ADDITIONAL MODULES FOR PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER BASED TRAINING STANDS

Urgency of the research. Programmable logic controllers are devices, which are necessary for building of controlling systems mainly for industrial applications. Therefore, there is an effort to make intensive training for knowledge and skills in this area. Target setting. Training stands have been developed of the training purpose. Programmable controllers are used together with sensors and actuators. The aim is to make a training in area for working with sensors and actuators to compose completed project similar as it is required in industry. Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. Training set allows making hardware simulation of control system. But also, it is important to apply it together with other real parts. Practical experience with using of all components together are highly required. There are some effects, which cannot be simulated virtually, and it is necessary to pass it also through the hands of young mechatronic students. Uninvestigated parts of general matters defining. The questions of the networked structure of programmable logic controller devices, sensors and actuators networks are uninvestigated and therefore the next research will be focused on this. The research objective. The main goal is to create a compact device with real models of actuators and sensors for training future application developers with a programmable logic controller. Such real objects as actuators and sensors have many properties and effects, which should be tested experimentally. There are problems with signal noise, hysteresis, dead zones, saturation, backlash, deformation effects, friction effects, thermal effects etc. Influence of these effects to control systems can be explored using the experimental works. The statement of basic materials. Our training stands include free din rails for additional modules, which can be very easy and fast inserted into these stands. DIN rail system is frequently used in industrial racks as well. Every additional module has own screw terminal for connection to power supply and connection to programmable logic controllers. Conclusions. Main contribution is that students will practically work with real systems with programmable logic controllers and with sensors and actuators. All theoretical knowledge can be experimentally verified on these stands equipped with additional modules with sensors and actuators.