Exploring PLCs
PLCs are the fundamental hardware components in an industrial control system. These purpose-built controllers kick-started what is collectively termed the Industry 3.0 revolution. They were single-handedly responsible for automating the shopfloor and multiplying production capabilities, thereby disrupting the global economy.
Starting with the history and evolution of PLCs, we will deconstruct a PLC to its components and look at software control in this dedicated section. We will also present an interesting comparison between PLCs and the latest DIY Single-Board Computers (SBCs) in vogue among the IoT maker community.
History and evolution of PLCs
The evolution of PLCs started in the mid-1950s, shown in Figure 5.3. The relays that the PLCs replaced were complex, bulky, and expensive to maintain and control. Dick Morley, regarded as the father of the PLC, created the first prototype called the standard machine controller in 1968. Parallel developments happened...