Motion Controllers

Programmable Logic Controllers ( PLCS ) & Programmable Logic Controller

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Some programmable logic controllers ( PLCS ) are equipped to solve problems involving mathematical functions such as sine, cosine, tangent, xy, y root of x, e sub x , natural logarithms, and common logarithms. Such calculations are often required for energy management, process control, process modeling, real-time error correction, and many other applications.

And while ladder logic is still the standard industry programming language for programmable logic controllers ( PLCS ), the trend is toward state logic, sequential function charts, graphics, and versions that are programmable in Basic, C, or other high-level languages.

The ability to handle analog signals along with arithmetic and other complex calculations has made programmable logic controllers ( PLCS ) suitable for the control of processes as well as for the control of machines. Typical applications for programmable logic controllers ( PLCS ) are mineral and chemical processing, water and waste treatment, and petroleum collection and distribution. In many of these applications a programmable logic controller ( PLCS ) can complement conventional analog control systems by handling sequence problems as well as a portion of the analog calculation and control. In support of those functions, some programmable logic controllers ( PLCS ) now have the ability to store recipes for batch processing, reducing the need for manual inputs.

In further support of their process-control capabilities, some programmable logic controllers ( PLCS ) can be equipped to solve complex equations such as proportional-integral-derivative equations required for the control of many processes. A sophisticated programmable logic controller ( PLCS ) is capable of performing these calculations on many different portions of a process simultaneously.