PLC (programmable logic controller) Modern PLCs are approximately equivalent to desktop computers.
These desktop computers are not used in heavy industries bcz its hardware is not typically designed to the same level of tolerance to temperature, humidity, vibration , longevity as the processors used in PLCs. In addition to this, operating system like windows may not respond as fast and as accurate to the exact change in input when compared to the plcs. but still desktop computer find application in less critical situation such as laboratory automation bcz it is less expensive when compared to the PLCs The main difference from other computers is that PLCs are armored for severe conditions (such as dust, moisture, heat, cold) and have the facility for extensive input/output (I/O) arrangements. These connect the PLC to sensors and actuators. The program is stored in the PLC either in batterybacked-up RAM or some other non-volatile flash memory. Often, a single PLC can be programmed to replace thousands of relays MCB: Minature Circuit Breaker, it is nothing but it act as a normal switch(ON & Off operation) Solid State relay:
SSRs (Solid State Relays) have no movable contacts. SSRs are not very different in operation from mechanical Relays that have movable contacts. SSRs,however, employ semiconductor switching elements, such as thyristors, triacs, diodes, and transistors.Furthermore, SSRs employ optical semiconductors called photocouplers to isolate input and output
signals.Photocouplers change electric signals into optical signals and relay the signals through space,thus fully isolating the input and output sections while relaying the signals at high speed. Whenever the control signal(low dc voltage) is passed, LED emits light which falls on the photovoltaic unit which consists of photo diodes(coverts light energy to electrical energy - current or voltage) produces voltage which is given to the GATE-Source (Vgs)to the MOSFET. Whenever Vgs is greater than the threshold voltage it starts conducting. The advantages of SSR over EMR(electro mechanical relays) 1. SSR has a longer operational life (no moving parts) 2. The solid state relay will almost always exhibit higher input to output isolation voltages than an electromechanical relay 3. Electromechanical relays have an On Resistance in the range of 100 milliohms, whereas SSRs have an On Resistance in the range of 10 Ohms. The higher On Resistance of SSRs is due to the nature of the MOSFET. The low On Resistance of the EMR allows for greater load current capability and less signal attenuation. 4. Electromechanical relays typically have an output capacitance of less than 1 picoFarad, whereas SSRs typically have a capacitance of greater than 20 picoFarads. Capacitance becomes an issue in high frequency signals, and EMRs are a better option for HF applications. Limit Switch: A limit switch is simply a switch that is placed in such a position so when contacted by a mechanical force (this can be a liquid or a mechanical force) that can open an electrical circuit stopping the motion. For example:- A motor is used to open a door. At the end of the door, a limit switch is palced. The door, when gets fully opened, will depress the limit switch lever and control circuit of motor stops it.
Touch Switch ( Touch Sensitive Switch): The principle of the touch-sensitive switch is based on the rate of voltage rise on a capacitor that is supplied with a constant current source. When a constant current source is applied to a capacitor, the voltage will rise linearly with time. The value of C is very low when the capacitor is a small plate on a printed circuit board. The value of C rises significantly when a finger is pressed on the plate, separated by a thin layer of insulation material. When the finger is not placed, capacitor value is less and the voltage is high. When finger is placed, capacitor value increases and the voltage becomes low. By sending the rate of change of voltage in the ckt, the controller controls the on & off positions.
Fuse Cards: It consists of no of fuses in a single board whenever the fuse out, the corresponding light will stop glowing with that we can able to find it and replaces it.(similarly for transistor card, consists of no of transistor in a single board)
