Yangon Technological University

Department of Electronic Engineering

Automation Technology I (PLC)
EcE-51015
Assignment III

Name- Nway Theint Khin

Roll Number- VEC-2
Date- 4 March 2024
PLC’s Output Devices

Outputs refer to the signals or control actions that the PLC sends to external devices in order to
control or manipulate a physical process. PLCs are commonly used in industrial automation and
control systems to monitor inputs, execute a programmed logic, and generate corresponding
output signals.

Output Devices:

PLC outputs are typically connected to various output devices such as relays, contactors,
solenoid valves, motors, lights, heaters, and other actuators or indicators.

Control Actions:

The PLC generates output signals based on the logic programmed by the user. These output
signals are then used to control the state or behavior of external devices.

Output Addressing:

Each output point in a PLC is assigned a unique address, allowing the programmer to specify
which output point is activated or deactivated based on the program's logic.

Output Status:

The status of outputs (ON or OFF) can be monitored through the PLC's programming software
or Human-Machine Interface (HMI), providing real-time feedback on the state of the controlled
devices.

Real-Time Control:

PLCs are designed for real-time control, meaning they can respond to changes in inputs and
execute corresponding output actions quickly and deterministically.

Safety Outputs:

Some outputs may be dedicated to safety functions, such as emergency stops or safety interlocks,
to ensure the safe operation of the controlled system.
Communication Outputs:

PLCs may communicate with other devices or systems through communication outputs,
facilitating data exchange and coordination in larger automation networks.

PLC Output Module

A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) output module is a hardware component that interfaces
with external devices to execute control actions based on the logic programmed in the PLC.
Output modules convert digital signals generated by the PLC's central processing unit (CPU) into
signals suitable for driving external devices such as relays, contactors, solenoid valves, motors,
lights, and other actuators.

1) Relay output module

When PLCs were first introduced, the only outputs were relay type with a separate relay
dedicated to each output.

As with any typical relay, the PLC output module had physical coils and relay contacts contained
inside.
The contacts were operated by applying a voltage to the relay coil. The contacts were connected
to an external supply to turn on or off a discrete device. Not much has changed except today’s
modules have miniaturized relays and contacts.

– Relays generally have a higher current rating than transistors, but, as with any mechanical
device, it will wear out with time.

– A relay module can operate AC or DC loads, or both.

– Relays provide electrical isolation between the load and the PLC.

– Relays are slow-acting with typical response times of 10 milliseconds or greater.

Closed relay contacts are almost zero ohms thus ensuring no voltage loss.

2) Solid-State output modules

Solid-State output modules are often referred to as Switching modules. Output devices are turned
on or off by using solid-state devices such as a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) or a Triac.

2-1) Transistor output modules

As we said earlier, the transistor output module is voltage-dependent and can only operate DC
loads, unlike a relay output module that is happy to operate AC or DC loads.
– Transistor output modules are for DC applications only.

– Transistors typically cannot switch a large load current as can a relay.

– A transistor is fast because there are no mechanical parts. Their response time is much faster
than relays.

– Because a transistor is not a perfect switch, there is always a small voltage drop across it when
turned on.

– In some transistor modules, there is a leakage current even when turned off.

2-2) Triac output module

Siemens 6ES7522-5FF00-0AB0
The Siemens 6ES7522-5FF00-0AB0 is an 8 output Triac Output Module.

A Triac output module is capable of controlling AC loads where transistor output modules can
control DC loads only. When the PLC signal is applied, the Triac will turn on and provide an
alternating current path for the load.

– A Triac output is used to control AC loads only.

– As with the transistor, a Triac is much faster than a relay.

– Triac outputs are suited to low power AC loads such as lighting, motor starters, and contactors
with current ratings of around 1 amp.

Isolation:

Many output modules provide electrical isolation between the PLC's internal circuitry and the
external devices. Isolation helps protect the PLC from electrical noise and prevents interference
between circuits.

Connection Points:

Output modules have terminals or connectors to which external devices are connected. The
wiring configuration and connection details are specified in the PLC's documentation.
Addressing:

Each output point on an output module is assigned a unique address within the PLC's memory.
The PLC's CPU uses these addresses to identify which output points to activate or deactivate
based on the program's logic.

Type of PLC Output device

PLC output devices are devices or components that receive signals from a Programmable Logic
Controller (PLC) and perform physical actions in the controlled system. These devices are
responsible for executing the control actions determined by the PLC's logic program.

Relays:

Electromechanical switches that open or close electrical circuits based on the signals from the
PLC. Relays are commonly used to control higher-power devices such as motors.

Contactors:

Heavy-duty electrical switches used to control power circuits. Contactors are often employed to
switch electrical loads such as motors.

Solenoid Valves:

Devices that control the flow of fluids (liquids or gases) by using an electromagnetically
operated plunger. Solenoid valves are widely used in pneumatic and hydraulic systems.

Motors:

Electric motors are controlled by the PLC to start, stop, or change their speed. Motors are used in
various industrial processes for moving equipment or machinery.

Lights:

Indicators or lamps that provide visual feedback on the status of a process. Lights are often used
to indicate whether a specific condition is met or to signal alarms.

Heaters:

Electric heaters controlled by the PLC to maintain or change the temperature in industrial
processes.
Pneumatic Actuators:

Devices that convert compressed air energy into mechanical motion. PLCs control the opening
and closing of valves or other mechanisms in pneumatic systems.

Hydraulic Actuators:

Devices that use hydraulic pressure to produce mechanical motion. PLCs control hydraulic
actuators in systems requiring precise control.

Linear Actuators:

Devices that convert rotary motion into linear motion. PLCs control the extension or retraction of
linear actuators for specific applications.

Displays (HMI):

Human-Machine Interface devices that provide visual feedback to operators. Displays may show
real-time process data, status information, or alarms.

Printers:

Output devices that provide hard copies of data, reports, or other information.

Data Loggers:

Devices that record and store data over time. PLCs can control data loggers to capture
information for analysis and documentation.

Stepper Motors:

Motors that move in discrete steps. PLCs control stepper motors for precise positioning in
applications like robotics.

LED/Laser Lights:

Used for signaling or providing additional lighting in industrial environments.

Safety Shutdown Devices:

Devices that quickly shut down or isolate a system in case of emergencies or unsafe conditions.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs):

Devices that control the speed and torque of electric motors by varying the frequency and
voltage of the power supplied to the motor.