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PLC Selection

This document provides information to help select a programmable logic controller (PLC) for an industrial automation application. It discusses estimating input/output requirements, memory needs based on the logic program size, and scan time requirements. The document outlines a process for PLC selection including understanding the control process, selecting a vendor, planning the logic, estimating memory and time requirements, checking for special needs, and getting a quote. It also provides examples of common PLC modules for handling different types of I/O, communication, counting, motion control, and more.

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368 views

PLC Selection

This document provides information to help select a programmable logic controller (PLC) for an industrial automation application. It discusses estimating input/output requirements, memory needs based on the logic program size, and scan time requirements. The document outlines a process for PLC selection including understanding the control process, selecting a vendor, planning the logic, estimating memory and time requirements, checking for special needs, and getting a quote. It also provides examples of common PLC modules for handling different types of I/O, communication, counting, motion control, and more.

Uploaded by

phani22
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 10

plc selection - 33.

33. SELECTING A PLC


Topics:
The PLC selection process
Estimating program memory and time requirements
Selecting hardware
Objectives:
Be able to select a hardware and software vendor.
Be able to size a PLC to an application
Be able to select needed hardware and software.

33.1 INTRODUCTION
After the planning phase of the design, the equipment can be ordered. This decision is usually based upon the required inputs, outputs and functions of the controller. The
first decision is the type of controller; rack, mini, micro, or software based. This decision
will depend upon the basic criteria listed below.
Number of logical inputs and outputs.
Memory - Often 1K and up. Need is dictated by size of ladder logic program. A
ladder element will take only a few bytes, and will be specified in manufacturers documentation.
Number of special I/O modules - When doing some exotic applications, a large
number of special add-on cards may be required.
Scan Time - Big programs or faster processes will require shorter scan times.
And, the shorter the scan time, the higher the cost. Typical values for this are 1
microsecond per simple ladder instruction
Communications - Serial and networked connections allow the PLC to be programmed and talk to other PLCs. The needs are determined by the application.
Software - Availability of programming software and other tools determines the
programming and debugging ease.
The process of selecting a PLC can be broken into the steps listed below.
1. Understand the process to be controlled (Note: This is done using the design
sheets in the previous chapter).
List the number and types of inputs and outputs.
Determine how the process is to be controlled.

plc selection - 33.2

Determine special needs such as distance between parts of the process.


2. If not already specified, a single vendor should be selected. Factors that might
be considered are, (Note: Vendor research may be needed here.)
Manuals and documentation
Support while developing programs
The range of products available
Support while troubleshooting
Shipping times for emergency replacements
Training
The track record for the company
Business practices (billing, upgrades/obsolete products, etc.)
3. Plan the ladder logic for the controls. (Note: Use the standard design sheets.)
4. Count the program instructions and enter the values into the sheets in Figure
33.1 and Figure 33.2. Use the instruction times and memory requirements for
each instruction to determine if the PLC has sufficient memory, and if the
response time will be adequate for the process. Samples of scan times and
memory are given in Figure 33.3 and Figure 33.4.

plc selection - 33.3

PLC MEMORY TIME ESTIMATES - Part A


Project ID:
Name:
Date:
Instruction Time Time Instruction Instruction Instruction Total
Type
Max Min. Memory
Data
Count
Memory
(us) (us) (words)
(words)
(number)
(words)
contacts
outputs
timers
counter

Total
Figure 33.1

Memory and Time Tally Sheet

Min. Max.
Time Time
(us) (us)

plc selection - 33.4

PLC MEMORY TIME REQUIREMENTS - Part B


Project ID:
Name:
Date:
TIME
Input Scan Time
Output Scan Time
Overhead Time
Program Scan Time

us
us
us
us

Communication Time
Other Times
TOTAL

us
us
us

MEMORY
Total Memory
Other Memory
TOTAL
Figure 33.2

words
words
words
Memory and Timer Requirement Sheet

bytes

plc selection - 33.5

Typical values for an Allen-Bradley micrologix controller are,


input scan time 8us
output scan times 8us
housekeeping 180us
overhead memory for controller 280 words
Instruction
Type

Time
Max
(us)

Time
Min.
(us)

Instruction Instruction
Memory
Data
(words)
(words)

CTD - count down


CTU- count up
XIC - normally open contact
XIO - normally closed contact
OSR - one shot relay
OTE - output enable
OTL - output latch
OTU - output unlatch
RES - reset
RTO - retentive on time
TOF - off timer
TON - on timer

27.22
26.67
1.72
1.72
11.48
4.43
3.16
3.16
4.25
27.49
31.65
30.38

32.19
29.84
1.54
1.54
13.02
4.43
4.97
4.97
15.19
38.34
39.42
38.34

1
1
.75
.75
1
.75
.75
.75
1
1
1
1

Figure 33.3

3
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
3
3

Typical Instruction Times and Memory Usage for a Micrologix Controller

plc selection - 33.6

Typical values for an Allen-Bradley PLC-5 controller are,


input scan time ?us
output scan times ?us
housekeeping ?us
overhead memory for controller ? words
Instruction
Type

Time
Max
(us)

Time
Min.
(us)

Instruction Instruction
Memory
Data
(words)
(words)

CTD - count down


CTU- count up
XIC - normally open contact
XIO - normally closed contact
OSR - one shot relay
OTE - output enable
OTL - output latch
OTU - output unlatch
RES - reset
RTO - retentive on time
TOF - off timer
TON - on timer

3.3
3.4
0.32
0.32
6.2
0.48
0.48
0.48
2.2
4.1
2.6
4.1

3.4
3.4
0.16
0.16
6.0
0.48
0.16
0.16
1.0
2.4
3.2
2.6

3
3
1
1
6
1
1
1
3
3
3
3

Figure 33.4

3
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
3
3

Typical Instruction Times and Memory Usage for a PLC-5 Controller

5. Look for special program needs and check the PLC model. (e.g. PID)
6. Estimate the cost for suitable hardware, programming software, cables, manuals, training, etc., or ask for a quote from a vendor.

33.2 SPECIAL I/O MODULES


Many different special I/O modules are available. Some module types are listed
below for illustration, but the commercial selection is very large. Generally most vendors
offer competitive modules. Some modules, such as fuzzy logic and vision, are only
offered by a few supplier, such as Omron. This may occasionally drive a decision to purchase a particular type of controller.
PLC CPUs
A wide variety of CPUs are available, and can often be used interchangeably in the rack systems. the basic formula is price/performance. The
table below compares a few CPU units in various criteria.

plc selection - 33.7

PLC

Siemens
S5-90U

Siemens
S5-100U

Siemens
S5-115U
(CPU 944)

Siemens
CPU03

AEG
PC-A984-145

<= 20

96

20

FEATURE
RAM (KB)
Scan times (us)
per basic instruc.
overhead
Package
Power Supply
Maximum Cards
Maximum Racks
Maximum Drops
Distance

0.8
2000
mini-module
24 VDC
6 with addon
N/A

mini-module
24 VDC

card
115/230VAC

2.5m or 3km
128
128
2048

Counters
Timers
Flags

I/O - Digital
on board
maximum
I/O - Analog
on board
maximum
Communication
network
line
human
other
Functions
PID

card
24 VDC

16
208

0
448

0
1024

0
256

0
16

0
32

0
64

0
32

Sinec-L1

Sinec-L1

Sinec-L1, prop.
printer,
ASCII

Sinec-L1

Modbus/Modubs+

option

option

option

0
256

Legend:
prop. - proprietary technology used by a single vendor
option - the vendor will offer the feature at an additional cost
Figure 33.5 CPU Comparison Chart
Programmers
There are a few basic types of programmers in use. These tend to fall into
3 categories,
1. PLC Software for Personal Computers - Similar to the special-

plc selection - 33.8

ized programming units, but the software runs on a multi-use,


user supplied computer. This approach is typically preferred.
2. Hand held units (or integrated) - Allow programming of PLC
using a calculator type interface. Often done using mnemonics.
3. Specialized programming units - Effectively a portable computer
that allows graphical editing of the ladder logic, and fast uploading/downloading/monitoring of the PLC.
Ethernet/modem
For communication with remote computers. This is now an option on
many CPUs.
TTL input/outputs
When dealing with lower TTL voltages (0-5Vdc) most input cards will
not recognize these. These cards allow switching of these voltages.
Encoder counter module
Takes inputs from an encoder and tracks position. This allows encoder
changes that are much faster than the PLC can scan.
Human Machine Interface (HMI)
A-B/Siemens/Omron/Modicon/etc offer human interface systems. The
user can use touch screens, screen and buttons, LCD/LED and a keypad.
ASCII module
Adds an serial port for communicating with standard serial ports RS-232/
422.
IBM PC computer cards
An IBM compatible computer card that plugs into a PLC bus, and allows
use of common software.
For example, Siemens CP580 the Simatic AT;
- serial ports: RS-232C, RS-422, TTY
- RGB monitor driver (VGA)
- keyboard and mouse interfaces
- 3.5 disk
Counters
Each card will have 1 to 16 counters at speeds up to 200KHz.
The counter can be set to zero, or up/down, or gating can occur with an
external input.
Thermocouple
Thermocouples can be used to measure temperature, but these low voltage devices require sensitive electronics to get accurate temperature
readings.
Analog Input/Output
These cards measure voltages in various ranges, and allow monitoring of
continuous processes. These cards can also output analog voltages to
help control external processes, etc.
PID modules
There are 2 types of PID modules. In the first the CPU does the calculation, in the second, a second controller card does the calculation.
- when the CPU does the calculation the PID loop is slower.

plc selection - 33.9

- when a specialized card controls the PID loop, it is faster, but it


costs less.
Typical applications - positioning workpieces.
Stepper motor
Allows control of a stepper motor from a PLC rack.
Servo control module
Has an encoder and amplifier pair built in to the card.
Diagnostic Modules
Plug in and they monitor the CPU status.
Specialty cards for IBM PC interface
Siemens/Allen-Bradley/etc. have cards that fit into IBM buses, and will
communicate with PLCs.
Communications
This allows communications or networks protocols in addition to what is
available on the PLC. This includes DH+, etc.
Thumb Wheel Module
Numbers can be dialed in on wheels with digits from 0 to 9.
BCD input/output module
Allows numbers to be output/input in BCD.
BASIC module
Allows the user to write programs in the BASIC programming language.
Short distance RF transmitters
e.g., Omron V600/V620 ID system
ID Tags - Special tags can be attached to products, and as they pass
within range of pickup sensors, they transmit an ID number, or a packet
of data. This data can then be used, updated, and rewritten to the tags by
the PLC. Messages are stored as ASCII text.
Voice Recognition/Speech
In some cases verbal I/O can be useful. Speech recognition methods are
still very limited, the user must control their speech, and background
noise causes problems.

33.3 SUMMARY
Both suppliers and products should be evaluated.
A single supplier can be advantageous in simplifying maintenance.
The time and memory requirements for a program can be estimated using design
work.
Special I/O modules can be selected to suit project needs.

plc selection - 33.10

33.4 PRACTICE PROBLEMS

33.5 PRACTICE PROBLEM SOLUTIONS

33.6 ASSIGNMENT PROBLEMS


1. What is the most commonly used type of I/O interface?
2. What is a large memory size for a PLC?
3. What factors affect the selection of the size of a PLC.

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