Programmable Logic Controllers, 4th Edition

1 Programmable logic controllers

This chapter is an introduction to the programmable logic controller, its general function, hardware forms and internal architecture. This overview is followed up by more detailed discussion in the following chapters.

1.1 Controllers

What type of task might a control system have? It might be required to control a sequence of events or maintain some variable constant or follow some prescribed change. For example, the control system for an automatic drilling machine (Figure 1.1(a)) might be required to start lowering the drill when the workpiece is in position, start drilling when the drill reaches the workpiece, stop drilling when the drill has produced the required depth of hole, retract the drill and then switch ...