Automatisation of programming of a PLC code : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of Engineering in Mechatronics
Loading...
Date
2010
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The Author
Abstract
A competitive edge is one of the requirements of a successful business. Tools, which increase
an engineer s productivity and minimize cost, can be considered as a competitive edge.
The objective of this thesis was to design, create, and implement Automatic PLC Code
Generator (APCG) software. A secondary objective was to demonstrate that the use of the
APCG software will lead to improved project efficiency and enhanced profit margin.
To create the APCG software, the MS Excel and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
programs were used as the platform. MS Excel sheets were used as a user interface, while VBA
creates the PLC code from the information entered by the engineer. The PLC code, created by
the APCG software, follows the PLC structure of the Realcold Milmech Pty. Ltd, as well as the
research Automatic generation of PLC code beyond the nominal sequence written by Guttel
et al [1].
The APCG software was used to design and create a PLC code for one of the projects
undertaken by Realcold Milmech Pty. Ltd. By using APCG software, time to design, create, and
test the PLC code was improved when compared to the budgeted time. In addition, the project's
profit margin was increased.
Based on the results of this thesis it is expected that the APCG software will be useful for
programmers that tend to handle a variety of projects on a regular basis, where programming in
a modular way is not appropriate.
Description
Appendix D, CD content can be found with print thesis held at Turitea library, Palmerston North.
Content:
Empty APCG program
Empty RSLogix5000 l5k file
Empty RSLogix5000 ACD file
Real Life project - APCG program (only partial)
Real Life project - RSLogix5000 l5k file (only partial)
Real Life project - RSLogix5000 ACD file (only partial)
Keywords
PLC code generator, Project efficiency