I recently received a question on PNP and NPN sensors. They wanted an explanation of what a sink is and how to wire one. Confusion over the Normally Open and Normally Closed function of the sensor is also a common question. Several diagrams will show a resistor attached to the blue wire and a load across the others, what does it all mean?
It is quite confusing sometimes the language we use for these devices. Sometimes it is the way we talk about the sensor and sometimes about the device we are connecting. (PLC)
We will break it down and go over the wiring to a PLC input. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Tag Archives: plc programming examples
Universal Signal Conditioner and Isolator
Signal conditioners are used with analog current and voltage signals. They have the ability to change your input analog signal to another output analog signal. As an example, we can have 4-20mA analog input and change it to a 0-10VDC output signal so we can wire this into our PLC. Typically signal conditioners will also electrically isolate the input and output signals. This is either done by magnetic or optical isolation. You would usually specify the input and output signals that are required in your circuit to choose the signal conditioner required. Using a universal signal conditioner will take a variety of signals and is a great product to use in troubleshooting analog circuits.
We will be using a universal signal conditioner to convert a thermocouple temperature input into a 0-10VDC linear output. This will be wired into the analog card of the Click PLC.
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Wiring a Capacitive Proximity NPN PNP Sensor to the Click PLC
A proximity sensor (switch) is able to detect object presence without physical contact like a limit switch. No physical contact means that the switch has no parts that will wear out. The life span of the sensor is increased with less maintenance.
A capacitive proximity sensor will detect ferrous and non-ferrous objects. The sensor works by oscillating the charge on the plates in the sensor. When an object is placed in front of the surface, the amount of current flow is detected. (Capacitance) The dielectric of objects will determine the distance that the object can be detected.
We will be wiring a capacitive proximity switch into the input of our Click PLC. The CK1-00-2H is an 18mm diameter, NPN/PNP N.O./N.C. selectable output with a 12mm sensing distance. That means that the sensor can be wired as positive (Sourcing) or negative (Sinking) switch. This unshielded 10 Hz switching frequency sensor also has a 4-pin M12 quick disconnect. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Wiring an Inductive Proximity NPN PNP Sensor to the Click PLC
A proximity sensor (switch) is able to detect object presence without physical contact like a limit switch. No physical contact means that the switch has no parts that will wear out. The life span of the sensor is increased with less maintenance.
An inductive proximity sensor will detect ferrous metals. The sensor develops an electric field when metal (sensing object) is introduced usually killing the oscillation circuit of the sensor triggering the output.
We will be wiring an inductive proximity switch into the input of our Click PLC. The AM1-A0-4A is an extended range 12mm tubular sensor that can be wired into the PLC as a sink or source input. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Wiring Push Buttons and Selector Switch to Click PLC
A push button (pushbutton) is a simple human interface for controlling some aspect of a machine or process. The push button requires a force to push the button to change the electrical operation from off to on or vice versa. The condition of the output is usually momentarily. Some common everyday pushbuttons we use are keyboards keys.
A selector switch is also a mechanical device that will require a force to turn the electrical operation from off to on or vice versa. The selector switch usually locks into a position.
We will be wiring two illuminated pushbutton switches into our Click PLC. A selector switch will also be wired in. Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Productivity 1000 Series PLC Documenting the Program
Last time we created our first program and transferred this to our connected Productivity 1000 Series PLC. This was programmed with our computer running the Productivity Suite Software. One of the most important aspects of programming the PLC is to document. This will aid you and your team in programming, troubleshooting and modifying the automation control system. Your documentation should read like a book so information can be quickly obtained when required. Time spent on the documentation will be priceless when you go to read your program in 1, 3 or 10 years from now. The Productivity Suite software provides several different methods for documenting your program.
Tag Names and Details, Task Names and Descriptions, Rung Comments and Instruction comments are the ways that we will be looking at documenting our program.
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Productivity 1000 Series PLC First Program
Last time we connected the Productivity 1000 Series PLC with our computer running the Productivity Suite Software. A micro USB and an Ethernet (RJ45) communication link was made to our programmable logic controller. We will now create our first program for our Productivity 1000 Series PLC. Our program will be a simple start stop circuit for a motor. Here is a post that will explain the logic behind our program circuit.
https://accautomation.ca/how-to-make-a-start-stop-jog-circuit-in-a-plc/
The latest Productivity Suite software version is 3.1.0.11. This is the programming software that we will be using to create our logic for control.
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Suppanel Android HMI to Click PLC
Suppanel is an Android app that is used to create a human machine interface (HMI). This HMI panel can be created on your computer, tablet or phone using the appropriate operating system or software. You can use this software to create panels that you can control or modify values in your automated system. These panels can be shared with other Suppanel users.
We will be creating a Suppanel Panel to monitor and control a Solo Process Temperature Controller via the Click programmable logic controller (PLC). The Click will be communicating to the Solo with serial RS485 using Modbus RTU protocol. The Suppanel HMI will be communicating to the Click PLC using Ethernet Modbus TCP protocol.
Watch on YouTube : Suppanel Android HMI to Click PLC
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Productivity 1000 Series PLC Installing the Software
The Productivity 1000 Series PLC uses the Productivity Suite Software. The software can be downloaded free of charge. It is the full package without restrictions or limitations.
The latest Productivity Suite software version is 3.1.0.11. Automation Direct has put 20 years of programmable controller software experience along with customer suggestions and feedback into this programming package. It has great features that we will be exploring as we program our Productivity 1000 Series PLC.
This is the same software that will program the entire Productivity Series of programmable logic controllers.
Productivity 1000 (Stackable Micro PLC)
Productivity 2000 (Micro Modular Programmable Controller)
Productivity 3000 (Modular Programmable Controller)
We will be installing and reviewing the Productivity Suite software version 3.1.0.11.
Let’s get started. Continue Reading!
Productivity 1000 Series PLC System Hardware
The Productivity 1000 series of programmable logic controllers has a slim stackable super compact design. This is sometimes also referred to as a shoebox PLC because of the shape and way in which expansion modules are added. This new Productivity 1000 series PLC is the latest in the Productivity series of controllers that have hit the market.
Productivity 1000 (Stackable Micro PLC)
Productivity 2000 (Micro Modular Programmable Controller)
Productivity 3000 (Modular Programmable Controller)
These three series currently make up the Productivity Series form Automation Direct.
The Productivity 1000 series PLC provides the following features for your automation control panel.
– 50MB user memory – Can handle very complex applications easily.
– 4 built-in communication ports – Easy connectivity to your network. This would include your PC, HMI, Networks, etc.
– Data logging up to 32 GB on a microSD card
– Add up to 15 IO modules to communicate to your field sensors.
– Free Software and 30 days of free training with every CPU from Automation Direct.
– Interactive PLC Configuration Tool
– Tag Names
– Auto-discovery IO – Physical I/O tags will be generated based on each module’s position in the base. You can also reconfigure the setup and assign new tags manually.
– I/O Modules have QR codes under the wiring cover. This can be scanned so you can have the latest specifications/wiring diagrams for the module.
– Limitless PID – Autotuning – Individual or Cascade Mode – etc
– Web Server and Mobile Access
– Advanced Software instruction set
We will be looking at a lot of these features of this powerful controller. Let’s start by looking at the hardware. Continue Reading!