Introducing PLC programming devices
These are devices or tools used to write, edit, and transfer programs to the PLC. They can also be used to read programs from the PLC. Hence, a programming device can be used to download (write) or upload (read) a program. The term download or write means to transfer a program from a programming device to a PLC while the term upload or read means to transfer a program from the PLC to a programming device. Programming devices can also help in troubleshooting PLCs. There are two common programming devices:
- Handheld devices
- Personal Computers (PCs)
Handheld devices are usually connected to the PLC via a cable. They consist of keys for entering a program, editing a program, downloading a program to the PLC or uploading a program from the PLC. They also consist of a small display for viewing instructions. They are small in size and have limited capability.
A PC is the most popular programming device. A programming software from the...