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What is PLC? What is the Full form of PLC? What is the Working of PLC?
In this post of today, we will get to know all the important things related to PLC. With the help of this post, we know what PLC is, how it works. Apart from this, where PLC is used, the advantages of applying PLC and some interview questions related to PLC will also be talked about.
The full name of PLC-PLC-Programmable Logic Controller
What is a PLC?
You can call PLC an electrical computer. Its use has increased very much within all the industries today. The main function of PLC is to simplify the electrical circuit.
You all must have seen the electrical drawing. Whenever we use PLC, we design this electrical drawing in computer software. This software is called the "logic" software of the PLC.
To make circuits in this PLC software, we call it "PLC program". And for all these reasons, plc is also called an electrical computer. With the help of PLC we can design the largest electrical circuit in a short time, and then run it in the system quite easily.
What is the need for PLC? Why is it important to use PLC?
As we all know that in every company, machines engaged in automation are running today. Automation means every machine has become automatic nowadays.
Due to the machine being automatic, all the work started happening very quickly. Due to this, the production of the company is also increasing.
We are now talking about automatic because PLC has a big contribution behind this automation.
By the way, you should know one thing that even before PLC came in the market, we used to run the machine in auto. At that time we used to do this work with the help of an RLC() circuit.
OLD relay RLC panel
Even today you can see the use of RLC circuits in many companies. But there were some disadvantages in the use of this RLC circuit, due to this, now PLC is being used slowly everywhere.
What are PLC and RLC and circuit differences?
Difference between PLC and RLC circuit
Both these circuits are the most used in the company. But now we know why nowadays all the company is gradually adopting the PLC system
You can understand it very easily. First of all, we need many relays and timers to automate the machine inside the RLC circuit. But when we automate the machine with the help of PLC, then we do not have to install the relay and timer.
Now, let us understand the PLC and RLC circuits with an example.
For example, suppose I have a motor and I have to run it for some time and keep it off for some time. Now if we do this in an RLC circuit, we will first need 1 relay and 1 timer. After this, we will complete this circuit easily by wiring something.
But if I tell you now that company has 50 or 100 such motors. And the timing of the start and stop of all the motors is completely different and complicated.
So, in such a situation, we leave the RLC and move like a PLC circuit.
Because if you have to design such a circuit in RLC, then you have to first bring 50 timers and relays. After that their wiring and all these have to be designed in the panel as well. If you do this in RLC, it takes a lot of time, and our panel is also much larger and filled with wiring.
Apart from this, the biggest problem comes to us in the RLC circuit. When we have to make some changes in this circuit, or sometimes a fault occurs, then it is very difficult to correct that problem.
But if we have to do the same with the help of PLC, then we will not need any relay or timer. Apart from this, we can easily design this type of circuit. And together, if needed, you can make changes to it within a few minutes.
So guys these are some of the main drawbacks inside the RLC circuit. And because of these, we connect with the PLC circuit. By the way, I have told you the difference of count between these two, but there is much more difference between these two.
Benefits of Programmable Logic Controller
Advantages of using PLC:
While applying the PLC, we have to pay the initial price a little more, but when we see the benefits that come from it, then this price automatically reduces.
Designing the circuit inside the PLC is quite easy, inside it we can easily build the largest circuit.
If we have to make some changes in our electrical circuit in the future, then it is much easier inside the PLC circuit, but it is much more difficult to do this in an RLC circuit.
Using PLC makes it much easier to find the electrical fault. With the help of which the breakdown time of the machine is reduced considerably.
The use of PLC eliminates the cost of many of our electrical components. Such as our timer, relay, add-on block, etc. We do not have to buy.
Many fault vibrations occur in RLC circuits and after some time usage. Because all the control in it is through the wire. But in PLC we do not see this problem.
How PLC works and its connections?
All PLC company has its different software, first of all, we install the PLC software in our computer. After this, according to how we want to operate the machine, we design the circuit in this software.
After designing the circuit completely, we put this logic in the software inside our PLC with the help of a cable.
After doing this, PLC works according to this circuit, and our machine starts working automatically. Always keep in mind that PLC always works only on a 24 volt DC supply.
There are two modules inside the PLC.
- Input Module
- Output Module
PLC working structure
This is both a core part of the PLC. The job of the input module is to give information to PLC. Like we want our motor to run as soon as a switch is pressed.
So for this, first of all, we have to inform that switch to PLC. And we provide this information with the help of the input module.
After doing this, when we press the switch, the PLC learns that the switch has been pressed. The subsequent work is done by the PLC program. Now what we have programmed after pressing this switch, starts.
If we have to operate a motor, after pressing the button, we will get the supply from the output module of the PLC. With the help of which we make our motor operate.
PLC's input module is connected to the limit switch, NO NC Switch, Sensors, etc., and our contractors, solenoid coils, drives, etc. are added to the output module.
Apart from the input-output module, the main part of PLC is its CPU. It is an important part of CPU PLC. Any circuit we design is stored inside this CPU.
Inside this CPU there is a memory card like a mobile, our circuits are stored inside the same memory. After which our machine starts working on that circuit.
How to program in PLC?
As I told you in the beginning, all the PLC company has its different software, inside which we design the circuit and fit it into the PLC.
By the way, the basic working of all these software is same, if you learn any one of them then you will be able to work easily in all company's PLC software.
I am now telling you the names of the most used PLC company in India and the world, with the help of which you can get to know about this PLC by visiting their website.
The most used PLC company in India and the world
Also if you want to learn PLC programming. So for this, you first know the symbol of some basic electrical. Along with this, you will also need some basic knowledge of computers, so that you will be able to design circuits easily.
With this, if you have to go far ahead in PLC, then you must understand the logic gate of electrical once. This will help you a lot during the PLC program.
So, hope you have got answers to many questions related to your Programmable Logic Controller. If you still have any questions related to it, then you can message me on my social media accounts.
Thank You!
Have a Good Day!
Happy Learning!