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OK, so thanks to the previous lessons, you already know that it takes three primary components
to make a PLC; an input, an output and a CPU. Want to learn more? You must, or you wouldn't
still be here. You've seen how to install those primary modules, now I'm going to explain
to you how to install some secondary modules, which can come in handy depending on what
you are trying to achieve with your PLC. In order to install any of these new components
into your PLC the first piece of hardware you're going to need is a Rack.
Once we've installed the rack, the first component that we need to install is the power supply.
This is how we will get power to the rest of the components. The next module that we
need to install in order for our PLC to work is the CPU. After the CPU has been installed
we have the choice of installing whatever modules we need to achieve the results that
we want. You can install an Interface Module or IM, Signal Modules or SMs, Function Modules
or FMs, and so on, one-after the other, assuming that you have enough space and racks to install
all of the components that you want.. The last thing we will install is the Communications
processor, or CP. In the provided images, you cans see that
the Signal Modules are the same kind of input and output modules that we discussed earlier.
So far, we've covered almost all of the component modules that a PLC might have. Remember that
you don't always have to use all the modules that we've discussed when building your PLC.
The modules that you do use will be determined by what it is that you are hoping to achieve
with your PLC. The use and work needing to be done should always determine the components
that the PLC is made of. But To create a PLC, you'll only have to use a minimal power supply,
CPU, and a few input and output modules. Using the other modules like IMs, FMs or CPs will
always depend on exactly what type of application you plan to use your PLC for.
Now that's you've learned the how's and why's of the components to install in your PLC,
be sure to join us for the next lesson, where we will further explain the use and installation
of one of the most basic building blocks of your PLC, the Rack.