PLC Boot camp training courses in Lahore

A programmable logic controller (PLC) or programmable controller is an industrial computer that has been durable and adapted to control production processes such as assembly lines, machines, robotic devices or any activity that requires high reliability, easy programming and diagnosis of process errors. Dick Morley is considered the father of the PLC, as he invented the first PLC, the Modicum 084, for General Motors in 1968.

PLC scada system

PLCs can range from small modular devices with dozens of inputs and outputs (I/O), in an integral housing with the processor, too large a modular rack-mounted device with thousands of I/Os that are often interfaced with other PLC and SCADA systems. They can be designed for many digital and analog I/O layouts, extended temperature ranges, electrical noise immunity, and vibration immunity and impacts.

Controlling machine

Programs for controlling machine operation are usually stored in battery-backed or non-volatile memory. PLCs were first developed in the automotive industry to provide flexible, robust and easily programmable controllers to replace hard-wired relay logic systems. Since then, they have been widely accepted as highly reliable automation controllers suitable for harsh environments.

Loop controller

A PLC is an example of a hard real-time system because output results must be produced in response to input conditions within a limited time, otherwise unintended operation. PLCs originated in the late 1960s in the US automotive industry and were designed as a replacement for relay logic systems. Previously, control logic for manufacturing consisted mainly of relays, cam timers, drum sequencers, and dedicated closed-loop controllers.

Hard wiring

It was difficult for designers to change the automation process due to hard wiring. Changes would require new involvement and careful updating of the documentation. If even one wire was out of place, or one relay failed, the entire system would fail. Technicians often spent hours troubleshooting by examining schematics and comparing them to existing wiring.

Relay system

When general purpose computers became available, they were soon used for control logic in industrial processes. These early computers were unreliable and required specialized programmers and strict control of operating conditions such as temperature, cleanliness, and power quality. PLCs provided several advantages over earlier automation systems. It tolerated industrial environments better than computers and was more reliable, more compact and required less maintenance than relay systems.

Programming language

It was easily expandable with additional I/O modules, while relay systems required complicated hardware changes in case of reconfiguration. This made it easier to repeat the design of the manufacturing process. With a simple programming language focused on logic and switching operations, it was more user-friendly than computers using general-purpose programming languages.

Ladder logic

This also allowed his traffic to be tracked. Early PLCs were programmed in ladder logic that strongly resembled the schematic diagram of relay logic. In 1968, GM Hydromantic (the automatic transmission division of General Motors) issued a request for proposals for an electronic replacement for hardwired relay systems based on a white paper written by engineer Edward R. Clark. The winning proposal came from Bedford Associates of Bedford, Massachusetts.

Electronics devices

One of the people who worked on this project was Dick Morley, who is considered the "father" of PLC. The Modicum brand was sold in 1977 to Gould Electronics and later to Schneider Electric, the current owner. Around the same time, Modicum created Modbus, the data communication protocol used with its PLCs.

Electrical devices

Modbus has since become the standard open protocol commonly used to connect many industrial electrical devices. One of the first 084s produced is now on display at the Schneider Electric plant in North Andover, Massachusetts. It was introduced to Modicum GM when the unit was retired after nearly twenty years of continuous service. Burraq engineering solutions provides Online PLC boot camp training courses in Lahore. Modicum used the 84 moniker at the end of its product line until the 984 was introduced.