CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
PC simulator is one of the methods to connect the Programmable Logical Connector PLC and monitor the Programmable Logical Controller PLC status. This
type of application is fairy important and possess high demand in the industry area, especially for those do not have knowledge on Programmable Logical Controller PLC.
As we know that, the Inputs and outputs of Programmable Logical Controller PLC are form by various kinds of dangerous equipments, such as motor, actuator, driller, sensor,
even 240V electric supply is count as input.
Thus, with this system, it can prevent that some engineers or technicians who not equip with Programmable Logical Controller being injured or hurt by the inputs or outputs
of Programmable Logical controller PLC while they are going to run a maintenance on the machine. In addition, with this project, it is able to reduce the production operation cost
monthly by reduce the human resources needed in that particular area.
Thus, it is very appealing to design and implement a low cost real time machine monitoring system in future, providing an instant Programmable Logical Controller PLC
IO status and also some information that required by user when the automation process is on the running mode.
2.2 Types of Interface
There are many methods to illustrate the data of Programmable Logical Controller PLC to user through pre-determine interface path. The available interfaces are monitor
screen of laptop or desktop and touch screen.
Among these two types of screen, the price of touch screen will be higher compare to monitor screen of laptop or desktop. In addition, user need to purchase additional touch
screen in order to use it as interface, but the user still need a laptop or desktop to program it. Furthermore, touch screen size normally is smaller than laptop or desktop monitor screen.
In order to be able using touch screen as interface, the user need to learn the way to program and design the touch screen interface[1], while if just use laptop or desktop screen,
user just need to learn Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 language. For touch screen, user can just change the input data on the screen by touching it, but if want to change the sequences
of automation process, a laptop or desktop still needed, whereby if using the screen of laptop or desktop as interface, both sequence and input data change can be done easily in
the laptop or desktop.
In addition, the ladder diagram in CQM1H-CPU21 PLC is different for touch screen interface and normal interface created by Microsoft Visual Basic 2008. This is
because touch screen is only used to display, while, means in the PLC ladder diagram, need to set program, that is transmit TXD, so that the PLC will send the data from PLC to
touch screen automatically [2] . Whereby, the simulator created by the Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 will just use data read function to read the value or data in normal ladder
diagram.
From the above comparison, it is obvious that touch screen will consume more budget compare to the normal laptop or desktop screen. Thus, as the budget is the biggest
concern, so, the interface I choose here is by using laptop screen. Table of summary for comparison of both type of interface is in Table 2.1:
Table 2.1: Touch Screen VS LaptopDesktop Topic
Touch Screen LaptopDesktop Screen
Ease Need learn particular touch
screen programming language in its custom software.
Need do additional programming in PLC for data transmit TXD
[2] . Just need to do Microsoft Visual
Basic 2008 programming interface.
Flexibility User could direct change input
data for automation process by just touch the screen, but need
connect to laptop or desktop in case want change sequence of
process. User able to change input data
or sequence of automation process directly in laptop or
desktop.
Multitasking Touch screen do not provide
multitasking ability. Laptop or desktop have
windows that enable a user to easily view, control, and
manipulate multiple things at once.
Cost
Need purchase touch screen as interface, while also need laptop
or desktop as programming tools.
Just use laptop or desktop to program and display.
2.3 Types of Connection
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