Chapter 10

PLC Processors

Objectives
Describe the function of the processor.
Describe processor operating modes.
Explain the function of the watchdog timer.

The PLC Processor

The processor is a digital computer that
reads inputs, solves the ladder logic, and
updates the output field devices.
Processors are available with differing
capabilities within a specific PLC family.
Processors have different operating modes.

Processor Operating Cycle

Processor is designed to perform specific
duties in a specific sequence.
This operating cycle is called the processors
scan or sweep.
In run mode, the operating sequence is
continuous.
Operating cycle consists of numerous steps.

Input Scan
During the input scan, the processor scans
each input module for the ON or OFF states
of each input point.
Input status information is stored in the input
status file.

Program Scan (1 of 2)
Processor scans ladder program starting at
rung zero at the left power rail, working left to
right, evaluating one instruction at a time until
the output instruction is reached.
The output instruction will be either true or
false.

Program Scan (2 of 2)
A logical 1 or 0 will be placed in the output
status table address referenced by the
particular output instruction.
With a rung completed, the processor goes
on to the next rung, sequentially until the last
rung of the program has been executed.

Output Scan
The output scan is where the processor
writes the ON or OFF status, one word at a
time, to the associated output module.
Output module updates each field devices
status.

Service Communications
After all output modules have been updated,
the processor services communications.
Updates hand-held or personal computer
monitor screens
Sends communications to other devices on
the network

Reset Watch-Dog Timer

Last part of scan is to reset the watch-dog
timer.
Watch-dog timer ensures current scan is
complete.
When watch-dog timer is reset, the scan
starts over.

Serial Communications
The simplest method to communicate
between a PLC processor and a computer is
serial communications.
Connect proper serial cable between
computers COM port and processors RS232 communications port.
Not all processors have RS-232
communications port.

Selecting Proper
RS-232 Interface Cable
Most serial communication problems
between computer and PLC are due to
incorrect cable.
Two types of serial cables
Straight-through cable
Null-modem cable

Straight-through Cabling Between

Computer and Peripheral Equipment

Straight-through Serial Cable

In straight-through serial cable, all wires go
through the cable without crossing.
Wires are identified as pin numbers.
Pin 2 goes straight through to pin 2.
Pin 3 goes straight through to pin 3.

Used when there is an intermediate

communication device between two
computers.

Directly Connecting Computers

with a Straight-through Cable
Both computers sending information out on
pin 2
Computers expecting information on pin 3
Communication will not be successful.

Connecting Two Computers

with a Straight-through Cable

Null-modem Cable Wired so Pin 2

Crosses to Pin 3
Pin 2 physically crosses to pin 3 in the cable.
Information sent from the computer crosses
from pin 2 to pin 3 so it can be received by
other computer device.
Communication is successful.

Null-Modem Cable
Crosses Pin 2 to Pin 3

PLC Processors Have

Multiple Operating Modes
Processor has two modes of operation.
Program mode
Some variation of run mode

Program Mode
In program mode, the processor is accepting
new instructions, either as a new program or
as changes (edits) to an existing program.

Run Mode
When the creating or editing of a program is
complete, the processor is put into run mode
to run or execute the program.
In run mode, the processor executes the
operating cycle called the scan or sweep.

Remote Run Mode

Some processors have key switches on the
processor module to change operating
modes.
Changing the operating mode to run or
program using a key switch is called local
mode.
Changing operating mode from a personal or
industrial computer through a
communications cable is remote mode.

Remote Program Mode

If the processor is put into program mode
from a remote programming device, this is
called remote program mode.
The remote computer device can perform any
programming operations remotely.
When completed, the processor can be
returned to remote run mode to execute PLC
program.

Test Mode
Test mode is used to test a program during
installation, maintenance, or troubleshooting.
Test mode reads inputs and solves ladder
program, but does not allow field devices to
be energized.

Processor Communications
The physical connection between a
processor and the outside world is called a
communication port.

SLC 500 Processor

Communication Capabilities (1 of 2)
MicroLogix 1000
DH-485 and Ethernet

5/01 processor
DH-485

5/02 processor
DH-485

SLC 500 Processor

Communication Capabilities (2 of 2)
5/03 processor
Serial and DH-485

5/04 processor
Serial and DH Plus

5/05 processor
Serial and Ethernet

SLC 5/03 and 5/04

Communication Ports

Image courtesy of Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation business

Processor Capabilities
A processors capabilities are determined by
Memory size
Instruction set
I/O supported
Communication ports

SLC 5/01 Processor Specifications

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SLC 5/02 Processor Specifications

Image courtesy of Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation business

SLC 5/02 Processor

Image courtesy of Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation business

SLC 5/03 Processor

Image courtesy of Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation business

SLC 5/04 Specifications

Image courtesy of Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation business

SLC 5/04 Processor

Image courtesy of Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation business

SLC 5/05 Processor Specifications

Image courtesy of Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation business

SLC 5/05 Modular Processor

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General Electric Series 90-30

Series 90-30 processors come in two
configurations.
Processor embedded in baseplate
Modular processor

Model CPU 311 and

Model CPU 313

Image courtesy of GE Fanuc Automation

GE Series 90-30
Embedded Processors

Image courtesy of GE Fanuc Automation

Five-slot Modular CPU Baseplate

Image courtesy of GE Fanuc Automation

Modular CPU 351and CPU 363

Image courtesy of GE Fanuc Automation

Series 90-30 Ten-Slot

Modular CPU Baseplate

Image courtesy of GE Fanuc Automation