← Demystify

Automation & Control

PLC

A rugged industrial computer that controls machines and processes.

IN ONE SENTENCE

It reads inputs, runs a program and updates outputs repeatedly and reliably.

In normal English

PLCs are built for industrial environments and handle sensors, valves, motors, alarms, communications and sequencing.

Why would I use it?

Use it when a machine or process needs dependable automatic control.

THINK OF IT LIKE…

The machine's rule-following brain.

Related terms

HMI, I/O, SCADA, PAC

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