Exercise 1

PLC
18/10/2021
Q1: What is a programmable logic
controller (PLC)?

• an industrial computer that is capable of being

programmed to perform control functions.
Q2: Identify 5 tasks that PLCs are capable
of performing
• relay switching, timing, counting, calculating,
comparing, and the processing of analog
signals.
Q3:List six advantages that PLCs offer over
conventional relay-based control systems.
• Reliability: a code gives the same results, regardless of the
number of times it is re-run.
• Flexibility: It is easier to create and change a program in a PLC
than to wire and rewire a circuit.
• Lower Cost: for large applications, the number of actual relays
will be far less and this will reduce cost significantly.
• Communications Capability: communicate with other
controllers or computer equipment to perform such functions
as supervisory control, data gathering, monitoring devices and
process parameters.
• Faster Response Time : Machines that process thousands of
items per second and objects that spend only a fraction of a
second in front of a sensor require the PLC’s quick-response
capability.
• Easier to Troubleshoot : To find and fix problems, users can
display the control program on a monitor and watch it in real
time as it executes
Q4: State two ways in which I/O is
incorporated into the PLC.
• Fixed : fixed number of connections built in for
inputs and outputs
• modular : separate I/O modules can be plugged
into racks and interconnected with backboards.
Q5:Explain the main function of each of the
following major components of a PLC:
a. Processor module (CPU)
It Implements the logic and controls the communications among the
modules.
b. I/O modules
They form the interface by which field devices are connected to the
controller. The I/O field devices are usually electrically isolated by opto-
couplers.
c. Programming device
It enters the desired program into the memory of the processor.
d. Power supply module
It supplies DC/AC power to other modules that plug into the rack. For
larger systems, a separate power supply is provided to supply field
devices.
Q6: What are the two most common types of
PLC programming devices?

• Hand-held programming devices

• PC programming devices
Q7: Explain what happens in a typical
PLC scan Cycle.

1 2

4
3
 Q8: Consider the process and the relay
ladder logic diagram
a. When do the pressure switch contacts close?
b. When do the temperature switch contacts
close?
c. How are the pressure and temperature
switches connected with respect to each
other?
d. Describe the two conditions under which the
motor starter coil will become energized.
Q9:What is a programmable automation
controller (PAC)?

• It combines PLC ruggedness with PC functionality.

• With PAC, one can build advanced systems
incorporating software capabilities such as
advanced control, communication, data
logging, and signal processing with rugged
hardware performing logic, motion, process
control, and vision.
 Q10:List four criteria by which PLCs are
categorized

• Functinality, number of inputs and outputs, cost, and

physical size
• number of inputs and outputs :
nano (15 I/O points), micro (15 to 128 I/O points),
medium (128 to 512 I/O points), and large types (over
512 I/O points)
• Application: Buy a PLC system that is larger than
current needs by 25%.
• Memory Size: word size X total number of words
Q11: What is the memory capacity, expressed in bits,
for a PLC that uses 16-bit words and has an 8 K word
capacity?

• Memory capacity in bits

= word size X total number of words
= 16 X 8 X 1024 = 131072 bits
Where 8K = 8 x 1024, and word size =16 bit
Q12: Give Examples of Digital input
signals
Q13: Give Examples of Digital output
signals
Q14: Given two single-pole switches, write a
program that will turn on an output when both
switch A and switch B are closed.
Q15: Given four NO (Normally Open) pushbuttons
(AB-C-D), write a program that will turn a lamp on
if pushbuttons A and B or C and D are closed.
Q16:Given two single-pole switches, write a
program that will turn on an output when either
switch A or switch B is closed.
Q17: What is the Relay function and
what are NO and NC aux. points
Q18: Given a push button A, write a program that will
turn on a motor when A is pressed down and will
stop when released.
Q19: Given one NO (Normally Open) pushbutton (A), and a NO
pushbutton B , write a program that will turn a motor on if
pushbutton A is on and will it turn off if B is on.
Q20: Write a program that turns on a motor
with one PB A, and turns it off with one of 2 PB’s
B or C in 2 places.
Q21: