Describe the design characteristics of unitary modular and rack mounted plc?

Answer 1

Unitary PLC

Unitary PLC's are compact non adaptable systems which are connected directly to the machine or equipment they control. They are one self contained unit in which is house power systems, CPU, output and input controls and any specialised pieces of equipment needed within the system. Each unitary module will have one purpose and cannot be adapted or changed after construction.

Unitary PLC's are practical if used in an industry which rarely changes production techniques and requires only a small amount of PLC usage for singular specialised tasks.

However, if adaption maybe needed in the future this is not practical.

Plus unitary PLC's are cheaper and more compact than others.

Modular PLC

Modular PLC's are multi-adaptive systems that can be changed easily and simply. They consist of a cabinet or rail upon which a system is placed as standard. This standard system contains a power supply, CPU and input and output control. However, the PLC is not specialised like unitary PLC's it can be adapted and changed to serve different purposes or you may add more than one system so the module can be multi-functional.

Extra modules such as upgraded power supplies or CPU's and specialised modules maybe added to different sections.

These systems can be rail mounted or in cabinets for safety and security.

Modular PLC's are very practical machines in the fact they can be multi-functional and are completely adaptive and their functions can be easily changed. However, these systems are a lot larger and more expensive than unitary PLC's

Rack Mounted PLC

Rack mounted PLC's are basically compact rack mounted modular PLC'S. These are multi-adaptive and can be modified easily just as modular PLC's can be.

The main difference between these two is the rack mounted PLC is mounted on racks as seen by the diagram.

Rack mounted PLC's are the most practical of all three as they make the multi-adaptive features of the modular PLC's a lot more compact and able to fit out of the way in small places. This is ideal for industry where space can be vital.

However, there is one major impracticality which is that these are the most expensive of the three.

(THIS ALLOWED ME TO PASS MY FIRST ASSIGNMENT)