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Home / Download Center / Electrical Engineering Books and Technical Guides / Industrial automation and control guides / PLC handbook – A practical guide to programmable logic controllers

What is a PLC?

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are often defined as miniature industrial computers that contain hardware and software used to perform control functions. More specifically, a PLC would be used for the automation of industrial electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines, amusement rides, or food processing.

PLC handbook - Practical guide to programmable logic controllers (photo credit: nocola.co.id)
PLC handbook – Practical guide to programmable logic controllers (photo credit: Peyek.info)

They are designed for multiple arrangements of digital and analog inputs and outputs with extended temperature ranges, immunity to electrical noise, and resistance to vibration and impact.

A PLC will consist of two basic sections: the central processing unit (CPU) and the Input/Output (I/O) interface system.

PLC architecture
PLC architecture

The CPU controls all system activity primarily through its processor and memory system. The CPU consists of a microprocessor, memory chip and other integrated circuits to control logic, monitoring and communications.

The CPU has different operating modes.

In programming mode the CPU will accept changes to the downloaded logic from a PC. When the CPU is placed in run mode it will execute the program and operate the process. Input data from connected field devices (e.g., switches, sensors, etc.) is processed, and then the CPU “executes” or performs the control program that has been stored in its memory system.

Since a PLC is a dedicated controller it will process this one program over and over again. The time it takes for one cycle through the program is called scan time and happens very quickly (in the range of 1/1000th of a second, depending on your program).

The memory in the CPU stores the program while also holding the status of the I/O and providing a means to store values.

Title:PLC handbook – Practical guide to programmable logic controllers by AUTOMATIONDIRECT
Format:PDF
Size:5.5 MB
Pages:85
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PLC handbook - Practical guide to programmable logic controllers
PLC handbook – Practical guide to programmable logic controllers

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11 Comments


  1. Egwuaba Daniel
    Jul 07, 2021

    Plc I need your handbook.


  2. Arief Mardiyanto
    Nov 25, 2020

    Yes Iam Interested to PLC,because must have reference source for my student and A very good read. Gives a clear identification of plc programming steps.


  3. Benjamin
    Apr 05, 2019

    A very good read. Gives a clear identification of plc programming steps


  4. Ruben Dichoso
    Mar 31, 2019

    Thank you for sending this to me, my reference technical manual


  5. Willie Jones
    Nov 28, 2017

    Very good manual. A must have reference source for every technician.


  6. K. Myatt Thu
    Nov 23, 2017

    Glad to Reading These Book , TQ EEP


  7. ravi
    Jan 23, 2017

    Where is servo control plc ladder program up to various range of Ac &DC motor


  8. Majid
    Jan 21, 2017

    hi sir tank you very much . i love this


  9. Godfrey Madewu
    Jan 14, 2017

    Please can anybody help me on why I am having a sudden discharge of black smoke and then it disappears and appears again in an on and off scenario from a Biomass boiler which has an ID fan running through a cyclone and also has a static grating with fan being used as a fuel spreader.The FD fan is also being used as part of the process for positive draft.I would appreciate an reply to my email [email protected]


  10. Muhammad Nadeem
    Jan 13, 2017

    how can i understand betterly PLC.


  11. John
    Jan 13, 2017

    Very good handbook. thanks

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