How PLCs Work

A programmable logic controller is a specialized computer used to control machines and processes.  It therefore shares common terms with typical PCs like central processing unit, memory, software and communications.  Unlike a personal computer though the PLC is designed to survive in a rugged industrial atmosphere and to be very flexible in how it interfaces with inputs and outputs to the real world.

The components that make a PLC work can be divided into three core areas.

  • The power supply and rack
  • The central processing unit (CPU)
  • The input/output (I/O) section

PLCs come in many shapes and sizes.  They can be so small as to fit in your shirt pocket while more involved controls systems require large PLC racks.  Smaller PLCs (a.k.a. “bricks”) are typically designed with fixed I/O points.  For our consideration, we’ll look at the more modular rack based systems.  It’s called “modular” because the rack can accept many different types of I/O modules that simply slide into the rack and plug in.

 

PLC angled with doors closed and text

 

The Power Supply and Rack

So let’s start off by removing all our modules which leaves us with a naked PLC with only the power supply and the rack. 

 

PLC empty rack with text

 

 

The rack is the component that holds everything together.  Depending on the needs of the control system it can be ordered in different sizes to hold more modules.  Like a human spine the rack has a backplane at the rear which allows the cards to communicate with the CPU.  The power supply plugs into the rack as well and supplies a regulated DC power to other modules that plug into the rack.  The most popular power supplies work with 120 VAC or 24 VDC sources.

The CPU

The brain of the whole PLC is the CPU module.  This module typically lives in the slot beside the power supply.  Manufacturers offer different types of CPUs based on the complexity needed for the system.

The CPU consists of a microprocessor, memory chip and other integrated circuits to control logic, monitoring and communications.  The CPU has different operating modes.  In programming mode it accepts the downloaded logic from a PC.  The CPU is then placed in run mode so that it can execute the program and operate the process. 

 

SLC500 CPU components

 

 

Since a PLC is a dedicated controller it will only process this one program over and over again.  One cycle through the program is called a scan time and involves reading the inputs from the other modules, executing the logic based on these inputs and then updated the outputs accordingly.  The scan time happens very quickly (in the range of 1/1000th of a second).  The memory in the CPU stores the program while also holding the status of the I/O and providing a means to store values.

 

CPU operating cycle

 

 

I/O System

The I/O system provides the physical connection between the equipment and the PLC.  Opening the doors on an I/O card reveals a terminal strip where the devices connect. 

 

PLC face with doors open

 

 

There are many different kinds of I/O cards which serve to condition the type of input or output so the CPU can use it for it’s logic.  It's simply a matter of determining what inputs and outputs are needed, filling the rack with the appropriate cards and then addressing them correctly in the CPUs program.

 

PLC inserting card

 

 

Inputs

Input devices can consist of digital or analog devices.  A digital input card handles discrete devices which give a signal that is either on or off such as a pushbutton, limit switch, sensors or selector switches.  An analog input card converts a voltage or current (e.g. a signal that can be anywhere from 0 to 20mA) into a digitally equivalent number that can be understood by the CPU.  Examples of analog devices are pressure transducers, flow meters and thermocouples for temperature readings

Outputs

Output devices can also consist of digital or analog types.  A digital output card either turns a device on or off such as lights, LEDs, small motors, and relays.  An analog output card will convert a digital number sent by the CPU to it’s real world voltage or current.  Typical outputs signals can range from 0-10 VDC or 4-20mA and are used to drive mass flow controllers, pressure regulators and position controls.

Programming a PLC

In these modern times a PC with specially dedicated software from the PLC manufacturer is used to program a PLC.  The most widely used form of programming is called ladder logic.  Ladder logic uses symbols, instead of words, to emulate the real world relay logic control, which is a relic from the PLC's history.  These symbols are interconnected by lines to indicate the flow of current through relay like contacts and coils.  Over the years the number of symbols has increased to provide a high level of functionality. 

The completed program looks like a ladder but in actuality it represents an electrical circuit.  The left and right rails indicate the positive and ground of a power supply.  The rungs represent the wiring between the different components which in the case of a PLC are all in the virtual world of the CPU.  So if you can understand how basic electrical circuits work then you can understand ladder logic.

In this simplest of examples a digital input (like a button connected to the first position on the card) when it is pressed turns on an output which energizes an indicator light.

 

Simple ladder logic example

 

 

The completed program is downloaded from the PC to the PLC using a special cable that’s connected to the front of the CPU.  The CPU is then put into run mode so that it can start scanning the logic and controlling the outputs.