8.5 SOFTWARE BASED PLCS

---

The dropping cost of personal computers is increasing their use in control, including the replacement of PLCs. Software is installed that allows the personal computer to solve ladder logic, read inputs from sensors and update outputs to actuators. These are important to mention here because they don't obey the previous timing model. For example, if the computer is running a game it may slow or halt the computer. This issue and others are currently being investigated and good solutions should be expected soon.