as motors and valves are connected to the PLC. Only when the
program conditions have been met, the output devices are switched ON or OFF based on
logics of inputs.
Basic Structure of a PLC A typical PLC system has five parts, as illustrated in Figure 13.5.
These components are as follows: 1. central processing unit (CPU); 2. the input/output (I/O)
unit; 3. programming device; 4. memory unit.
CPU The CPU is the brain of the PLC, consisting of a microprocessor which interprets the
input signals and carries out the control actions according to the program stored in its
memory, communicating the decisions as an action signal to the outputs.

Memory required for the program is EPROM or EEPROM plus random access memory
(RAM). The user normally enters the desired programs in relay ladder logic to the CPU.
The processor receives the input data from various sensing devices, executes the instructions
according to the stored program from memory and sends appropriate output commands to
the actuators and output devices.

The power supply unit is needed to convert the AC voltage to the low DC voltage
necessary for the processor and to supply power to other circuits in the input and output
interface modules.
I/O Unit
The input and output sections are where the processor receives information from external
devices and communicates information to the external devices.
The input and output units are normally incorporated into the PLC in two ways:
one is the fixed I/O, typically a small unit that comes in one piece with processor (Figure
13.6), and other is the modular input where I/O units packed together.

In fixed I/O module the I/O terminals cannot be changed, whereas in the modular system
(Figure 13.7), there are several compartments into which the I/O modules can be plugged.
This feature makes it possible to choose and use the I/O modules in a flexible manner.

In both methods, the input system consists of modules that form the interface by which
field devices are connected to the controller. The objective of interface here is to interface
the various input signals received from sensors or switches, selector switches or to send the
output signal to output devices such as motors, solenoid and indicator lights.
The Programming Device
The programming device is used to enter the required program using ladder logic into the
memory of the processor. The sequence of operation and ultimate control of equipment or
machinery is specified and determined by the ladder program.
While entering the ladder program, the program device is normally connected to the
controller. Actual programming is usually achieved by pushing keys or a keyboard and can
be programmed by people without much computer programming experience.

There are normally three approaches followed by the program [Figures 13.8(a)–(c)]. They
are as follows:
1. Use of hand-held programmer;
2. Terminal with video display unit;
3. A PC with appropriate software.
Memory Unit The memory unit is where the rules are stored in the form of binary digits at
individual locations that are to be used for the control actions by the microprocessor. There
are two main types of memory, namely RAM and read-only memory (ROM). RAM is used
for program and data storage. There is a need to provide a battery backup in order to prevent
loss of any data when power is removed from the system. The ROM is designed for PC
operating system so that the information stored in memory can only be read.
A PLC is a microprocessor-based controller that uses a programmable memory to store
instructions and to implement functions such as logic, sequencing, timing, counting and
arithmetic in order to control machines and process.

It is a solid-state device, digitally operating system, designed for use in an industrial

environment, which uses an internal storage of instructions for implementing specific
functions to make logical decisions and provide outputs.

The PLCs (Figure 13.2) find vast applications in the control and operation of automated
manufacturing process equipment and machinery, packaging and filling equipment,
chemical mixing, conveyor systems and distillation, etc. Most automated factories employ
PLCs in plant control applications such as the automations of production and assembly
process.

Initially, the PLC has been used to replace logic functions, but its ever-developing features
offer several advantages over a conventional relay type of control.
Owing to the fact that the structure of PLC is based on the same principles of computer
architecture, it is capable of performing other functions such as counting, logistics, numerical
applications, comparing and processing of signals.

The PLC is designed to withstand vibrations, temperature, humidity and noise. The interfacing
of inputs and outputs is available within the controller, and they can be designed with
communication capabilities that allow them to interface with a computer system or human.
PLC has a great advantage in that the controller can be used with a wide range of control
systems and rules can be easily modified. Here the programming is primarily concerned with
implementing logic and switching operations.
Figure 13.3 shows a hardwired circuit used for a simple application consisting of two independent switches and motor.
They are wired parallel to generate a simple logic of when the switch is ON; Motor 1 is ON otherwise OFF. If we
introduce more complex logic, say, Motor 2 should be OFF when the Motor 1 is switched ON, this will require the
redesigning of circuit and hence rewiring. Plant machine control involves such a complex process and hence controller
system inherently requires hundreds of relays and circuits. The basic structure of a PLC is shown in Figure 13.4 in order
to control machine and process. Here, the switches are not connected directly to lamps; instead the switches are
connected to the input modules and
PLCs versus Computers The architecture of a PLC is basically the same as that of a
general-purpose computer. However, the PLC differs in certain characteristics as follows:

• The application of PLC is for industrial environment with wide variation in

atmosphere conditions. PLC is very rigid and compact without being affected by
vibration, sound and electrical effect.

• Normally, PLC will be handled and operated by electricians and technicians who have
not much knowledge of hardware and software, whereas the computer will require a
person with knowledge of hardware and software.

• Relay ladder programs are essentially used for feeding instructions, and come with
language built into its permanent memory, whereas PC would require a disk memory
and has large memory.
PLCs versus Computers

• PLCs are not able to deal with flexibility of any capabilities via software as in PC.

• PLCs deal with I/O in the form of sensors, switches, actuators, etc. through
appropriate interface units [Figure 13.13(a)]. Conventional computers shown in
Figure 13.13(b) receive inputs from the keyboard and give output to a VDU screen or
printer.

• The power supply in an industrial environment is shared by many devices and

therefore there can be flicker supply or interruption to the supply. Such disruption of
the supply will normally not affect the program and storage of data in PLC. In a
computer, such loss of data could happen.
Application of PLCs for Control
Extending and Retracting a Pneumatic Piston using Latches The task of the PLC here is to
move the piston in and out of the cylinder as shown in the arrangement of Figure 13.88.
When switch SW1 is closed, piston A will extend out of cylinder (A+). When switch SW2 is
momentarily closed, piston A is to retract into the cylinder (A−). The ladder program
solution to the above problem can be achieved using two latch circuits as shown in Figure
13.89.
When the input switch X 100 (SW1) is actuated, Rung 1 is latched instantaneously and the
output device Y 100 is energized. The output relay Y 100 is connected to the solenoid Y1
and thus the piston is extended. The solenoid Y2 is de-energized during the forward motion
of piston by an NC contact of X 100 via output device Y 200. When switch X 200 is
pressed, Rung 2 is latched providing the output to energize solenoid Y2 via relay coil Y
200. The NC contact X200 (SW2) in the Rung 1 will now deactivate the solenoid Y1 via
relay contact Y 100 in Rung 1, thus the piston retracts.
Control of Two Pneumatic Pistons The task of the PLC is to extend the piston A, then
piston B and retract A and B sequentially using the arrangement shown in Figure 13.90.
The sequence of motion required can be annotated as A+B+A−B−and the cycle will be
started when the switch SW1 X 100 is closed. Pneumatic pistons are controlled using two
5/2 directional control valves. The PLC diagram shown in Figure 13.91 represents the
control of piston movement entirely with the help of time delay between the strokes. The
electrical limit switches LS11, LS12, LS21 and LS22 are activated at the end positions of
the strokes. The sequential operation of pistons is obtained with time delays with the use
of timers. The relay contact Y 100 and timer coil T 100 are latched when press button X
100 is pressed, giving forward strokes of piston A. It is essential that solenoid Y2 be de-
energized for activating the left-hand switch of the solenoid operated 5/2 control valve.
The unlatching of circuit is achieved with succeeding timer contact. The timer contact T
100 is energized 5 s after A+, providing an energy signal to Y 300 via an NC contact of T
200. Thus, piston B extends. The reverse sequence of cylinders A and B is obtained after a
delay of 5 s each.