A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a specialised computer which has been adapted for the control of industrial processes such as robotic devices and assembly lines. PLC power supplies are components of PLCs that convert relatively high input source power into lower regulated voltages required for the internal circuitry in PLCs.
How do PLC power supplies work?
The PLC power supply gets input power from an external line voltage, which is usually fed through a control relay and filter external to the PLC. The line voltage is stepped-down, filtered, rectified, regulated, status-monitored and voltage and current protected. Some PLC power supplies are embedded with switches for selecting a particular programming mode or protecting the memory.
The resulting low DC voltage output powers the PLCs various modules as well as the PLC's integral battery (which is used for memory back up). Should the input line voltage drop or the PLC power supply fail, the memory contents will not change thanks to the memory backup.
What are PLC power supplies used for?
PLC power supplies are essential components required to run a PLC.
