Automating Manufacturing Systems with PLCs

This is a manuscript for a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based control system book that is currently being used for teaching an undergraduate controls course - Manufacturing Controls. The course and book focus on the Allen Bradley family of controllers, thus allowing a deeper topic coverage than is normal in PLCbooks.

Control systems apply artificial means to change the behavior of a system. The type of control problem often determines the type of control system that can be used. Each controller will be designed to meet a specific objective.

Many control technologies are available for control. Early control systems relied upon mechanisms and electronics to build controlled. Most modern controllers use a computer to achieve control. The most flexible of these controllers is the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

The purpose of this book is to address discrete control systems using common control systems. The objective is to prepare the reader to implement a control system from beginning to end, including planning and design of hardware and software.

The intended reader should have a basic background in technology or engineering. A first course in electric circuits, including AC/DC circuits is useful for the reader, more advanced topics will be explained as necessary.