The document provides an overview of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and their role in industrial automation, outlining their components, programming methods, and evolution over the years. It discusses the current trends and future improvements anticipated in PLC technology, including enhancements in hardware, software, and communication. Additionally, it highlights the shift in market demands towards smaller, more efficient PLCs, and the growing similarities between PLCs and programmable automation controllers (PACs).

1. ELECTRICAL TRAINING
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2. ELECTRICAL AUTOMATION:
EXPLAINS ABOUT PLCS
AND ITS FUTURE

3. DEFINE PLC
For the automation of different electro-mechanical processes in industries a digital
computer called Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is used. For surviving during
tough times these controllers are specially used and they are protected from cold, heat,
dust, and moisture, etc. Computer Language is used for programming the
microprocessor existing in the PLC.
It is a computer written program and is PLC down-loadable via cable. In the nonvolatile
memory of PLC these loaded programs are stored. For the user fed program the hard
wired logic was exchanged during the change from relay control panels to PLC. For
controlling and programming the PLC, Ladder Logic, a visual programming language
was created.

4. PLC HARDWARE
• CPU, Memory, Input/Output, Power Supply Unit, and Programming
device are the hardware components of a PLC system.
• CPU– For avoiding the errors the PLC controller is checked. Logic
Operations, computer interface, arithmetic operations are some of the
performed functions.
• Memory– CPU uses fixed data. In the operating system the data is
permanently stored in the System (ROM). Status of Input and Output
devices, values of timers, counters and other external device information
are stored in RAM.
• I/O section– Sensors, switches are field devices that are tracked by
the input section.

5. O/P Section- Motors, lights, pumps, and solenoids are some of the devices Output has
a a control on. Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) is the basis for I/O ports.
Power Supply– An isolated power supply is available in certain PLC. You can find most
of the PLCs working at 220VAC or 24VDC.
Programming device– Inside the memory of the processor, the device is used for
feeding the program. First the programming device is fed with the program and the later
forwarded to the PLC’s memory.

6. System Buses: The internal digital signal flows through the buses in the PLCS. The
four system buses are:
For transferring data among different elements, data bus is used by the CPU.
With respect to the action that are controlled internally, control bus transfer signals
are used.
Location’s address is sent using the Address Bus for accessing the data. The I/O
port and I/O unit communicates with each other using system bus.

7. As PLC has been into existence since 50 years there is a very meager need for
improvement and thus if you are planning to work with PLC you can consider it as a
mature technology. Any equipment has a competitive counterpart with a never ending
need of improvement, providing faster, smaller and cheaper solutions.
In the world of industrial automation, the embedded processor of PLC is
providing a real-time proprietary operating system is in demand today.
It is anticipated that there will be a need for improvement in hardware, software, and
communication to develop with the adapting technology in the future of PLC.
Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) and PLC functionality, will be evolved as a
part of the evolution.

8. SMALLER, FASTER, BETTER
In the current electronics industry the circuit boards, components, and processors are
shrinking. PLC is in need for stability, reliability, and slow acceptance for the
improvements in its technology. For added memory capacity, improved cycle time, and
new communication features with the help of fast processors are the current
enhancements. Most of the higher end PLCs are converting to lower end PLCs with
respect to market demands, functions, and features. For instance it can be considered
that small PLCs will improve to have lots of features of PLCs with higher-end and mid
and high range PLCs have very less to offer, and the user requirements are met with
compact solutions.

9. PLC AND PAC COMBINATION
Lots of industrial controller suppliers showcase the difference between PACs and PLC
but the nomenclature is not taken care of by the future of automation engineers
targeting on performance and the existing features when their system is specified. PACs
and PLCs will keep on growing similar to features and definition of each of them is
growing and changing.

10. There will be lots of demand for low and high-end processors during this transformation
period. Who knows, the lower-end processors will make their way with advanced
features as there is an advancement in hardware technology with passage of time.
For including more features and options pressure will be put on the suppliers for the
above reason. The advanced features of motion control, vision system integration, and
similar support for multiple communication controls with steady maintenance of the
simplicity thereby making PLCs attractive to their customers.

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