Which plc to choose

So, you may be asking which PLC system should I study. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to that question but there are several factors that can help you choose which PLC brand to learn and help you excel in your career as a technician. PLCs have been around since ; however, as the world marches on into the fourth industrial revolution also known as Industry 4.

This blog will highlight how these two brands differ and what impact these differences can have when considering which brand of PLC would be best to use for your studies. The decision to study one PLC brand AB or Siemens rather than the other may be impacted by one or all of the following:. Different PLC platforms are preferred in different parts of the world. Your job location becomes very important when making this determination. It might be better to choose from the popular PLC brands used in your geographic region.

Allen Bradley comes with a more intuitive user-interface and does not require an extensive programming background. If you are familiar with relay logic, you may find it easier to use an Allen Bradley system which provides the ability to program using ladder logic.

On the other hand, Siemens PLCs can be heavily programmed and customized to suit a particular business need. Naturally, this implies that a more robust computer programming background will be needed in order for a technician to effectively make use of and maintain a Siemens PLC.

Customers can now tailor fit PLCs to meet the needs of their applications. How many analog or digital inputs and outputs will you need?

Will there be PWM outputs? There are several types of outputs to consider. Relay outputs are shown as normally open NO or normally closed NC. They are typically paired but may also share a common contact with multiple outputs. Relay outputs allow higher voltages and currents due to their isolation from the PLC.

PWM or Pulse outputs can vary their output levels, which is useful to control devices such as motors. Digital outputs provide a constant voltage. They are logic based and can be used to activate relays or indicators. Analog outputs are typically used to send a varying signal to another device for interpretation. The analog output is categorized by voltage or current, typically 1 - 5V, 0 - 10V, 0 — 20 mA, or 4 — 20 mA.

This blog will bring you the latest industry news in electrical control panels, helpful Engineering tips, and more. This adaptable technology has evolved since its inception in the s to perform an ever-increasing amount of complex automation and electrical control.

With more options and functionality than ever before, choosing the right PLC can be a difficult task. There are three core factors to selecting the most effective PLC for your application:. Start with evaluating the number and types of inputs and outputs your application will require. This crucial step determines the physical size and configuration of your PLC not only for your current application, but for your possible needs in the future as well. The biggest challenge at this phase can be designing room for growth, especially in a PLC panel.

Think about how your PLC will communicate: remotely, through Ethernet, or another medium?