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Articles BRX Do-More Counters Do-More Do-More Designer Inputs Outputs PLC PLC Basics PLC Learning Scan Timers

Timing Diagram NOT Just Used for a Timer

Logic circuits in a PLC ladder logic program are either on or off. The inputs change, which will affect the outputs. This can be expressed in a timing diagram. The timing diagram or chart will show you how the ladder logic program will respond to the changing states of the inputs and outputs.
Timing Diagram NOT Just Used for a Timer
This visual method is an excellent way of understanding how the PLC ladder logic functions. We will discuss a timing diagram and how it is used for timers, counters, and ladder logic. This will help in understanding or troubleshooting your PLC programs. Let’s get started.

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Inputs Outputs PLC PLC Basics PLC Learning Productivity Suite Scan

PLC Learning Series – Program Cyclic Scan

PLC Learning Series - Program Cyclic Scan

Programmable logic controllers (PLC) use a cyclic scan. The time that it takes to complete one scan is called Scan Time. Typical scan times range from 10 milliseconds to 10 microseconds. This translates from 0.01 to 0.0001 seconds per PLC scan. Understanding how the program scan will help us in programming and troubleshooting the PLC.
The simplest scan cycle of a PLC consists of 4 steps. Read inputs, execute program, diagnostics, and communication, and update outputs.
We will be looking at each of these steps in a little more detail as we discuss the PLC program cyclic scan. Let’s get started.

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Communication EasyPLC Machine Simulator Modbus TCP PLC PLC Learning Productivity 1000 Productivity 2000 Productivity 3000

Productivity PLC Simulator – Chain Conveyor MS

Productivity PLC Simulator - Chain Conveyor MS

The Machine Simulator (MS) is part of the EasyPLC software suite. It has many built-in machines that can be programmed. The chain conveyor is one of these machines. It will transfer large and small boxes on the line to different locations. The productivity series of PLCs will be used to program this virtual machine.
Productivity PLC Simulator - Chain Conveyor MSUsing the Productivity Suite software, we will connect the simulator to the chain conveyor transfer machine. This will be done using Modbus TCP (Ethernet) for communications. Using the five steps for program development we will show how this is programmed. Let’s get started.

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Articles HMI PLC PLC Basics PLC Learning

PLC Learning Series – Understanding Numbers

PLC Learning Series - Understanding Number Values

All programmable logic controllers (PLC) have the same numbering system at their core. This is the same with all computers as well. The status of any memory location can be either on or off. A one (1) will represent an on or “True” status and zero (0) will represent an off or “False” status. This is called binary.

Understanding PLC Numbering Systems
We will be looking at how numbering systems work and some of the common systems that programmable logic controllers use. Let’s get started.

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Articles BRX Do-More Click Click PLUS Devices PLC PLC Basics PLC Learning

PLC Learning Series – Memory Backup

PLC Learning Series – Memory Backup

PLC memory is very similar to personal computer memory. There is the operating system and firmware of the processor and connected modules. PLC programs and data that are used by the program are also stored in the memory.
PLC Learning Series – Memory BackupWe will now look at the basic understanding of memory in the PLC. Looking at two examples of PLC specifications. We will see how the program is stored and how long data memory will remain when the PLC is not powered up. Let’s get started.

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Analog Articles BRX Do-More Devices Do-More LED - Light Emitting Diode Outputs PLC PLC Basics PLC Learning Pushbutton Sensors

PLC Learning Series – What are Outputs?

PLC Learning Series - What are Outputs?

PLC outputs are the next component of our PLC block diagram. The PLC program will control the outputs of the PLC. Controlling outputs is one way to get the inputs to change. We will be looking at digital and analog outputs that can be wired to the programmable logic controller.
PLC Learning Series - What are Outputs?

PLC troubleshooting outputs will also be discussed. This will be done using a multimeter measuring the voltage at the PLC output and across the discrete output load. We will also measure and control analog signal output. Let’s get started.

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