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PLC EXAMPLES

Reported by: Mikkel Yang

Below is an example of a six (6) input and six (6) output Programmable Logic
Controller. As seen, two (2) screw terminals provide connection to 120 volts AC for
powering the PLCs internal circuitry, labeled L1 and L2.
Input elements are on the left side of the diagram labelled X1 through X6 and
output elements are on the right side of the diagram labelled Y1 through Y6.

The next two pictures show the power source how a PLC is powered electrically.

Figure 2: Power Circuit in a PLC


The advantage of having a PLC is that there are purely digital circuits that could be
used in order to program the elements needed in a circuit.

Figure 3: A PLC that programs a Light Bulb


As seen in Figure 3, the PLC is programmed to power a lamp upon pressed the
actuation of the pushbutton switch. It is also important to note the presence of the
programmable cable that is used to connect the program to the controller.

Figure 4: Motor Starting


In a PLC, output elements can be also be used as programmable element in this
circuit. This is needed for circuits such as the one needed to start a motor and
create a latch that would allow it to continue running after the release of the
pushbutton as what is seen on figure 4.

Figure 5: Motor Stop


The PLC circuit is also dependent on the pushbutton selected as the kind of
electrical input selected. As seen on figure 5, a normally open pushbutton would
mean that a normally close PLC element should be used while a normally closed
pushbutton would mean that a normally open PLC element should be used.

Figure 6: Using PLC Relay Elements

As seen in figure 6, it is also possible to use relay elements in a PLC. The actuation
of X1, X2, and X3 would actuate a PLC C1 element which in turn would activate Y1
to power or unpower the light.

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