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@@ -293,3 +293,5 @@ TSWLatexianTemp* # glossaries-extra *.ist +# ide settings +*.json
\ No newline at end of file @@ -1,6 +1,41 @@ # Introduction -A Programmable Logic Controller generally has a set of input and output ports to which the external peripherals are connected, which are +## What is OpenPLC? + +OpenPLC is an open source **P**rogrammable **L**ogic **C**ontroller(**PLC**). Our hardware/s are functionally PLCs that can be programmed using [Ladder Logic diagram (LD)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladder_logic), as well as [Function Block diagram (FBD)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Function_block_diagram). We have designed the systems for academic purpose and to enable effective learning of programming PLCs. For this reason, we are also providing a set of *modules* that supplement the PLCs, which can be used to perform experiments like *simple traffic light, elevator, conveyor belt etc.* + +## Our story + +Few years ago we came across the need for a affordable and functional PLC for educational purposes. Every year, a large number of students in our colleges are undergoing training in PLCs without proper hands-on experience. The sky-high cost of the setup is a reason, also is the high maintenance because of being used by students. Vendor specific tools and work-flow, which are often complex, is another hindrance. + +## Our solution + +### **Hardware** + +OpenPLC consists of **two** versions +- OpenPLC Version 1 : Hardware based on AVR's [**ATmega16A**](https://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/en/ATmega16) and programmed using **LD** +- OpenPLC Version 2 : Hardware based on [**Raspberry Pi**](https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w/) and programmed using **FBD** + +As mentioned earlier, we are also providing a set of plug-and-play modules for practicing a range of experiments. The current ones are +- Elevator/Conveyor belt : COnsists of a motor, a motor driver that can be controlled. +- Temperature Sensing and control +- Switches : an array of various types of switches +- SImple traffic light + +### **Software** + +The two versions of PLCs uses two different software for programming. + +- LDMicro : A simple and intuitive LD programming IDE, used for programming *OpenPLC Version 1*. It is a forked and locally maintained version of [jwesthues's](https://github.com/LDmicro/LDmicro) version. +- 4diac : A system, used for *OpenPLC version 2*, that consists of an IDE and a runtime environment for FBD programming and deployment. At present we directly use the [Eclipse 4diac](https://www.eclipse.org/4diac/) project with the Raspberry Pi work-flow. + +*Note : Detailed documentation regarding each of the above are present in the respective directories.* + +# Community and contributing + +OpenPLC is developed by [FOSSEE](https://fossee.in/) and by users like you. We welcome both pull requests and issues on GitHub. How to and guides pertaining to both *software *and *hardware* can be found in the respective directories. + +<!-- A Programmable Logic Controller generally has a set of input and output ports to which the external peripherals are connected, which are to be electrically controlled by the PLC. Looking into the flow of working with the PLC, the processor tries to make decisions in accordance with the program, generally written by the user using some programming language is used to write the logic and program these units. Some of the languages commonly used are Function Block Diagram, Ladder Diagram, Structured Text, Sequential Function Chart and Instruction List. @@ -14,17 +49,17 @@ HEX files to be generated according to the controller are generated by a softwar The programming on the board is done via an *USB-ASP* device through ISP headers. All the processor wants now is a code to be dumped on it to start automating your small needs. -2. Version 2 - It uses Function Block(FB) programming language to write the logic. The system is build around a Raspberry Pi Zero, which runs a realtime environment build for IEC61499 standard. The platform we are using is **4diac**, which is implementation of IEC 16499. It has got 2 components : - * 4diac IDE - the programming interface for writing logics using FBs. - * FORTE - the runtime present in the actual hardware-- here a Raspberry Pi. +2. Version 2 - It uses Function Block(FB) programming language to write the logic. The system is build around a Raspberry Pi Zero, which runs a realtime environment build for IEC61499 standard. The platform we are using is **4diac**, which is implementation of IEC 16499. It has got 2 components : + * 4diac IDE - the programming interface for writing logics using FBs. + * FORTE - the runtime present in the actual hardware-- here a Raspberry Pi. ### The Modules We have developed 4 different modules that goes along with the PLCs for performing experiments; trying various control methods. - * Motor module - for controlling a motor - * Temperature Sensing and control - * Switches - array of various types of switches - * Traffic light + * Motor module - for controlling a motor + * Temperature Sensing and control + * Switches - array of various types of switches + * Traffic light. --> The OpenPLC setup is shown below: |