PLC Control Panel, Application : Control Panel

With invention of programmable controllers, much has changed in how an process control system is designed. Many advantages appeared. Advantages of control panel that is based on a PLC controller can be presented in few basic points :

•  Compared to a conventional process control system, number of wires needed for connections is reduced by 80%
• Consumption is greatly reduced because a PLC consumes less than a bunch of relays
• Diagnostic functions of a PLC controller allow for fast and easy error detection.
• Change in operating sequence or application of a PLC controller to a different operating process can easily be accomplished by replacing a program through a console or using a PC software (not requiring changes in wiring, unless addition of some input or output device is required).
• Needs fewer spare parts
• It is much cheaper compared to a conventional system, especially in cases where a large number of I/O instruments are needed and when operational functions are complex.
• Reliability of a PLC is greater than that of an electro-mechanical relay or a timer.