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Bosch Centre of Excellence in Automation Technologies

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PLC Laboratory

A  PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER,  PLC  OR  PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLER  is a digital computer used for automation of typically industrial electromechanical processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines, amusement rides, or light fixtures. PLCs are used in many industries and machines. PLCs are designed for multiple analogue and digital inputs and output arrangements, extended temperature ranges, immunity to electrical noise, and resistance to vibration and impact. Programs to control machine operation are typically stored in battery-backed-up or non-volatile memory. A PLC is an example of a "hard" real-time system since output results must be produced in response to input conditions within a limited time, otherwise unintended operation will result.

It is used to control machines and processes.  It therefore shares common terms with typical PCs like central processing unit, memory, software and communications.  Unlike a personal computer though the PLC is designed to survive in a rugged industrial atmosphere and to be very flexible in how it interfaces with inputs and outputs to the real world, in these modern times a PC with specially dedicated software from the PLC manufacturer is used to program a PLC.  The most widely used form of programming is called ladder logic.  Ladder logic uses symbols, instead of words, to emulate the real world relay logic control, which is a relic from the PLC’s history.

PLC laboratory at Center of Excellence in Automation Excellence occupies an area of about 40 square meters. The facilities available in the laboratory include all basic equipments used are such as PLC training kit, PLC simulator with templates etc.