With rapid developments in industrial automation, PLC or Programmable Logic Controllers are being an essential part of any manufacturing environment. We have already discussed in detail about the basics of PLCs in the earlier article “PLC- The Intelligent Industrial Computer”. This article discusses on various Amphenol solutions that support PLCs.

A PLC generally has a PLC Rack, Interface Module, Communication Module, CPU Module and a Power Supply Module.

The CPU module is considered as the brain of the PLC that runs ladder-logic programs that help to automate factory processes. A CPU module has both internal and external connectors. Amphenol ICC’s Millipacs vertical and RA receptacles are simple backplane connectors helping to connect the CPU module to the PLC rack as well as the other modules like the input module lying beside. In addition Minitek® Board-to-Board 2.00mm connectors also goes inside the CPU module. The external CPU module connectors include input output connectors like D-Sub board mount connectors and RJ45.

The interface and communication modules have D-Sub cable connectors that plug into D-Sub standard board mount connectors.  This help in interfacing the modules and establishing communication channels with other components of the control cabinet in which the PLC is housed, like servo drive controllers and relays.

Amphenol’s wire-to-board power connectors can be designed for the 3 pin external power connector in the power supply module which helps in sourcing power for the PLC. Additionally internal PwrBlade® connectors can help to connect the module to the rack.

PLC rack contains a chain of Millipacs® vertical headers and PwrBlade® connectors helping to attach each module like CPU, Communication and Power to the PLC. It serves as the backbone of the PLC synchronising power and signal communication. In addition Minitek® MicroSpeed, USB Connectors, Modular Jacks, Minitek® Pwr and Minitek® 1.25 mm are also used in the PLC application.

Visit our application page to know where and how each of these connectors is placed within a PLC and learn more about these connector features.