Many different special I/O modules are available. Some module types are listed below for illustration, but the commercial selection is very large. Generally most vendors offer competitive modules. Some modules, such as fuzzy logic and vision, are only offered by a few supplier, such as Omron. This may occasionally drive a decision to purchase a particular type of controller.

A wide variety of CPU's are available, and can often be used interchangeably in the rack systems. the basic formula is price/performance. The table below compares a few CPU units in various criteria.

There are a few basic types of programmers in use. These tend to fall into 3 categories,

1. PLC Software for Personal Computers - Similar to the specialized programming units, but the software runs on a multi-use, user supplied computer. This approach is typically preferred.

2. Hand held units (or integrated) - Allow programming of PLC using a calculator type interface. Often done using mnemonics.

3. Specialized programming units - Effectively a portable computer that allows graphical editing of the ladder logic, and fast uploading/downloading/monitoring of the PLC.

For communication with remote computers. This is now an option on many CPUs.

When dealing with lower TTL voltages (0-5Vdc) most input cards will not recognize these. These cards allow switching of these voltages.

Takes inputs from an encoder and tracks position. This allows encoder changes that are much faster than the PLC can scan.

A-B/Siemens/Omron/Modicon/etc offer human interface systems. The user can use touch screens, screen and buttons, LCD/LED and a keypad.

Adds an serial port for communicating with standard serial ports RS-232/422.

An IBM compatible computer card that plugs into a PLC bus, and allows use of common software.

Each card will have 1 to 16 counters at speeds up to 200KHz.

The counter can be set to zero, or up/down, or gating can occur with an external input.

Thermocouples can be used to measure temperature, but these low voltage devices require sensitive electronics to get accurate temperature readings.

These cards measure voltages in various ranges, and allow monitoring of continuous processes. These cards can also output analog voltages to help control external processes, etc.

There are 2 types of PID modules. In the first the CPU does the calculation, in the second, a second controller card does the calculation.

- when the CPU does the calculation the PID loop is slower.

- when a specialized card controls the PID loop, it is faster, but it costs less.

Has an encoder and amplifier pair built in to the card.

Siemens/Allen-Bradley/etc. have cards that fit into IBM buses, and will communicate with PLC's.

This allows communications or networks protocols in addition to what is available on the PLC. This includes DH+, etc.

Numbers can be dialed in on wheels with digits from 0 to 9.

Allows the user to write programs in the BASIC programming language.

ID Tags - Special "tags" can be attached to products, and as they pass within range of pickup sensors, they transmit an ID number, or a packet of data. This data can then be used, updated, and rewritten to the tags by the PLC. Messages are stored as ASCII text.

In some cases verbal I/O can be useful. Speech recognition methods are still very limited, the user must control their speech, and background noise causes problems.

32.2 SPECIAL I/O MODULES