ICT

Programmable Logic
Controller
PLC
B Y : J E R I E L C H R I S M . L A R A N J O
ICT What is Programmable
Logic Controller?
A programmable logic controller is a type
of tiny computer that can receive data
through its inputs and send operating
instructions through its outputs.
Fundamentally, a PLC’s job is to control a
system’s functions using the internal
logic programmed into it. Businesses
around the world use PLCs to automate
their most important processes.
ICT What is Programmable
Logic Controller?
A PLC takes in inputs, whether from
automated data capture points or from
human input points such as switches or
buttons. Based on its programming, the PLC
then decides whether or not to change the
output. A PLC’s outputs can control a huge
variety of equipment, including motors,
solenoid valves, lights, switchgear, safety
shut-offs and many others.
 How a Programmable
Logic Controller Works
ICT

Here’s how each element works:

Input Monitoring: The PLC monitors
relevant data inputs and sends the data
to the CPU. Some PLCs only use data
inputs with discrete (on/off) inputs, but
PLCs with analog capabilities can accept
analog inputs for continuous variables.
Inputs may come from IoT devices,
robots, safety sensors, human-machine
interfaces, or almost any other type of
data entry point.
 How a Programmable
Logic Controller Works
ICT

Logic Programming: Every PLC is built with

a microprocessor CPU, either 16-bit or 32-
bit. Engineers and technicians program the
PLC CPU to recognize certain conditions
and values and to make changes in the
outputs based on its programmed rules.
The CPU is constantly checking the state of
variables and making decisions based on
programmed conditions. This simple
premise allows a wide variety of designs
and functions.
 How a Programmable
Logic Controller Works
ICT

Output Control: Based on the

programmed logic, the PLC controls various
switches, motor starters, relays, and other
devices connected to its outputs. This
allows the PLCs to take control of
mechanical processes such as the
operation of a machine. Engineers can also
link multiple system parts by programming
PLCs to send their output signal to another
PLC in a chain.
 ICT

Compact PLC units generally include the

CPU, inputs, and outputs in the same
unit. In the rack-mount modular PLC
systems that many industrial facilities
use, the PLC’s inputs and outputs are
located together in the I/O module,
while the logic operations happen in a
separate CPU module. I/O modules may
be located close to the CPU, but they can
also be quite distant — sometimes even
in different buildings.
I/O
 ICT

6 DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLC

01 Mini PLCs 02 Modular PLCs 03 Fixed PLCs

04 Micro PLCs 05 Nano PLCs 06 Safety PLC

 ICT

TYPES OF PLC

01 Mini PLCs
They are small, low-cost controllers that are ideal for simple control
applications. They typically have fewer input/output (I/O) points than
larger controllers and can be programmed using ladder logic or other
programming languages. Mini PLCs offer fast installation due to their
small size and often come with built-in I/O capabilities such as digital
inputs, analog outputs, and pulse outputs.
 ICT

TYPES OF PLC

02 Modular PLCs
They consist of a base unit that contains the processor module and
communications ports, along with smaller modules that can be added
to extend the system’s functionality. Modular systems offer more
flexibility than fixed systems since they allow users to mix different
types of I/O modules to meet their specific application requirements.
 ICT

TYPES OF PLC

03 Fixed PLCs
They are designed for dedicated tasks and cannot easily be modified
once installed; however, they provide cost-efficient solutions for many
repetitive tasks. Fixed systems are suitable for straightforward process
control applications where parameters do not need to change
frequently or rapidly during operation.
 ICT

TYPES OF PLC

04 Micro PLCs
They offer an intermediate level of complexity between mini models and
modular designs; they are usually compact devices capable of controlling
multiple processes simultaneously without requiring additional hardware
components like expansion cards or rack units found in some modular
models. Microcontrollers can also feature integrated communication
functions such as Ethernet networking protocols for easy integration into a
distributed automation system architecture.
 ICT

TYPES OF PLC

05 Nano PLCs
They represent the latest generation of programmable logic controllers
– these ultra-compact devices use advanced microcontrollers combined
with specialized programming software tools to reduce costs while
providing high levels of processing speed and accuracy. Nano PLCs are
even used in highly complex applications involving multiple axes
movement or sophisticated machine vision operations like object
recognition algorithms & pattern matching techniques.
 ICT

TYPES OF PLC

06 Safety PLC
A Safety PLC is designed to implement safety functions in industrial
automation. It ensures the protection of personnel, equipment, and the
environment by adhering to international safety standards like IEC
61508. Safety PLCs incorporate redundancy, and diagnostic capabilities,
and are assigned Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) to ensure high reliability
and fault tolerance.
ICT

TYPES OF PLC OUTPUT

Analog Output Relay Output Triac Output Transistor Output
ICT

Analog Output

To control equipment that needs varying degrees of control,

analog outputs are used that produce continuous voltage or
current signals. Analog output offers precise control by
altering the voltage or current levels they produce.
ICT

Relay Output

The electrical separation between the PLC and the

external devices is provided by relay outputs in PLCs.
They are used to manage machinery such as huge
motors, contactors, or power relays that need larger
current or voltage levels.
ICT

Analog Output Relay Output

Triac Output

Triacs are solid-state devices that can turn on or off during

the AC power waveform, giving the linked devices power to
be precisely controlled. Devices like lamps, heaters, and
small motors that require AC voltage control are controlled
by triac outputs.
ICT

Transistor Output

Transistor outputs are an output module in PLCs that use

transistors as switching devices. Transistor outputs can
handle higher currents and voltages compared to digital
outputs, making them suitable for controlling devices
that require more power.
ICT

ADVANATGES
and
DISADVANTAGES
 ICT
ADVANATGES
The control software is stored locally, so in the event of a building
energy management system failure, the PLC can carry on.
The connection between the PLC inputs and outputs are made by the
software and not lots of separate physical wires.
PLC’s are smaller than hard wired relay banks, but can still use relays
where needed
PLC’s are easy to reprogram
Fault finding is easier and faster with PLC’s
You can load the same programme onto multiple PLC units to save
time
You can expand the inputs and outputs with more cards
 ICT
DISADVANATGES

PLCs have less capacity to handle extremely complex data or large

numbers of processes that involve analog rather than discrete inputs.
As manufacturing facilities become more integrated and involved,
increasing numbers of them may shift toward a distributed control
system or another alternative industrial control method.
 ICT
DISADVANATGES

PLCs from different manufacturers often use proprietary

programming software. This makes PLC programming interfaces less
interoperable than they might be, especially considering that their
programming languages share common standards.
 ICT
DISADVANATGES

PLCs, like many other types of electronic equipment, are vulnerable

to electromagnetic interference (EMI). They can also experience other
kinds of common electronics malfunctions such as corrupted
memory and communication failures.
ICT

Thank You
 ICT

How a Programmable
Logic Controller Works
Now let’s take a look at what’s going on inside a
programmable logic controller. Remember that
a PLC is an input-output system, which means
that each unit both accepts inputs and controls
outputs. Between inputs and outputs is the
third element of the system: logic
programming, which happens in the CPU and
controls the relationship between the inputs
and outputs.