A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) can best be described as a specially designed computer used to automate electromechanical processes, including control of machinery on factory assembly lines, amusement rides or light fixtures.
Unlike a typical, general-purpose computer, the PLC is designed for multiple inputs and output scenarios, varying temperature ranges, immunity to electrical noise, as well as resistance to vibration and impact.
It probably goes without saying that most industrial-ready PLCs aren’t exactly cheap for the masses – but what if someone wanted to make a DIY version for their own amusement or to automate basic tasks? Well, that is exactly Warwick did, building a pair of PLCs powered by Atmel’s SAM7S ARM chip (running at a cool 48 MHz).
As the Hack A Day crew notes, the smaller device boasts 10 digital inputs, 4 analog inputs, and 8 digital outputs, while the larger PLC is equipped with 22 digital ins, 6 analog ins and 16 digital outputs. In addition, the two DIY PLCs offer users a number of connectivity options, with USB, RS-232 and RS-485 ports.
In the videos above and below, you can see the large PLC tasked with operating as a bardcode scanner and as a device to continuously levitate a ping-pong ball. Meanwhile, the smaller PLC is used to light up LEDs.
Additional information about the DIY PLC hack can be found here with more data on Atmel’s SAM7S available here.
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