Wednesday, February 26, 2014

What You Need To Know About PLC Programming Services

By Leticia Jensen


There are many places where consumers can get PLC programming services in the city of Hudson WI. Programmable logic controllers are commonly used in industrial process control, but they can also be used in residential security systems and home automation among other places. Generally, they can be used in any automation application. The average person may need these programmable controllers, but he or she may not know how to program them, hence the need for these services.

PLCs have three types of ports. These are input, output and power ports. Like other types of computers, PLCs run on direct current, and must be fed with the right voltage. The power input must be conditioned and protective circuits connected to ensure that voltage spikes do not damage the microcontroller in the device.

The input ports are connected to switches and sensors in the plant. The nature of the signal must be DC. Photodiodes, tachometers, light dependent resistors, emergency stop switches and voltage dividers are the most popular types of sensors. Signal levels must be within tolerable levels of the microcontroller. For this reason, additional circuits may be included to condition the signals.

PLC outputs are normally connected to actuators via relays. The logic controller normally produces 5V DC output. This is only used to energize relays that are connected to the power circuit of external devices. There are many types of actuators in any process. For instance, a simple air conditioning system may have, heaters, refrigerators and fans as the actuators. Other types of actuators include light bulbs, motors, alarms and solenoid valves among others.

Programmers are normally electrical engineers with a specialty in instrumentation and control engineering. They have a deeper understanding of industrial processes, pneumatic and hydraulic systems as well as advanced mechanics, so they can develop the right program to effectively control an industrial process using a PLC.

A programmer must first take a look at the plant or process in order to assess its needs. An interview with the client is also just as important. From these site visits and interviews, the programmer can learn more about the number and type of sensors and actuators that are used in the process. For effective instructions to be written, the programmer must know exactly how the process works.

An expert can use a number of languages to program a PLC. All the PLCs in the industry can be programmed in just about all the programming languages. However, the most popular one is Ladder Logic. This is a very simple language. The programmer uses symbols of relays such as normally closed and normally open contacts, timers and coils to write instructions.

After a program is written, it must be simulated to ensure that it performs the intended functions with precision. PLCs from different manufacturers have their own simulators and programs for writing the instructions. Some have inbuilt simulators while others have separate programs for that purpose.

There are many factors that must be considered by consumers when they are looking for programming services. For one, they need to look at the experience, professional qualifications and prices offered by service providers. Secondly, they need to consider turnaround times of programmers. Lastly, potential customers need to ask for references and check them out before they decide to hire anyone.




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