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How are PLCs used in Robotics, Automation & Electromechanical fields?

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The emergence of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) heralded a new age of manufacturing. Processes on the factory floor became more automated, more precise, and less costly, which in turn meant a greater quantity of better produced goods for the end consumer at a cheaper price.

The Basics of PLC Programming - Part 3

SQO Instruction

In this installment of the Practicing PLC Technician Series, we continue our investigation into some of the ladder logic instructions that are based on real world field equipment familiar to the technicians of today.  We have covered virtual coils and contacts, as well as timer instructions used for time driven program segments. Here we will be taking a look at a simple Event Driven program segment using another staple of relay logic control systems, the drum sequencer.  T

The Basics of PLC Programming - Part 2

Cascaded Timers

In our last installment of the Practicing PLC Technician Series, we began to look at some of the similarities between relay logic control circuits and plc ladder logic programming.  Over the next few blogs, we will further examine some additional instructions that are based on real world field equipment or devices that have been included in the ladder logic programming approach available for programming modern PLC’s.

Basic Instructions and Operation of a PLC - Part 1

PLC Components

In this installment of the Practicing PLC Technician series, we are going to look at the basic structure of a PLC and how it operates. 

5 Sectors That Are Opening Up To People with PLC Training

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The PLCs market was valued at $396 US Million in 2017 and is expected to reach approximately $825 US Million by 2024 with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 11% over this period.

What Are the Different Types of PLC Programming Languages

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Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are general-purpose control devices often used in plants or manufacturing systems. They provide both a useful and efficient control solution for a variety of applications, and can accept inputs from a variety of devices, such as motion detectors, joysticks and buttons, amongst others. In turn, PLCs are able to produce outputs that control lights, motors and sound effects, amongst others.

File Based Addressing Tips - Part II

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In our second installment of the Practicing PLC Technician series, we continue our examination of the basics of File Based Addressing for students and practicing PLC technicians.  In our last article, we examined the overall data file system used.  We defined the default file types used in files 0 – 8.  We then moved on to discuss the default data files specifically relating to inputs and outputs.  Each of these files is comprised of memory locations made up of 16 bit word

File Based Addressing Tips - Part I

Memory Allocation

This is the first in a series of brief articles discussing important topics specific to PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) technicians and technician students preparing for a role in an increasingly automated workforce. In this series we will be discussing skills and knowledge unique to the understanding of PLC’s.