Universidad de Monterrey

Escuela de Ingeniería y Tecnologías

Homework 8: Programming logic controllers
Course: Automatización de la manufactura
Lecturer: Dr. Andrés Hernández Gutiérrez
Due date: Fri 12 November, 2021 (14:30hrs | 16:00hrs)

Gerardo Herrera González 573385

Lusi Fernández 369986
José Miguel Rentería 572788

Programmable logic controllers

To understand what a PLC is, how they work, and what sort of application can be
implemented with them, investigate the following:
● (10pts) What is a PLC?
Computers that contain hardware and software used to perform control functions.
More specifically, they would be used for the automation of industrial electro-mechanical
processes such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines, amusement rides or food
processing.[1]

They are designed for multiple arrangements of digital and analog inputs and outputs
with extended temperature ranges, immunity to electrical noise and resistance to vibrations
and impact. All of these which are common on factory lines and extreme working
environments.[1]

● (10pts) What is the main difference between a personal computer and a PLC?
One of the major differences between a PC and a PLC is the way programs are
executed and developed. A PC´s software is usually event driven and a PLC follows a scan-
based program execution. The difference in event execution is what makes a PC not able to
function as well as a PLC in a factory environment. [2]

● (10pts) What is ladder logic programming?

Ladder logic programming is a language that creates and represents a program
through ladder diagrams that are based on circuit diagrams.[3]
Each ‘’rung’’ in the ladder represents a rule so when implemented to relays and
various electromechanical devices, these rules execute simultaneously and immediately. If
the program is applied to PLCs, the rules are executed sequentially through software and in
a continuous loop[3]
This programming language is widely used in industrial settings for programming
PLCs where sequential control in manufacturing is required.[3]
The benefit of the language is that workers without programming knowledge can quickly
program since it makes use of conventional and familiar engineering symbols for
programming.[3]

● (15pts) What is statement list (STL) programming?

 The Statement List (STL) programming language is one of the three programming
languages available in the basic STEP 7 software package. It is a text-based programming
language with a structure similar to assembly language or machine code. [4]

Programmers typically use the STL language in blocks containing large amounts of
math or memory table processing, or when types of addressing are required that are not
available in the ladder logic (LAD) language. They also use STL when the program must be
efficient in terms of processor memory usage and scan cycle time.[4]

● (15prs) What sort of wired and wireless connectivity can a PLC have?
A PLC connectivity could be to a cloud, PLC controllers, sensors or other intelligent industrial
devices. All data moving from PLC to the cloud goes through the IoT gateway.

● (15pts) Describe the main components of a PLCs, e.g., number and type of input
ports, type of processor or microcontroller, number and type of output ports, number
of timers and counters.

Even though PLCs size can vary, these are the main components of a PLC

1. The Processor
This is the solid-state device that’s designed to perform a variety of process-control functions
to replace the use of electromechanical devices, relays and its respective wiring, as well as
the respective memory required to store the program. [5]
2. The Power Supply
It converts the electrical distribution voltage to signal level voltage used by the PLC
processor and other modules. [5]
3. Input / Out (I/O)
These modules provide the means of connecting the processor to the field devices.
Examples of these modules are Analog Input Module, Analog output module, Digital input
module, Digital output module etc.

These are used to connect devices between plc and field devices like flow transmitters,
pressure transmitters, control valves, analyzers, substation feeders for motor control etc. [5]

4. Communication modules

This allow digital data to be transferred between PLC and other systems within the facilities
[5]

5. Communication media and protocols

The most common communication media used are copper-wire, coaxial, fiber-optics, and
wireless. The most common “open” communication protocols are Ethernet, Ethernet/IP, and
DeviceNet. “Open” systems generally provide “plug and play” features in which the system
software automatically recognizes and communicates to any compatible device that is
connected to it. [5]

6. Redundancy

Many PLCs are capable of being configured for redundant operation in which one processor
backs up another. This arrangement often requires a redundancy module, which provides
status confirmation and control assertion between the processors. In addition, signal wiring
to redundant racks is an option.

● (10pts) List the name of at least 5 PLC manufacturers.

1. Siemens
2. Rockwell Automation / Allen Bradley
3. Mitsubishi Electric
4. Schneider Electric
5. Omron
6. Emerson (General Electric)
7. Keyence

● (10pts) Conclusions.
We can find that the PLC is a very useful tool in the industry of automation, it’s resistance to
extreme environment can prevent accidents since its only presence saves the use of
electromechanical systems and relays, which makes it cleaner since it does not require that
much wiring.

● (5pts) References
[1]"What is a PLC?", Library.Automationdirect.com, 2021. [Online]. Available:
https://library.automationdirect.com/what-is-a-plc/. [Accessed: 11- Nov- 2021].
[2]"Inside Machines: PC vs. PLC - Comparing Control Options", Info.panelshop.com, 2021. [Online].
Available: https://info.panelshop.com/blog/inside-machines-pc-vs-plc-comparing-control-options.
[Accessed: 11- Nov- 2021].

[3]"What is Ladder Logic? - Definition from Techopedia", Techopedia.com, 2021. [Online]. Available:
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/20292/ladder-logic. [Accessed: 11- Nov- 2021].

[4]"Siemens Statement List eBook | PLC Programming Language eLearning", Amatrol, 2021. [Online].
Available: https://amatrol.com/coursepage/plc-statement-list-ebooks/. [Accessed: 11- Nov- 2021].

[5] “Components of PLC” instrumentationtools.com, 2021. [Online] Available:

https://instrumentationtools.com/components-of-plc/ [Accessed: 11-Nov-2021]

[6] “Top 20 PLC Manufacturers” instrumentationtools.com, 2021. [Online] Available:

https://instrumentationtools.com/components-of-plc/ [Accessed: 11-Nov-2021]