32.1 INTRODUCTION
After the planning phase of the design, the equipment can be ordered. This decision is usually based upon the required inputs, outputs and functions of the controller. The first decision is the type of controller; rack, mini, micro, or software based. This decision will depend upon the basic criteria listed below.
Memory - Often 1K and up. Need is dictated by size of ladder logic program. A ladder element will take only a few bytes, and will be specified in manufacturers documentation.
Number of special I/O modules - When doing some exotic applications, a large number of special add-on cards may be required.
Scan Time - Big programs or faster processes will require shorter scan times. And, the shorter the scan time, the higher the cost. Typical values for this are 1 microsecond per simple ladder instruction
Communications - Serial and networked connections allow the PLC to be programmed and talk to other PLCs. The needs are determined by the application.
Software - Availability of programming software and other tools determines the programming and debugging ease.
The process of selecting a PLC can be broken into the steps listed below.
1. Understand the process to be controlled (Note: This is done using the design sheets in the previous chapter).
2. If not already specified, a single vendor should be selected. Factors that might be considered are, (Note: Vendor research may be needed here.)
4. Count the program instructions and enter the values into the sheets in Figure 462 and Figure 463. Use the instruction times and memory requirements for each instruction to determine if the PLC has sufficient memory, and if the response time will be adequate for the process. Samples of scan times and memory are given in Figure 464 and Figure 465.