PLC and Industrial Automation: How Are They Linked
PLC controller programming or programmable logic controller (PLC) is considered the “brain” of industrial automation. It controls a production machine or an entire production line, helping the industry to achieve maximum efficiency and speed.
How does PLC function?
The major components of a PLC are a central processing computer, RAM and/or ROM memory, an Ethernet card, and a method of programming. PLC takes incoming signals from sensors or manual controls, processes them, and outputs control signals.
Object-oriented programming of PLC industrial automation defines the data structure, the data type, and the operations applied to the data structure. It uses a ladder logic programming language that is very much related to “C” programming.
The programming structure “ladder” represents the circuit diagrams that control output hardware. Functions include the opening and closing of electrical coils, timer functions, counter functions, and embedded math equations.
PLC controller programming: How is it done?
A graphical user interface (GUI) is used to program a PLC. This is more specifically used with specialized software, allowing users to visualize the different steps in the ladder logic. The objective is the appropriate placement of various actions and activities.
Benefits of Programmable PLC Industrial Automation Process
Modularity: If PLC object-oriented programming is implemented, the complex automation systems break down into modular components. The manufacturing process simplifies as each component is independently developed, tested, and maintained.
Reusability: Modular components created after the implementation of PLC programming can be reused across different projects. They can also be a part of the system, reducing redundancy and development time.
Maintainability: With programmed PLC industrial automation, it becomes easier to troubleshoot and update systems as it’s an organized and structured code. The best part is that changes done in one part of the system don’t impact the other parts.
Scalability: The scalability of programmable PLC is highly scalable. Without affecting the existing systems and current processes, users can add new features or functionalities. Minimal disruption reduces the overall production cost.
Implementation of PLC object-oriented programming
Programmed PLC and industrial automation work seamlessly if implemented properly. In some advanced PLC programming environments, there are structured text and function block diagrams that work on programming principles. These languages implement the programming concept in PLC systems.
It’s not easy to implement the PLC programs; specialized development tools and environments are used. These tools design and manage the programs that support features related to encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Conclusion
Based on object-based programming, it’s easy to link PLC and industrial automation. PLC synthesizes many operations, such as counting, relaying, and timing, that were done individually through a wired process in the past. The traditional way was time-consuming and not very efficient.For PLC controller programming in Toronto, contact Margor Automation.
