PLCs vs. PACs
This white paper describes the benefits and basic differences between programmable automation controllers (PAC) and the more traditional programmable logic controllers (PLC). This document describes the factors and criteria you should take into consideration when deciding which platform is better suited for your application, depending on your control and measurement needs. See comparisons between graphics, measurements, processing capabilities, communications and platforms. The direct link is found at http://tinyurl.com/ybhzvef.
National Instruments
888/280-7645
www.ni.com
GUIDE TO PACS
This website contains multiple resources for understanding PACs, how they differ from PLCs, what to look for when specifying or buying a PAC and more. A selection of white papers, including "Understanding PACs in Industrial Automation" and "What Is a PAC?" videos, Flash presentations and more. Go to http://tinyurl.com/ybjctkf for a direct link.
Opto22
800/321-6786
www.opto22.com
YOUR PERSONAL PLC PAGE
This website contains a series of brief tutorials, some of which are animated, on all the aspects of the PLC—what it is, how it works, how to program it, ladder logic, the main instructions set, wiring and communications, Q&As, a job board and more. All the main links are free, although the site contains links and ads for additional paid instruction.
PLCs.net
www.plcs.net/contents.shtml
FAST GUIDE TO PLCS
This site lists the top 20 Internet sites for PLC/PAC training and information, ranked by user popularity. The direct link is www.top20sites.com/Top-PLC-Tutorial-Sites.
Top20Sites.com
www.top20sites.com
PLC DEEP DIVE
This site contains information on all manner of PLC issues: history, hardware, operation, communication, protocols, programming, installation/commissioning, vendor selection, selection criteria and more.
PLC Manual
www.plcmanual.com
PAC/PLC PDFs
This website offers free, downloadable PDFs on automation topics, such as PACs. Available PDFs include "Introduction to PLCs," "Understanding PACs," "Programmable Controllers—Theory and Implementation" and "Beginners Guide to Programmable Controllers." Other topics on the site include automation, pneumatics, actuators, valves, measuring instruments, computing software, international standards and motion control.
ControlManuals.com
http://controlmanuals.com
PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLERS
Programmable Controllers by Thomas Hughes is available from ISA. The book discusses all phases of programmable controller applications from systems design and programming to installation, maintenance and start-up. It covers the fundamental principles of programmable controllers for process and machine control, including PLC programming languages—ladder diagram, function block diagram, sequential function chart, instruction list and structured text—and the addition of numerous programming applications and examples clearly explain each programming language. Go to http://tinyurl.com/7lezexw.
ISA
www.isa.org
PLC/PAC INFORMATION HERE
This is a one-stop shop for information on PLCs and/or PACs. Chapters include coverage of I/O wiring and interactions, number systems, memory structure, bit instruction, timers and counters.
The PLC Tutor
www.theplctutor.com
EBOOKS ON PLCS AND PACS
This site has a collection of ladder logic and PLC/PAC tutorials. All are free. The site contains links to white papers, ladder logic diagrams, simulations and more. Documents come in multiple common formats. The direct link is at http://tinyurl.com/4b7ltzz.
ebookbrowse
http://ebookbrowse.com
