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Examine The Differences Between PLC and PAC

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) were created in the late 1960s to automate industrial processes and have since expanded their capabilities, while programmable automation controllers (PACs) were introduced more recently in 2001. PLCs are generally better for controlling basic machines or processes involving mostly discrete inputs and outputs. PACs are better suited for applications involving large numbers of analog signals across an entire plant due to their greater flexibility, memory, and communication capacity. Both PLCs and PACs can be programmed to automate processes, but PACs allow for more customizable programming and tagging of data types which provides more flexibility, especially for larger systems.

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193 views2 pages

Examine The Differences Between PLC and PAC

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) were created in the late 1960s to automate industrial processes and have since expanded their capabilities, while programmable automation controllers (PACs) were introduced more recently in 2001. PLCs are generally better for controlling basic machines or processes involving mostly discrete inputs and outputs. PACs are better suited for applications involving large numbers of analog signals across an entire plant due to their greater flexibility, memory, and communication capacity. Both PLCs and PACs can be programmed to automate processes, but PACs allow for more customizable programming and tagging of data types which provides more flexibility, especially for larger systems.

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CREWS9331
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Which device should I use to automatize a process?

Describe and examine the differences between PLC and PAC



Outline:
Definition of the names PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) and PAC (Programmable
Automation controller).
How many years have they existed? In order to know how popular and useful have they became.
Which device is able to work faster, which one is able to manage more process at the same time.
How can I take the decision?

Introduction
PLC means Programmable Logic Controllers and PAC means Programmable Automation controller.
As their names say both are used to control a process. This technology was the first advance on
automating process, machine control and even a whole factory. Both can be programmed and
there is an option where you can create timers on-delay, off-delay, activate each outputs
individually depending on the process. . Some users feel the term PAC is simply marketing jargon
to describe highly advanced PLCs.
Main Body
PLCs were created in the late 60s which had become faster and had added more features as years
passed. Since then, many new technologies have been applied to PLCs. Greatly expanding their
capabilities on an almost continues basis. In comparison PAC are relatively new, they appeared on
2001. Since then, there has been not agreement as to what differentiates a PAC from a PLC.

For simple applications, such as controlling a basic machine, a PLC is a better choice than a PAC. If
the application consist primarily of discrete I/O, a PLC would be better. But when an application
include monitoring and control of a large number of analog I/O, then a PAC is generally the better
solution. This is also the case when the application encompasses an entire plant or factory floor.

From a programming perspective, a PLC typically has a fixed memory map and addressing.
Including that many high-level PLCs have excellent execution speeds. In contrast, a PAC allows tag
naming, letting user define data types as they program. This provides more flexibility, especially
when expanding the system. PACs typically offer much greater commutation capacity and user
memory size for lager projects.


Conclusion
PLC and PAC are both related with creating a program in order to control an operation. Nowadays
they have became more popular, and the application of high-level languages, make easier to
designed a program even to control small process at home, like the illumination, water level, etc.
These technologies continue to evolve, making differences harder to distinguish. But there are still
some applications that clearly favor a PAC, due to its greater range of features, functions and
capabilities.

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