电气自动化专业英语（修订版）.doc

10 Introduction of Programmable Controllers 10 可编程控制器 From a simple heritage，these remarkable systems have evolved to not only replace electromechanical devices, but to solve an ever-increasing array of control problems in both process and nonprocess industries By all indications, these microprocessor powered giants will continue to break new ground in the automated factory into the 1990s. 从一个简单的传统,这显著的系统已经进化到不仅仅是替代机电设备的地步,但为了解决一个日益增长的数组的控制问题,在这两个行业行进过程中并通过所有的适应体系,于90年代这些微处理器型人才将继续推动自动化工厂的新局面。 10.1 History. 10.1历史 In the 1960s electromechanical devices were the order of the day as far as control was concerned. These devices, commonly known as relays, were being used by the thousands to control many sequential-type manufacturing processes and stand-alone machines. Many of these relays were in use in the transportation industry, more specifically, the automotive industry. These relays used hundreds of wires and their interconnections to effect a control solution. The performance of a relay was basically reliable-at least as a single device. But the common applications for relay panels called for 300 to 500 or more relays, and the reliability and maintenance issues associated with supporting these panels became a very great challenge.Cost became another issue, for in spite of the low cost of the relay itself, the installed cost of the panel could be quite high. The total cost including purchased parts, wiring, and installation labor, could range from $ 30- $ 50 per relay. To make matters worse, the constantly changing needs of a process called for recurring modifications of a control panel. With relays, this was a costly prospect, as it was accomplished by a major rewiring effort on the panel. In addition, these changes were sometimes poorly documented, causing a second-shift maintenance nightmare months later. In light of this, it was not uncommon to discard an entire control panel in favor of a new one with the appropriate components wired in a manner suite