This course is divided into the following three lessons:

Lesson 1: What are PLCs?

Lesson 2: Basic Configuration
Lesson 3: OMRON PLC family
Review questions will be presented after each lesson to help prepare you for the post-
assessment at the end of this course. So, have fun with the quizzes!

It will take about 50 minutes to navigate through this course prior to taking the post-
assessment.

Learning Outcomes
Considering the information presented in this course and the available resource material,
the learner will correctly:

1. Choose the correct definition of PLC from three possible definitions.

2. Recognize programmable operation, as an advantage over hard wired sequential
circuits.
3. Recall the configuration of PLCs consisting of Input Unit, Output Unit, and CPU.
4. Identify on a diagram, two kinds of memory blocks that are used internally in every
PLC.
5. Select suitable PLC type from Compact or Modular if the necessary information is
given to choose.

Lesson 1: What are PLCs?

In this module, you will learn why PLCs were developed, and how they are used in many
automation systems now.

Definition
Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, operate according to user-programmed internal
logic.

Unlike office computers, PLCs are designed to be operated in industrial environments for
the control and operation of manufacturing process equipment and machinery.

In the figure below, the PLC is located in the control panel. 

See the OMRON PLC below.
Invention
Until the mid-1970's, most machines were controlled by relays housed in large electrical
panels.
The invention of a PLC originated from a comment by an US automobile
manufacturer.

"We remake our equipment each time we introduce a new model. We want to decrease this
work and decrease costs."

It was too much work to hard-wire the logic in control panels and connect wires for
the circuits of relays and timers.

The result of competition between manufacturers was the invention of the first PLC in
1969. This PLC let you easily make or change circuits functions.

Role
The PLCs react to changes in signals from sources such as push buttons, program
execution, and output signals to external loads such as indicators.

The operation of the loads can be easily created and changed by user program.
PLCs are used in many familiar places.

This animation shows an elevator to carry food in a restaurant. This elevator carries food
from the first floor to the second floor, and empty dishes from the second floor to the first
floor.
PLCs control the motor to carry food and dishes according to the input from push
buttons or limit switches detecting the upward or downward motion.

1. When the button is pushed by a cook, the elevator starts moving to the upper floor.
2. After the elevator arrives upstairs, the motor automatically stops.
3. When the button is pushed by a server, the elevator starts moving to the floor
below.
4. After the lift arrives downstairs, the motor automatically stops.

Note: You need to use a contactor to switch a large load, such as a motor.

Application - 2
How are machines operated in a factory? These operations are
controlled by the PLCs.

To see the examples, Click the process name on the animation below.