外文翻译--PLC控制系统设计的要点-PLC设计.docx

Plc control system design elements Originally, the PLC was represented by the acronym PC. There was some confusion with using this acronym as it is commonly accepted to represent personal computer. Therefore, PLC is now commonly accepted to mean programmable logic contoller. A PLC is a user-friendly, microprocessor-based specialized computer that carries out control functions of many types and leves of complexity. Its purpose is to monitor crucial process parameters and adjust process operations accordingly. It can be programmed, controlled, and operated by a person unskilled in operating computer. Essentially, a PLC’s operator draws the lines and devices of ladder diagrams with a keyboard onto a display screen. The resulting drawing is converted into computer machine language and run as a user program. The computer takes the place of much of the external wiring required for control of a process. The PLC will operate any system that has output devices that go on and off (known as discrete, or digital, outputs). It can also operate any system with variable (analog) outputs. The PLC can be operated on the input side by on-off devices (discrete, or digital) or by variable (analog) input devices. Today, the big unit growth in the PLC industy is at the low end-where small keeps getting smaller. When a few years ago the micro PLC entered the market, some thougt that these devices had “bottomed out”. Now,nano PLCs-generally defined as those with 16 or fewer I/O-are spreading. Some can fit into your shirt pocket, being no larger than a deck of cards and at the time of this writing, PLC Direct plants to introduce a PLC the size of a box of Tic-Tac candy that will include many features of current micro models. The first PLC systems evolved from conventional computers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These first PLCs were installed primarily in automotive plants. Traditionally, The auto plants had to be shut down for up to a month at model changeover time. The early PLCs