9. Number Systems for PLC Technicians


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When working with PLCs, it is important to understand that the controller does not “think” the same way humans do.

Humans normally use the decimal system:

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …

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8. PLC Memory Basics: Bits, Words, DINTs, and Tags


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To understand PLC programming, you need to understand how a PLC stores information.

A PLC does not only turn inputs and outputs ON or OFF. It also stores data in memory.

That …

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7. PLC Addressing: Rack/Slot vs Tag-Based


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PLC Addressing: Rack/Slot vs Tag-Based

In a PLC system, every input, output, and internal memory location needs a way to be identified by the controller.

This identification method is called addressing.

In simple …

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6. Sinking and Sourcing Inputs Explained Simply


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One of the most confusing topics for many automation technicians is sinking and sourcing.

You may hear people say:

PNP sensorNPN sensorSourcing inputSinking inputCurrent sourcingCurrent sinking

At first, it sounds complicated. But the …

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5. Discrete I/O vs Analog I/O


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In PLC systems, not all signals are the same.

Some signals are simple ON/OFF signals. Other signals represent a changing value such as pressure, temperature, tank level, speed, or weight.

That is …

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4. PLC Inputs and Outputs Explained


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PLC Inputs and Outputs Explained

In industrial automation, a PLC does not work by itself. It needs to interact with real-world devices installed on the machine or process.

These real-world devices are …

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3. How the PLC Scan Cycle Works


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How the PLC Scan Cycle Works

The PLC scan cycle is one of the most important fundamentals to understand in industrial automation.

A PLC does not normally read an input, solve one …

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2. Main Parts of a PLC System


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A PLC system is made of several hardware and software components that work together to control an industrial machine or process.

At a basic level, a PLC system receives information from …

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1. What Is a PLC and Why Is It Used in Industry?


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What Is a PLC?

A PLC, or Programmable Logic Controller, is an industrial computer used to control machines, equipment, and automated processes.

In simple words, a PLC reads signals from field devices, …

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