PLC SOFTWARE

Plc being .a microprocessor based system need to be programmed prior to

putting the same into operation. The basic capabilities of the system is stored
into the PROM (system program memory) by the manufacturer. To invoke
these programs as per user requirement a hand held programmer or a
software package running on an open platform say PC is supplied by the
manufacturer.
Hand held programmer
The biggest advantage of a hand held programmer is it is a dedicated device
and the moment connected to PLC it is ready for use.
It is very compact and easily portable.
Mostly operated by batteries
The Draw back is that it cannot be used for any other purposes.
Software packages
In a plant having a variety of Plcs and programming devices it is better to
have PC based sotware packages so that all the softwares can be loaded to
one PC and becomes more flexible to use.
The draw back is that any problems in the PC we may loose the package it
self. It calls for Skilled persons for operation and maintenance.
In this case since the PC has only RS 232 port an additional adapter will be
Required to connect the PLC.
Image processing
A PLC is a system consisting of inputs and outputs and hence before
executing the logics it has to read all the inputs. The inputs are changing
with respect to time . Hence after reading the inputs it is stored in a memory
area known as input image. While the real inputs are called objects the
stored values are called images. The ladder logics are performed only on
images.

The sequence of Program execution is as follows

Read all the inputs from the input cards (object) and store them in the input
image area.
Perform the logics and store the output values in output image area.
Write the output values from the image area to output cards.
Again the processor starts to read inputs. Time required to carry out this one
cycle is known as scan time.
A PLC is a binary system and prior to discussing about programming it is
better to refresh some basics
A number system with 2 as base is known as binary system.
A number system with 8 as base is known as octal system
A hexadecimal system has the following numbers 0 to 9 and A to F
The binary coded decimal (BCD) is another popular system
ASCII system is what is being used in the computer keyboard.
In general we are dealing with decimals which can be an integer or fraction
An integer is called Fixed point where as a fraction is called floating point
Floating point numbers expressed in mantesa and exponent format and
normally represented by 32 bits.
All these different systems have emerged because the plc understands binary
and large numbers cannot be handled in binary by the user,
Similarly a contact input in a PLC can be an open or closed contact. When
ever the PLC receives a close status from contact it is updated as 1 in image
area else zero.
Though a microprocessor is capable of performing any kind of instructions
a basic PLC program memory contains only instructions to perform the
following.

A bit is made of one binary digit

8 bits make one byte
16 bits make one word
32 bits make one double word
The processor is capable of addressing any data as a bit or byte or word or
double word.
While programming the user decides the same by choosing the appropriate
syntax which is unique to each brand of PLC.
Basic Functions in a PLC
Logic Blocks
And gate
Or gate
Not gate
Nor gate
Nand gate
Ex-or gate
latch

Comparison blocks
Less than
Less than or equal to
Greater than
Greater than or equal to
Equal to
Not equal to

Arithmatic block

Converter blocks

Binary addition
Binary subtraction
Binary multiplication
Binary division

BCD to integer
BCD to double integer
Integer to BCD
Integer to double integer

Timers
On delay
Off delay

Counters
Up counter
Down counter

A basic PLC of any make is capable of performing the above functions.

Programming Methods
Different manufacturers have different procedures but all do follow ladder at
elementary level.
Some other advance techniques are
Function block diagram
Statement List
Programming through higher level language
Ladder technique
In this method the two ends of the ladder are formed by power supply.
If it is AC it becomes phase and neutral and if DC positive and negative
The contacts and other actions as required by the user is selected at the time
of programming as per requirement and finally connected to a coil.
If the input conditions are satisfied the coil gets actuated else not activated.
Each step in a ladder ends invariably with a coil.
Number of steps depend on the application.
While executing the logics the ladder performs step by step
It is apparent that coil in each step though an output it need not be an object.
It is so because it is an intermediate result. These intermediate results are
stored as flags
AN user encounter the following parameters while programming
Input ------------ May be a bit or byte or word or double word
Output ---------- May be a bit or byte or word or double word
Flag ----------- May be a bit or byte or word or double word
The syntax has to be entered by the programmer properly for precise
execution of the program.
To get the proper understanding of the programming the following syntax
are used, This will change with PLC models.
Type

Input

Output

Bit
Byte
Word

Ix.y
IB
IW

Qx.y
QB
QW

Flag
Mx.y
MB
MW

Dword
ID
QD
MD
The programming of various blocks are discussed as under

PULSE TIMER

EXTENDED PULSE TIMER

ON DELAY TIMER

STORED ON DELAY TIMER

OFF DELAY TIMER

UP COUNTER

DOWN COUNTER

COMPARISON