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PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is like the CPU of a Computer, which acts as the brain of the whole system which receives signal and uses a Binary language (0 or 1) to process it and give Binary output, while DCS (Distributed Control System) is a computerized control system, that consists of different loops in which used to control processes within a plant operation. When a DCS operator or controller gives a command to a certain loop (e.g. starting a pump or opening a valve), the communication given in the DCS will then be forwarded to the PLC, in which it will forward to the equipment to start the pump or open the valve.
Over the past decade, the functionality of different control systems has been merging. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) now have capabilities once found only in distributed control systems (DCSs), while a DCS can handle many functions previously thought more appropriate for PLCs. So what’s the difference between the two control approaches, where’s the dividing line and are there still reasons to choose one over the other.
PLC & DCS - programmable logic controller/ Distributed control system comprises of following major parts;1. Microprocessor - which actually executes the logic (application logic)
2. Input Output ports - I/O ports are required for interfacing field signals to the microprocessor.
3. Communication/ network interface - this helps to interface PLC/DCS with an operator via operating stations by means of standard communication protocols.
Digital electronic device with a programme able memory use for stroming instruction and implement specific function to control industrial machine and process.Programmable logic controller is a digital computer used for industrial process automation. a plc could be standalone or network. DCS or Distribution control system is a network of highly powerful PLC and data server.
THRU INTERFACE USING MODBUS SIGNALS WITH DIFFERENT PROTOCOLS
Programmable Logic controller is a digital computer used for industrial process automation. A Plc could be standalone or networked. DCS or Distributed Control System is a network of Highly Powerful PLCs and Data Server.
Programmable Logic controller is a digital computer used for industrial process automation. A PLC could be standalone or networked. DCS or Distributed Control System is a network of Highly Powerful PLCs and Data Server. PLC is usually used for controlling medium or large scale applications, whereas DCS is used for controlling entire plant.
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a hardware used to automate machineries by taking inputs from the user and performing the user feeded output. DCS (Distributed Contro System) on the other hand is a vast monitoring system to visualize multiple plants/machineries over a given network.
By fact DCS - is systems, consisting hardware controllers, DCS server and network equipment. DCS server consist DCS software , which consist databases (configuration, tags, Historian) and HMI software (engineering and end-user) . Data from sensors (transmitters - temperature , pressure, position) is sent to Controller, where is stored, transformed into digital format and sent to DCS, where is stored, doing calculation, historised and sent to end user workstations to represent in visual way (PID, PFD, trends, dashboards) .
PLC also can be connected to the DCS (if DCS has drivers and connection interfaces) and can do some similar (but limited in comparison to Controller) tasks. PLC are typically used for logical tasks, while also some of the non-logical (calculations, PID) functions can be used.
