Article Library
This archive is a compilation of articles published in our eMagazine since inception. The articles are organized by "Subject". Many thanks to those who have contributed to this archive and continue to help it grow by submitting their thoughts and expertise to the magazine.
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Columns and Series - Programmable Logic Controller Series by Eugene Kowch
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| Article Title | Author | Company | eMag Issue | Article Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLC's - Analog Values | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Apr 2008 |
In order for an analog voltage or current to be used by a PLC, a circuit called an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) or a PLC analog input module is used. |
| When Do You Need A PLC? | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Oct 2007 |
Basically, the answer to the above question is simple. When conventional electrical switching fails to deliver today’s and future control requirements. |
| PLC - Lighting Design | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Aug 2007 |
A good lighting design at the beginning of a project will guarantee a reliable electrical system and a user friendly control system for the customer. |
| PLC - Memory Backup | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Apr 2007 |
The memory card is a recent method for memory backup. Some new PLCs provide a slot for a memory card. The PLC ladder application program can read and write to the memory card. |
| PLC - Web Server | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Dec 2006 |
The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) with an Ethernet module acts as an HTTP Server (web content provider), which responds to requests from HTTP Clients (web browsers). |
| PLC - Date/Time Schedule | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc | Oct 2006 |
The Date/Time schedule is a feature in the PLC that gives the homeowner a higher level of control over his/her day to day switching needs. |
| PLC - Bang & Olufsen Remote | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Jun 2006 |
By integrating the remote with the PLC, you can control the lights and curtains in the same room as the audio/video equipment. |
| Programmable Logic Controller - Hardware | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Apr 2006 |
The PLC is a versatile product that has many hardware options to accommodate the large number of different electrical interfaces out there. The PLC is modular in design so that one can mix and match the input/output (I/O) hardware requirements to meet the needs of the project. |
| PLC - Touchpanels | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Dec 2005 |
The decision to use touchpanels should be based on the number of inputs and outputs (I/O) in the project. Projects that have a large number of lighting circuits, drapery motors, and whole house audio/video distribution with very little wall space for switches, definitely requires a touchpanel. |
| PLC Installation | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Aug 2005 |
Remember to allow for other items, like a Lutron interface unit, to be mounted in the same PLC enclosure. |
| PLC and Grafik Eye | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Apr 2005 |
To the homeowner, this marriage of a PLC to a Grafik Eye system gives a very powerful and flexible electrical control system. |
| PLC - Variable Codes | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Feb 2005 |
Entering variable codes could be done via a desk or laptop PC, but a more convenient way is via a LCD display panel. |
| Programmable Logic Control - Drapery | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Oct 2004 |
With motorized drapery connected to the PLC, not only will the homeowner control the blinds from keypads on the wall, but can have them open or close depending on amount of sunlight coming into the room automatically. |
| Programmable Logic Controllers - Functions | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Aug 2004 |
PLC functions are programmed codes that define a connection between an input and a corresponding output. |
| PLC - Real Math | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc | Apr 2004 |
With real number capability and transcendental functions one could incorporate a sunrise/sunset algorithm in the PLC to turn off or on lights in the morning or evening without having to use a photocell or pre set time clock. |
| PLC - Memory Map | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Feb 2004 |
The memory is divided into three parts: program, word and discrete registers. The program (ladder logic) and word registers are usually stored in FLASH memory, while the discrete registers are stored in RAM memory. |
| PLC Data Types | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Dec 2003 |
There are basically two types of data; discrete and word data. Discrete data is one bit that can be either a '1' or a '0'. Discrete data is used for keypad button inputs and lighting circuit outputs. Word data is 16-bits that represent a fixed or variable number. For example, word data is used for interval timers and any other mathematical calculations. |
| PLC Registers | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Oct 2003 |
PLCs offer a fixed amount of registers, depending on the model and configuration. Most modular PLC registers are counted in octal. Its easier for PLCs to count in groups of eight then ten, because eight is an even power of 2. |
| LCD Display Panel for PLC Programming | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Apr 2003 |
Assigning various inputs/outputs and functions is done through the LCD display and keypad panel by entering pre-assigned codes. |
| Volume Control with Prog Logic Controller | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Feb 2003 |
The PLC allows the homeowner to control not only the lighting and drapery systems, but also the audio volume levels in every room from one single keypad. |
| Volume Control with Prog Logic Controller | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Dec 2002 |
PLC's have communication ports that can be configured to talk all kinds of protocols. One of the most useful in home systems is the ASCII In/Out non-sequence protocol. |
| PLC Communicates RS-232 | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Dec 2002 |
PLC's have communication ports that can be configured to talk all kinds of protocols. One of the most useful in home systems is the ASCII In/Out non-sequence protocol. |
| Programmable Logic Controller Security | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Oct 2002 |
Integrating the security system with the PLC lighting control system creates a more secure home environment, when the homeowners are away or at home. |
| Programmable Logic Controller Application | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Jun 2002 |
The programmable logic controller (PLC) allowed for the integration of three basic electrical systems: lighting, drapery and audio. It also allowed for all of the systems to be controlled from one common wall station, thus eliminating the conventional switch wall clutter. |
| Low Volt Keypads | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Apr 2002 |
The Programmable Logic Controller is the ‘brains’ of the electrical control system but it still requires inputs from other sources, like low voltage keypads, to solve the complex switching requirements of today. |
| Electrical Switching Using A Programmable Logic Controller | Eugene Kowch | P.I.D. Consultants Inc. | Feb 2002 |
The Programmable Logic Controller is the solution to today's electrical switching requirements. The PLC is as reliable as a traditional switch, but has the ability to solve the complex switching requirements of today. |
| Programmable Logic Controllers - Timing Function | Eugene Kowch | PID Consultants, Inc. | Apr 1999 |
The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a computer which can do timing functions. The timer instruction can be used to time events or create delays in residential applications. An example of a timer function is in the control of the garage light; on when the garage door is open and off 5 minutes after the door is closed. |
| PLC Lighting Control | Eugene Kowch | PID Consultants, Inc. | Dec 1997 |
"Using the PLC as the lighting control eliminates the toggle switch wall clutter, by replacing it with a low voltage switching solution. The low voltage keypad is a momentary contact device with multiple buttons." |
| PLC Applications | Eugene Kowch | PID Consultants, Inc. | Oct 1997 |
"The application program is written in a language called ladder logic. Ladder logic comes from the electrical industry when relays were used to control equipment. Relays were energized from a power rail through a series of contacts that formed a rung. A number of rungs in turn formed a network." |
| PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS | Eugene Kowch | PID Consultants, Inc. | Feb 1997 |
A programmable logic contoller (PLC) is a solid-state device with digital processing capabilities designed for real-time control of residential applications. A PLC comprises of input and output units (I/O) and a central processing unit (CPU).The input and output components are built into the same physical box with the CPU. The package provides a small, light-weight, low-cost, and self-contained solution for a wide range of control applications. |
