6 。 SOFTWARE BASED PLCS
The dropping cost of personal computers is increasing their use in control, including the replacement of PLCs. Software is installed that allows the personal computer to solve ladder logic, read inputs from sensors and update outputs to actuators. These are important to mention here because they don’t obey the previous timing model. For example, if the computer is running a game it may slow or halt the computer. This issue and others are currently being investigated and good solutions should be expected soon.
7 。 SUMMARY
• A PLC and computer are similar with inputs, outputs, memory, etc.
• The PLC continuously goes through a cycle including a sanity check, input scan, logic scan, and output scan.
• While the logic is being scanned, changes in the inputs are not detected, and the outputs are not updated.
• PLCs use RAM, and sometime EPROMs are used for permanent programs.
8 。 PRACTICE PROBLEMS
1. Does a PLC normally contain RAM, ROM, EPROM and/or batteries?
2. What are the indicator lights on a PLC used for?
3. A PLC can only go through the ladder logic a few times per second. Why?
4. What will happen if the scan time for a PLC is greater than the time for an input pulse? Why?
5. What is the difference between a PLC and a desktop computer?
6. Why do PLCs do a self check every scan?
7. Will the test time for a PLC be long compared to the time required for a simple program?
8. What is wrong with the following ladder logic? What will happen if it is used?
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