Designing an efficient Programmable Logic Controller using Programmable System On Chip

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a microprocessor-based board that controls a number of discrete elements using input/output (I/O). These devices are used in manufacturing and process industries to monitor and control various types of equipment within a process system or machine operation.  Programmable logic controllers are normally built using a fixed-function microprocessor. The PLCs are programmed by users using a Ladder diagram and shipped with a custom software front-end that allows the users to program. These users are normally nonprogrammers who do not have C or Verilog/VHDL programming knowledge. This article describes an alternative to board-based PLCs using microcontrollers with integrated programmable logic that simplifies PLC programming.