Welcome to the world of PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) products! As a professional technician in this field, you have probably encountered various PLC products from different countries. But have you ever wondered about the origins and differences between these products? In this article, we will explore the three major schools of PLC products in the world, with a focus on the offerings of the United States.
The first school of PLC products originated in the United States during the 1960s, with companies such as Allen-Bradley, Modicon, and General Electric leading the way. These early PLCs were large and bulky, with limited memory and programming capabilities. They were primarily used in heavy industries such as automotive and steel manufacturing, where their ruggedness and reliability were essential.
However, with the rapid advances in technology during the 1980s, a new school of PLC products emerged from Japan. Companies like Mitsubishi, Omron, and Hitachi introduced smaller and more powerful PLCs, with advanced programming capabilities and user-friendly interfaces. These PLCs were ideal for use in industries such as consumer electronics and food processing, where precision and flexibility were crucial.
The third school of PLC products was born in Europe, with Germany taking the lead. Siemens, ABB, and Schneider Electric were among the pioneers of this school, introducing PLC products with advanced communication capabilities, modular designs, and a wide range of programming options. These PLCs were widely adopted in industries such as utilities, transportation, and building automation, where seamless integration with other systems was essential.
So, what sets the American school of PLC products apart from the rest of the world? One significant difference is the programming language. While most PLC products in Japan and Europe use ladder logic, the United States has traditionally favored the use of proprietary languages such as RSLogix and IEC 61131-3. This approach has both its advantages and disadvantages, with some technicians finding it more intuitive and others preferring the standardized programming languages used by other schools.
Another distinguishing factor is the diversity of the American PLC market. With multiple companies offering a wide range of PLC products, technicians have a plethora of options to choose from, depending on their specific application needs. This competition has also driven innovation, with American PLC products constantly evolving and adapting to the changing demands of the industry.
Furthermore, the United States has been a leader in the development of PLC-based control systems for specialized applications. For example, the oil and gas industry has seen significant advancements in PLC products designed specifically for use in hazardous environments. Similarly, the automotive industry has benefited from PLC products with high-speed processing capabilities and advanced motion control features.
In recent years, however, we have seen a convergence of these three schools of PLC products. With the advent of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), PLC companies from around the world are incorporating new technologies and features into their products. For instance, many American PLC products now offer advanced networking capabilities and cloud connectivity, while European and Japanese PLC products have adopted more user-friendly programming interfaces.
In conclusion, the United States is one of the three major schools of PLC products in the world, with its own unique characteristics and advancements. As a professional technician, it is essential to have a good understanding of the offerings from all three schools, as each one has its strengths and limitations. With the continued evolution of technology and the increasing demand for smarter and more efficient industrial control systems, we can expect to see even more convergence and collaboration among these schools in the future.