industrial automation provides manufacturing with efficiency for both new and retrofitted industrial machinery using automation and process control equipment

Industrial Automation and Control

Industrial automation plays a very important role in the manufacturing industry

Automation devices using mathematical and organizational methods create complex systems for a huge range of industrial automation applications

PLC Control Systems

Industrial automation and process control systems extensively use programmable logic controllers or programmable controller (PLC).

A PLC is a digital computer used for automation of industrial processes, like controlling machinery or factory assembly lines. Unlike desktop computers, PLCs are have multiple inputs and outputs, operate under extended temperature ranges, have immunity to electrical noise, and have resistance to vibration and impact. Programs to control machine operation are usually stored in battery-backed or non-volatile memory.

The main difference from other computers is that PLCs operate in industrial environments (dust, moisture, heat, cold) and have multiple input/output (I/O) terminals. I/O terminals connect the PLC to sensors and actuators. PLCs measure, analog process variables (such as temperature and pressure), and values from positioning and vision systems. PLCs outputs operate electric motors, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, relays or solenoids, and analog outputs. Input/outputs are built into a micro PLCs, and on modular PLCs external I/O modules are attached to a base or chassis. Ethernet computer networks plug directly into most PLCs.

PLCs were invented as replacements for automated systems that would use hundreds or thousands of relays, cam timers, and drum sequencers. Often, a single PLC can be programmed to replace thousands of relays. Programmable controllers were initially adopted by the automotive manufacturing industry, where software revision replaced the re-wiring of hard-wired control panels when production models changed.

Many of the earliest PLCs expressed all decision making logic in simple ladder logic which appeared similar to electrical schematic diagrams. The electricians were able to trace out circuit problems with schematic diagrams using ladder logic. This program notation was chosen to reduce training demands for the existing technicians. Other early PLCs used a form of instruction list programming, based on a stack-based logic solver.

