The Machine Simulator (MS) is part of the EasyPLC software suite. It has many built-in machines that are used to show different programming techniques. The industrial mixer is one of these machines. When the start pushbutton is energized it will fill up a tank until the lower level sensor is detected. The mixer blades will then be turned on until the top sensor is detected. The tank is then drained past the low sensor and the process repeats for 3 cycle times. Once the sequence is complete, the tank is completely drained and ready to start again.
The Click PLC will be used to program this virtual 3D mixer machine. A DRUM instruction will be used in the PLC for the sequencing. Using the Click Plus PLC, we will connect to the mixing 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. Keep on Reading!
Tag Archives: plc examples
PLC Learning Series – Programming Steps
Developing a programmable logic controller (PLC) program can be broken down into five different steps. These programming steps are as follows:
Five Steps to PLC Program Development
Step 1 – Define the task
Step 2 – Define the Inputs and Outputs
Step 3 – Develop a logical sequence of operation
Step 4 – Develop the PLC program
Step 5 – Test the program
These five steps to PLC program development will help you in understanding, programming, and troubleshooting your automated machine.
We will be looking at each of these steps in a little more detail as we discuss the PLC programming development. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
Productivity 1000 PLC to Modbus TCP Remote IO
The Productivity Series of PLC can use Modbus TCP remote IO (inputs and outputs) from Stride. The Stride Field I/O Modules are simple and compact. They provide an economical means to connect inputs and outputs to an Ethernet Modbus TCP communication network. Every module operates as a standalone Modbus TCP server and can be configured via a built-in web server.
Previously we looked at the Stride Field Remote IO Modules Modbus TCP Ethernet wiring and configuration.
Stride Field Remote IO Modules Modbus TCP Ethernet
– Unboxing SIO MB12CDR and SIO MB04ADS Video
– Powering and Configuring Video
We will be connecting two Stride remote inputs and outputs to the P1000 PLC. Modbus TCP will be the protocol over Ethernet to communicate to the SIO-MB12CDR and SIO-MB04ADS units.
SIO-MB12CDR
– STRIDE discrete combo module, Input: 8-point, 12-24 VDC, sinking, Output: 4-point, relay, (4) Form C (SPDT) relays, 2A/point, (1) Ethernet (RJ45) port(s), Modbus TCP server.
SIO-MB04ADS
– STRIDE analog input module, 4-channel, current/voltage, 16-bit, isolated, input current signal range(s) of +/- 20 mA, input voltage signal range(s) of +/- 10 VDC, (1) Ethernet (RJ45) port(s), Modbus TCP server.
We will be reading an analog voltage into the Productivity 1000 PLC from the remote IO unit. We will then set an output to pulse on and off at a time range indicated by this analog signal. The output will be on the other remote IO unit and will trigger the input to signal. We will look at the Frequency, Count, and Status of this input. Our Productivity 10000 PLC program will also take into consideration watchdog (communication time out) and power-up events for the Stride remote input and output units.
Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
Productivity 1000 Series PLC PID Instruction
PID Loop (PID) Instruction (Auto Tuning) – Productivity 1000 PLC
A Proportional-Integral-Derivative algorithm is a generic Control Loop feedback formula widely used in industrial control systems. A PID algorithm attempts to correct the Error between a measured process variable and the desired setpoint by calculating and then outputting a corrective action that can adjust the process accordingly and rapidly, to keep the Error to a minimum.
The following links will explain the PID instruction.
https://www.csimn.com/CSI_pages/PIDforDummies.html
http://www.ni.com/white-paper/3782/en/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PID_controller
We will be using an immersion heater in a cup of water to keep the temperature at a constant value. Using the Productivity Suite software we will perform an autotune on our PID instruction.
Our immersion heater will be controlled through a relay using time proportional control from our PID output. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Productivity 1000 Series PLC Email and Text
Secure PLC Email messaging is now available in the latest version of the Productivity Programming suite. SMTP or Transport layer security (TLS) email with an attachment and/or latest data log files can be sent. To be able to use this feature you must have installed Productivity programming suite v3.4 or higher and then load the latest firmware to the Productivity CPU. We can set up 4 different accounts in our PLC project. Account templates are already installed for some of the more common email servers.
We will be sending an email using a Gmail account with authentication. This will also include attached logged data files, error and event files. Our message will also include a switch and register current values when sending our email. We will also discuss how the PLC can send a text (SMS) message. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Productivity 1000 Series PLC Modbus RTU Serial
The productivity series of PLCs comes with 4 built-in communication ports for easy connectivity to your PC or various industrial networks. Serial protocols like Modbus RTU can be utilized with either the RS232 or RS485 ports on this PLC. Modbus RTU is an open (published) protocol that uses the Master / Slave architecture. It’s a very common protocol used in industrial automation controls.
We will be using the RS485 (2-wire) port to communicate to a Solo Process Temperature Controller. Modbus RTU will be the protocol used on this serial communication media. The PLC will be the master and the Solo process temperature controller will be the slave. You will soon see how the Productivity Series of PLC’s is the best way to handle communication to other devices. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!