title: Programmable logic controller performance enhancement by field programmable gate array based design.
abstract: PLC, the core element of modern automation systems, due to serial execution, exhibits limitations like slow speed and poor scan time. Improved PLC design using FPGA has been proposed based on parallel execution mechanism for enhancement of performance and flexibility. Modelsim as simulation platform and VHDL used to translate, integrate and implement the logic circuit in FPGA. Xilinx's Spartan kit for implementation-testing and VB has been used for GUI development. Salient merits of the design include cost-effectiveness, miniaturization, user-friendliness, simplicity, along with lower power consumption, smaller scan time and higher speed. Various functionalities and applications like typical PLC and industrial alarm annunciator have been developed and successfully tested. Results of simulation, design and implementation have been reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering , Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology (SVIT), Vasad 388306, Gujarat, India. Electronic address: dmpatelic@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Dhruv
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad 387001, Gujarat, India. Electronic address: jigneshgbhatt@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Jignesh
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bhatt
authors.affiliation: Space Application Center (SAC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Ahmedabad 380015, Gujarat, India. Electronic address: sanjay@sac.isro.gov.in.
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trivedi
keywords: Automation; Embedded System; FPGA; GUI development; Instrumentation; PLC