If you wish to understand the differences between programmable automation controller (PAC) and programmable logic controller (PLC), you should read this particular guide. Have in mind that finding the best application for your industry will help you improve it along the way.
At the same time, we have to start from the beginning by analyzing their histories so that you can get a linear perspective when it comes to advancements. PLC entered the market back in the late sixties with an idea to replace relay systems.
We recommend you to click here to learn everything about programming in ladder logic.
Generally, back in the day, the basic automation configurations used thousands of physical timers and relays, which was both expensive, problematic for maintenance, and challenging to handle.
Therefore, the programmable logic controllers were much more compact terminals that allowed the ability to control the automation without needing physical relays as before.
However, it had basic construction and features, including a lack of remote inputs and outputs and small memory when compared with the ones used today.
As time went by, the convenience for programming PLCs was implemented with PC-based software. Therefore, programmers could create applications much faster and by using additional features.
Of course, nowadays, you can find advanced models that can handle numerous operations simultaneously while retaining the compact design and ability to withstand harsh industrial conditions.
Programmable automation controllers are new to the automation industry when compared to PLCs. Generally, they entered the market at the beginning of new millennia, and the gap between PLCs and PACs became less and less transparent as both of them improved.
For instance, some experts state that the programmable automation controller is just a term for high-end PLC, while others indicate that we can differentiate these two devices. In both cases, they feature similar hardware, but the distinction comes in their applications.
It Depends On Users’ Requirements
Since you can find numerous models and types of both PACs and PLCs, for someone who does not understand the difference, it is challenging to choose the best product for the particular application.
Generally, you should know that PLCs are perfect for machine control that requires both high speed and simplicity of actions.
Therefore, you should know that the most common features of PLC’s applications are timely executions, focus on discrete inputs and outputs, and limited memory.
On the other hand, you should know that PAC could easily handle complex automation systems that feature numerous software applications such as asset management, human-machine interface, advanced process control, and many more.
The idea is that PAC is the perfect solution if you require significant control requirements, and it can handle much better analog inputs and outputs.
Therefore, you will get larger memory capacity, complete flexibility when it comes to programming, as well as more functions, features, and interoperability between various automation systems.
Of course, both of them use similar architecture based on ladder logic as well as the ability to control discrete inputs and outputs, which means that PAC is a more improved device when compared with PLC.
The past models of PLCs had separate hardware cards that you had to add inside the programming so that you can determine the functions without using the overall focus.
We are talking about functions such as extensive process control, networking multiple components, as well as high-end data manipulation.
The overall demand for the more functional programmable logic control increased, which is why manufacturers improved its capabilities and features when compared with the past versions.
Therefore, old models can handle a small amount of PID loops, approximately up to 16, while new ones could handle thousands of loops depending on the model.
The most advanced programmable logic controllers feature numerous communication ports and higher memory than old ones, which is something you need to remember.
However, a programmable automation controller will provide you modular design as well as open architecture so that you can enjoy interoperability and communication with various enterprise systems, networks, and devices.
You can use them for monitoring, communicating, and controlling various devices and networks. The main reason for that is that they feature standard network technologies as well as protocols such as SQL, OPC, and Ethernet.
You will also get a single platform that can easily control various domains, including process control, discrete inputs, and outputs, and motion, among other things.
Finally, you will get a modular design that will simplify its expansion so that you can remove and add other devices and sensors with ease.
That will also give you the possibility to control thousands of inputs and outputs and monitor them, which is not something you will get with standard PLC.
Another relevant difference between PAC and PLC is the tag programming that you will get by using PAC. Therefore, you can create a single tag-name database for development purposes by using a unique package that can create numerous models at once.
That will allow you to assign descriptive names to particular functions so that you can create more specific inputs and outputs. Therefore, it is highly convenient and flexible because you will be able to maintain and control large systems much more comfortable than before.
It Depends On Your Preferences
As you can see from everything we have mentioned above, you will be able to control primary machines and simple applications by using PLCs.
At the same time, if you are using discrete inputs and outputs, the programmable logic controller is a way better option, especially if you do not have high-end requirements such as data manipulation and handling.
On the other hand, if you need to control and monitor a wide array of analog inputs and outputs, then you should use PAC instead.
Remember that if you have a significant application that uses machines from the entire factory floor or plant, as well as a large number of inputs and outputs with comprehensive loop control, PAC is better suited to handle the processes instead of PLC.
So if you wish to learn more about PLC programming, you should check out rslogix 500 software that will provide you peace of mind.
However, the problem tends to start in case you have an intermediary application that lies between complex and simple. Therefore, it is challenging to determine the best controller.
In these situations, you can get low-end PAC or high-end PLC to handle everything you want. Generally, it depends on your preferences and other outside factors that you should consider beforehand.