PLC 5 Selection Guide
Industrialization brought about an increase in productivity and efficiency. Accordingly, many different types of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) were developed to suit every possible need. Each has its pros and cons; one well-known model from Allen Bradley is the PLC-5. The PLC-5 features are highlighted below.
PLC 5 Overview
A PLC-5 control system requires a minimum of one I/O module and Controller. The Controller requires specific communication ports. All controllers (regardless of model) come with interfaces for the included external remote I/O scanners. This makes it possible to monitor and control outlying locations without physically going there.
Some models also come equipped with embedded internal remote I/O scanner connections. In contrast, others feature connection points through ControlNet or DeviceNet systems—giving one up to four options per type of connection when configuring one's personalized PLC-5 configuration. One needs either a 1771-SDN DeviceNet Scanner Module or 1771-ACN15 I/O Adapter Module installed on each side (remotely or locally). With either the SDN or ACN system, one can monitor and access up to sixteen separate devices simultaneously.
The PLC-5 Programmable Controller serves as the center for all Control Architectures. This powerful machine can connect systems to networks such as ControlNet, EtherNet/IP, or DeviceNet. These controllers have different inputs so that they can utilize whichever network they need for a specific application.
Features of a PLC 5 Controller
High-speed, single-slot PLC-5 controllers come equipped with many ways of processing and carrying out information. If one is looking for a controller that can handle large sequential or regulatory control apps along with unique I/O demands - the Standard PLC-5 controller can be a good option. However, if one wants to communicate using the same essential tools with other devices or interfaces, then use an Enhanced PLC-5 controller. No matter which one is chosen by the user, they all share the same impressive list of capabilities, making them all perfect!
Various PLC 5 Controllers
Enhanced PLC 5 Controllers
All Enhanced PLC-5 Controllers feature Data Highway Plus or Remote I/O ports, enabling them to communicate one-on-one with other devices. Real-time data exchange is possible, allowing operators to monitor and control all process aspects.
EtherNet PLC 5 Controllers
These controllers have been seamlessly integrated into an industry-standard EtherNet/IP system via the Ethernet PLC-5 controller, providing a versatile and open solution for every business. One can quickly do anything from production management to executive summaries of process information due to the Ethernet PLC-5 controllers' internet-friendly capabilities. These capabilities ensure that every corner of one's company is aware of what is always happening. With access to detailed diagnostics made possible by the Web server, there is no longer any need for speculation. This is supported by SNMP and DNS as well.
ControlNet PLC 5 Controllers
These controllers offer full ControlNet capabilities to control and manage automation devices. With a 5Mbps network connection, ControlNet provides reliable and consistent peer-to-peer communication and I/O access. One ControlNet Network can include many Controller units - each managing its hardware - which interact with one another for shared tasks. For example, one I/O node could provide input to multiple controllers simultaneously.
Protected PLC 5 Controllers
These controllers allow for selective guarding of controller memory and input, limiting access to critical points in programming codes and a program's accessibility. This type of protection is identifiable by its distinctive safety-yellow labeling. Use either System Administrator Rights or the appropriate Role (e.g., Plant Engineer) assigned through Programming Tools to control which users have access to which sets of areas on the system (including Communication Channels and Nodes connected via DH+, ControlNet Networks, Program Files, and Data Files, Remote Nodes). The Password Protection of other PLC-5 Controllers does not provide as high a level of security as the Protected variant; however, Extra Software explicitly designed for Clutch/Brake Applications is included with this Model from Rockwell Automation.
I/O Modules
Allen Bradley/Rockwell Automation has supplied over three million of its I/O modules to customers worldwide. There are many types of I/O module options, including block-based, modular-distributed, and chassis-based to select from. Selecting an appropriate module type might be difficult initially, but one can find guidance in the Allen Bradley I/O Module Brochure.
1771 I/O Modules
Digital, analog, and customized configurations are just a few options for the 1771 IO modules. With the help of these modules, sensors or actuators may be connected to power sources that use alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Up to 32 IO points per module are the maximum I/O density that users can choose. This covers all signals, from analog or output signals to direct thermocouple or RTD temperature input signals. PLC-5 controllers are compatible with the 1771 IO across local I/O, remote I/O, extended-local I/O, and ControlNet networks, so individuals may use them on whatever system they wish.
1746 I/O Modules
The 1746 I/O modules (SLC 500 I/O) provide a cost-effective remote I/O option. It is recommended to use an SLC 500 remote I/O module (1747-ASB) or ControlNet adapter module to link 1746 I/O modules directly to the PLC-5 system (1747-ACN15 or -ACNR15). Features of 1746 I/O modules include:
- High-density point modules
- 16-point modules
- Removable terminal blocks
The industrial design includes Optical Isolation and Input Filtering. PLC-5 controllers support ControlNet and 1746 I/O via Remote IO.
Additional I/O Modules: Encompass Partners Program
Rockwell Automation's third-party product is referencing the program Encompass Partners. It has been created to improve the benefits of its products while also focusing on high-level technologies through new application development opportunities. These third parties can bring out features and functions not included in Rockwell Automation Products.
Network Communications
Network capability allows for quick and efficient data transmission to all devices. This includes Ethernet, control net, and device net connections - each used depending on the requirements needed.
- Ethernet/IP functions as a network connection if the system demands high-speed information transmission among multiple computers, an intranet connection, and program maintenance.
- Control Net connects to other controllers and I/O devices fast enough to handle high-speed transfers without latency or delay - whether one wants it for deterministic reliability or ease of use in maintaining programs over long distances.
- The DeviceNet network can be used if the system requires connections of low-level physical plant controllers instead of using other hardware bridges such as I/O modules. Additionally, the DeviceNet network is feasible when the application requires fault detection, improved data collection, reduced wiring, and less start-up time.
- If the system requires plant-wide and cell-level data interchange with program maintenance, use Data Highway Plus as the network connection.
- If the system needs connections between controllers and I/O adapters, Remote I/O as network communication is employed. A Remote I/O network connection can be used if the application requires distributed controllers, each of which has its own I/O and interacts with a supervisory controller.
- Use a Serial Network as a network connection if the system needs to send or receive messages with ASCII characters. When an application requires modems and SCADA, a serial network is employed as a method of network communication.
PLC 5 Ethernet Interface Module
To provide further Ethernet connection, any Enhanced PLC-5 series B or later Controller, Ethernet PLC-5 controller, or ControlNet PLC-5 controller can be fitted with the PLC-5 Ethernet Interface Module (1785-ENET), which is a single-slot module. Businesses can utilize standard Ethernet or Internet access to manage and monitor production using the Ethernet interface module's integrated communication features. Users seeking executive summaries of process information have quick access using a web browser.
ControlNet Network
ControlNet PLC-5 controllers have integrated ControlNet connection capabilities for processing information and controls. On a 5 Mbps network, the ControlNet network offers repeatable and deterministic peer-to-peer communications and I/O control. This makes it possible to have many ControlNet PLC-5 controllers on the same System Network, each of which can manage its own I/O. Even if configuration settings in the program did not previously state it, if one Controller is getting input data from an Input Device or Object Node, it would also be able to convey that data to another controller that requires this sort of data received.
DeviceNet Network
The 1771-SDN DeviceNet Scanner Module acts as an interface between DeviceNet devices and a PLC-5 Controller, allowing it to communicate with DeviceNet devices over the network to:
- Read and write input/outputs
- Download Configuration Data
- Monitor the Operational Status
A single slot module can reside in either a 1771 I/O Chassis containing a PLC-5 controller, or one remotely connected via an extended local I/O link, remote I/O link, or Control Networked to said controller. The number of DeviceNet scanners is limited by the chassis size, available memory, and power supply capacity when residing in the same I/O chassis.
Serial Network
For RS-232, RS-423, or RS-422A compliant serial connection, the PLC-5 serial port may be set up. It may be used to link devices that transmit and receive ASCII characters using an ASCII terminal or printer, and/or utilize the DF1 protocol, such as communications modules, modems, programming workstations, and other serial devices.
The serial port employs the DF1 protocol when set for System mode. System Mode can be used to connect with other devices through the Serial Link.
Programs for SCADA systems can be launched on the serial port while in System Mode. Users may now monitor and control little chores via serial link connection between the locations of the master and enslaved individual. PLC BASIC modules take up a single slot in a 1771 I/O chassis, and they run via user-written BASIC and C applications. These programs enable communication between a PLC-5 Controller, 1771 Backplane, and Remote RS-232 Devices since they are not dependent on the system's PLC-5 Controller. The 1771-KE and 1771kf communication controller modules connect intelligent RS232 devices to Data Highway. Both modules provide users with the option between the Full Duplex and Half Duplex protocols for usage on the RS-232C Link. Through a Db-485 Port, the module may connect with a Remote SLC Controller or Device on the Db-485 Network.
Data Highway Plus
The Data Highway Plus (DH+) network is a robust way of connecting all company assets, whether they are located at headquarters or on the manufacturing floor. Not only does it allow one to update the machines remotely, but it also facilitates collaboration between programmers who are working with different models and locations. One of its most outstanding features is that it supports many topologies: daisy chain and trunkline dropline are two examples.
Remote I/O
The magnificence and durability of this technology are what make it such a staple in industrial automation. It provides 1771 input/output connections and supports many Rockwell Automation or 3rd-party compatible products - including simple I/O with controllers and interfaces, even complicated setups involving different types of machinery. This tool benefits businesses tremendously because they can save installation time, startup times, and maintenance costs when they use the remote data system rather than wire directly to a central I/O unit. Pass-Through enables devices on an external network like Ethernet, ControlNet, or DH+ to remotely adjust them from one location.
