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Sunday, June 9, 2013

Open source PLC's - PLC (programmable logic controller)

Here's some Great Looking Open source PLC Projects. The OSPLC Small & Large Bricks are open-source PLC (programmable logic controller) that can be programmed using open source C language programming tools.

Don

Starting Electronics – Electronics for Beginners and Beyond

Large Brick Open Source PLC

Created on: 23 April 2013

The OSPLC LARGE BRICK is an open-source PLC (programmable logic controller) that can be programmed using open source C language programming tools.

The Open Source PLC was designed to provide a C programmable PLC for embedded software engineers and programmers.

To find out more about applications for the OSPLC and the history of the OSPLC, see the page for the small brick open source PLC. The large OSPLC was designed to have more inputs, outputs and communication channels than the small OSPLC. It was designed in 2008 and released as open source hardware in April 2013.

Large Open Source PLC

This video shows the large open source PLC operating Festo Pneumatic valves and actuators in an automation demonstration.

Can't see the video? View on YouTube →

Read More...
http://startingelectronics.com/projects/large-open-source-PLC/

Small Brick Open Source PLC

Created on: 18 April 2013

The OSPLC SMALL BRICK is an open-source PLC (programmable logic controller) that can be programmed using open source C language programming tools.

The PLC is a general-purpose controller with a wide variety of applications. It is useful to the engineer, technician, student and hobbyist.

All the source files for the small brick OSPLC are provided, including schematic diagrams so that you can build this project yourself or modify it.

Even if you do not wish to build the project, it serves as a useful reference design for anyone wanting to build a similar PLC project.

Small Brick Open Source PLC (OSPLC)

This video shows the Open Source PLC being demonstrated. One of three programs will run, depending on which input button is pressed. The fourth input button stops all programs from running. The other buttons are ignored by the program.

Can't see the video? View on YouTube →

OSPLC Applications

Some applications that the OSPLC (Open Source PLC) can be used in:

Machine Control
Automatic Test Equipment (ATE)
Computer I/O and communication expansion
Data logging to EEPROM memory
Process Control
Process Monitoring
Home Automation

PLC Example Application

The image below shows the small brick open source PLC (top right of cabinet) used to control a machine that automatically measures the density of rubber samples.

The PLC controls the pneumatic mechanisms for operating the machine, responds to button presses on the front panel, allows an operator to configure the machine using a keyboard and LCD, and prints test results to an RS-232 slip printer (bottom right).

Small Brick Open Source PLC Controlling a Densitron
(Density Measuring Machine)

The machine pictured above was fitted with new electronics and pneumatic parts. The restored machine resulted in a cost savings for the owner as it was much cheaper to restore the machine than buy a new one.

Small Open Source PLC Features

Features include digital I/O, analogue inputs, RS-232 port, RS-485 port, USB device port, JTAG debug port, real-time clock (RTC) with battery backup, Flash memory, SRAM and EEPROM.

Programming of the PLC can be done in C and C++. The internal microcontroller is directly accessible to the programmer.

Open-source software C programming tools are available for programming the PLC.