A PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER (PLC) is an industrial computer control system   continuously monitors the state of input devices and makes decisions based upon a custom program to control the state of output devices.

Almost any production line, machine function, or process can be greatly enhanced using this type of control system. However, the biggest benefit in using a PLC is the ability to change and replicate the operation or process while collecting and communicating vital information.

Another advantage of a PLC system is that it is modular. That is, you can mix and match the types of Input and Output devices to best suit your application.

HISTORY OF PLCS

The first Programmable Logic Controllers were designed and developed by Modicon as a relay re-placer for GM and Landis.

• These controllers eliminated the need for rewiring and adding additional hardware for each new configuration of logic.
• The new system drastically increased the functionality of the controls while reducing the cabinet space that housed the logic.
• The first PLC, model 084, was invented by Dick Morley in 1969
• The first commercial successful PLC, the 184, was introduced in 1973 and was designed by Michael Greenberg.

WHAT IS INSIDE A PLC?

The Central Processing Unit, the CPU, contains an internal program that tells the PLC how to perform the following functions:

• Execute the Control Instructions contained in the User's Programs. This program is stored in "nonvolatile" memory, meaning that the program will not be lost if power is removed
• Communicate with other devices, which can include I/O Devices, Programming Devices, Networks, and even other PLCs.
• Perform Housekeeping activities such as Communications, Internal Diagnostics, etc.

• PLC ACRONYMS

  The following table shows a list of commonly used Acronyms that you see when researching or using your PLC.

  ASCII	American Standard Code for Information Interchange
  BCD	Binary Coded Decimal
  CSA	Canadian Standards Association
  DIO	Distributed I/O
  EIA	Electronic Industries Association
  EMI	ElectroMagnetic Interference
  HMI	Human Machine Interface
  IEC	International Electrotechnical Commission
  IEEE	Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
  I/O	Input(s) and/or Output(s)
  ISO	International Standards Organization
  LL	Ladder Logic
  LSB	Least Significant Bit
  MMI	Man Machine Interface
  MODICON	Modular Digital Controller
  MSB	Most Significant Bit
  PID	Proportional Integral Derivative (feedback control)
  RF	Radio Frequency
  RIO	Remote I/O
  RTU	Remote Terminal Unit
  SCADA	Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
  TCP/IP	Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol