Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] PLC's and industrial automation

----- Original Message -----
From: Doug Fortune <pentam@...>

> OK, no-one has said just what the darn things are! Just a quick overview
> please. Is it just a little loop logic and input/output relays?

Sorta. A microcontroller, some RAM, ROM and I/O for starters.

> I am assuming the PLC's have no where near this sophistication,
> so unless someone tells me otherwise, I am still going to assume
> PLC's are 1970's technology, and it is more worthwhile to spend
> time learning something new ( like high performance microcontrollers)
> vs something old (like PLC's). The only two advantages to PLC's is
> perhaps that they are field programmable & integrated with high current
> drivers - but really that is no different than putting some relays and
> programming pins on a little SX circuitboard.
>
> ...unless I'm way off base, of course.

Newer PLCs are modular, reliable and incredibly powerful. Like a dozen PID
loops, electronic gearing, ethernet, drum sequencers, A/D, D/A,
thermocouples, bla, bla..... The best thing about them is that you don't
have to fiddle with circuits, C programming or numerous vendors. Get a
catalog, select what you need and snap the pieces together.

Doug