General Introduction to

Course
CODE: MET 06214

PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC
CONTROLLERS
Lecture One
Prepared by;
Kamoleka, M
MSc, Renewable Energy
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General Introduction to Course Cont

Pre-request module: MET 06114

Number of credits: 6

General Introduction to Course

Cont

Sub enabling outcomes:

Describe programable logic controllers (PLCs)

Identify some samples of PLCs available in the market
Describe application of a PLC
Produce basic ladder logic diagrams
Identify different types of timers
Identify different types of counters
Describe Master Control Relays
Implement the basic ladder logic diagram
Apply programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in industrial
control
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References
[1] Bolton W. Mechatronics 2 ed. Person education Asia
[2] Kiyoali Kobayoshi Advanced Technics Development Centre
Mechatro 1, 2, and 3
[3] Venkantaraman, C.R Fundamentals of Mechatronics Span

Contacts Hour
Event
Lecture
Practical

Hours/Week
2
2

Integrated Methods of Assessment

Continuous Assessment
At least two (2) tests
At least two (2) Practical
tests

20%
30%

End of Semester Examination

Theoretical examination
Practical examination

Total

20%
30%

100%

Programmable Logic Controllers

( Definition according to NEMA standard ICS3-1978)

A digitally operating electronic apparatus

which uses a programming memory for the
internal storage of instructions for
implementing specific functions such as
logic, sequencing, timing, counting and
arithmetic to control through digital or
analog modules, various types of machines
or process.

Programmable Logic Controllers

PLCs Are ...
Similar to a Microcontroller:
Microprocessor Based
Onboard Memory for Storing Programs
Special Programming Language: Ladder Logic
Input/Output Ports

Programmable Logic Controllers

PLCs Are...
Dissimilar to Microcontrollers:
Intended for Industrial Applications
I/O Designed to interface with Control
Relays
Emphasis on Maximum Reliability

Programmable Logic Controllers

Leading Brands Of PLC
AMERICAN 1. Allen Bradley
2. Gould Modicon
3. Texas Instruments
4. General Electric
5. Westinghouse
6. Cutter Hammer
7. Square D
EUROPEAN 1. Siemens
2. Klockner & Mouller
3. Festo
4. Telemechanique
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Programmable Logic Controllers

Leading Brands Of PLC
JAPANESE 1. Toshiba
2. Omron
3. Fanuc
4. Mitsubishi

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Programmable Logic Controllers

Areas of Application

Manufacturing / Machining

Food / Beverage

Metals

Power

Mining

Petrochemical / Chemical
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Programmable Logic Controllers

PLC Size
1. SMALL

- it covers units with up to 128 I/Os and memories up

to 2 Kbytes.
- these PLCs are capable of providing simple to
advance levels or machine controls.

2. MEDIUM - have up to 2048 I/Os and memories up to 32 Kbytes.

3. LARGE

- the most sophisticated units of the PLC family. They

have up to 8192 I/Os and memories up to750Kbytes.
- can control individual production processes or entire
plant.
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Programmable Logic Controllers

Tank Used to Mix Two Liquids

MOTOR

A
FS

SOLENOIDS

FLOAT SWITCH

SOLENOID
TIMER

1 -MINUTE
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Programmable Logic Controllers

Tank Used to Mix Two Liquids
A tank is used to mix two liquids. The control circuit operates
as follows:
1. When the start button is pressed, solenoids A and B
energize. This permits the two liquids to begin filling the
tank.
2. When the tank is filled, the float switch trips. This deenergizes solenoids A and B and starts the motor used to
mix the liquids together.
3. The motor is permitted to run for one minute. After one
minute has elapsed, the motor turns off and solenoid C
energizes to drain the tank.
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Programmable Logic Controllers

Tank Used to Mix Two Liquids
4. When the tank is empty, the float switch de-energizes
solenoid C.
5. A stop button can be used to stop the process at any
point.
6. If the motor becomes overloaded, the action of the entire
circuit will stop.
7. Once the circuit has been energized it will continue to
operate until it is manually stopped.
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Programmable Logic Controllers

Major Components of a Common PLC

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Programmable Logic Controllers

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Major Components of a Common PLC

Programmable Logic Controllers

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Programmable Logic Controllers

I/O Modules
Input Modules: Input Signals can be AC or DC, Analog or
Digital
Output Modules: Outputs are either AC or DC Analog
Signals (Although it is possible to Construct Digital
Outputs)
Modern PLCs have Expansion Ports to Increase the
Number of Available Inputs and Outputs

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Programmable Logic Controllers

Examples of I/O Signals
Inputs:
Pushbutton (Energizing an Input)
Relay Contact Output
DC Voltage Level
Digital Logic Signal (+5V or 0 V, etc)
Outputs:
24 V ac
120 V ac
120 Vdc
etcetera
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Programmable Logic Controllers

POWER SUPPLY
Provides the voltage needed to run the primary PLC components
I/O MODULES
Provides signal conversion and isolation between the internal logic- level signals
inside the PLC and the fields high level signal.
PROCESSOR
Provides intelligence to command and govern the activities of the entire PLC
systems.

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Programmable Logic Controllers

PROGRAMMING DEVICE
used to enter the desired program that will
determine the sequence of operation and
control of process equipment or driven
machine.

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Programmable Logic Controllers

Programming Device
Also known as:

Industrial Terminal ( Allen Bradley )

Program Development Terminal ( General Electric )

Programming Panel ( Gould Modicon )

Programmer ( Square D )

Program Loader ( Idec-Izumi )

Programming Console ( Keyence / Omron )

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Programmable Logic Controllers

Programming Device
Types:

Hand held unit with LED / LCD display

Desktop type with a CRT display

Compatible computer terminal

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