Assignment-2

Q1. What is automation? Explain with suitable examples.

Automation is how humans control different machines and processes by using computer-based
software’s and industrial hardware technologies.

Automation describes a wide range of technologies that reduce human intervention in

processes.

 Automation can be used in various industries and it’s not limited to just one industry.

Examples may include-

 Machine Automation: Machines that perform repetitive labor such as packaging

peanuts, filling drink bottles…
 Robotics: A robot is any machine with semi-autonomous functions. For example, a
vacuum cleaner might clean a room itself without much need of direction.
 Event processing: A home that automatically unlocks the front door when it senses an
authorized occupant approaching with a bag of groceries.

Q2. Explain classification of automation.

Automation is classified into three systems:

1. Fixed automation
2. Programmable automation
3. Flexible automation

1. Fixed automation:

Fixed automation is also known as hard automation refers to an automated production

facility in which the volume of production lines is high and the sequence of processing
operations is fixed by the equipment configuration.

Pros- low unit cost and high production output

Cons- expensive to implement and movement sequences are inflexible.

2. Programmable automation:
Programmable automation is a form of automation for producing products in batches. The
products are made in batch quantities ranging from several dozen to several thousand units at
a time. For each new batch, the production equipment must be reprogrammed and changed.

Pros- Automated sequences are reprogrammable.

Cons-Production rates in programmable automation are generally lower than in fixed

automation. Reprogramming new sequence is time consuming.

3. Flexible automation:

It is an extension of programmable automation. In flexible automation, there is no need to

group identical products into batches; instead, a mixture of different products can be
produced one right after another.

In this type of automation, the variety of products is sufficiently limited so that the
changeover of the equipment can be done very quickly and automatically. The
reprogramming of the equipment in flexible automation is done off-line; that is, the
programming is accomplished at a computer terminal without using the production
equipment itself.

Pros- Automated sequences can change without lags

Cons- Expensive initial implementation.

Q4. What is IEC-61131-3 standard? Explain.

IEC- International Electrotechnical Commission

IEC 61131-3 standard is the only global standard for industrial control programming.

IEC 61131-3 is section 3 of the IEC61131 standard. It specifies the syntax and semantics of a
unified suite of programming languages for programmable controllers (PCs) and programmable
logic controllers (PLCs).  This suite consists of two textual languages, Instruction List (IL) and
Structured Text (ST), and two graphical languages, Ladder Diagram (LD) and Function Block
Diagram (FBD).

An additional set of graphical and equivalent textual elements named Sequential Function Chart
(SFC) is defined for structuring the internal organization of programmable controller programs
and function blocks. Also, configuration elements are defined which support the installation of
programmable controller programs into programmable controller systems.

In addition, features are defined which facilitate communication among programmable logic
controllers and other components of automated systems.

Q5. Explain the block diagram of PLC.

Block diagram of PLC:

EXPLANATION OF BLOCK DIAGRAM:

1) Power Supply:

A power supply SMPS is used to convert 220V AC supply in to 24V

DC supply.
2) Input Module:

Input module works on 24 V DC supply and coverts 24VDC supply into

5VDC with the help of Optical Isolation. Input module also do the multiplexing as multiple

input signals are coming from the field at input module and then sending the data signal serially

towards the CPU

3) CPU Module:

CPU module has a central processor, ROM & RAM memory. ROM

memory includes an operating system, drivers, and application programs. RAM memory is

used to store programs and data. Two types of processors as a single bit or word processor can

be incorporated with a PLC. One bit processor is used to perform logic functions. Whereas

word processors are used for processing text, numerical data, controlling, and recording data.

4) Output Module:

Output module works on 24 V DC supply and coverts 5VDC supply

received from CPU into 24VDC with the help of Optical Isolation. Output module also do the

demultiplexing as single output signal coming from the CPU at output module demultiplexed

and then send to the respective field outputs connected with the output module.

5) Control Element:

As from output module we get 24VDC signal that means we can

control 24VDC operated machines only. So to make it flexible, control element is required, it

is nothing but Relays and Contactors (electromechanical switches) so that from output module

any machine of any operated voltage supply whether it can be 24VDC, 220VAC or 440VAC

can be controlled.
 Assignment-3

Q4. Explain the different views of TIA Portal software.

Types of Views in TIA Portal:

1) Portal View

In Portal view user will do the initial commissioning of the project li Creating, project, provide
the path, adding the controller etc.

2) Project View

In project view user will get the working area, hardware catalogs, all instruction sets, Logical
blocks, where user will design the program get compile, download, upload options and many
and more.
At any point user can switch from Project to Portal view and vice-versa using option in left
bottom corner.