What are the major parts of a plc? The CPU, I/O, power supply, and programming device
Architecture Refers to PLC hardware or software
Open architecture Allows the system to be connected easily to devices and programs made by other
manufacturers
Closed architecture A system whose design is proprietary making it difficult to connect to other systems
Fixed I/O Small PLC that comes in one package with not separate removable units. The
processor and I/O are packaged together
Modular I/O A PLC that is divided by compartments into which separate modules can be
plugged
Power supply Provides DC power to all modules that plug into the rack
CPU or processor A microprocessor for implementing the logic and controlling the communications
among the modules
PLC scan cycle Reads inputs -> executes program -> diagnostics & communication -> updates
outputs
I/O (Input/Output) system Forms the interface by which field devices are connected to the controller.
I/O (Input/Output) system Forms the interface by which field devices are connected to the controller
Programming device Used to enter the desired program into the memory of the processor
Personal computer (PC) The most commonly used programming device
Program A series of instructions that directs the PLC to execute actions
Relay ladder logic The standard programming language, is based on electromagnetic relay control
stuvia 2026-2027
, PLC Exam | Complete Exam Prep | Practice Questions & Answers
Address Where an input or output device is conncected
PC vs PLC PLC is designed to operate in the industrial environment with wide ranges of
ambient temperature and humidity
Human machine interface (HMI) Software that allows the user to monitor and control the process
Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) Combine PLC ruggedness with PC
functionality
Nano Smallest size with less than 15 I/O
Micro 15-128 I/O
Medium 128-512 I/O
Large Over 512 I/O
Single ended application One PLC controlling one process
Multitask application One PLC controlling several processes
Control management application One PLC controlling several others
Memory Part of a PLC controller that stores data, instructions, and the control program
Memory size Expressed in K values
1K = 1024
stuvia 2026-2027