Installation, connection, adjustment, repair, replacement of the controller. Controllers are ...

Controllers are important devices for the effective operation of machinery. How did they come about? Where to apply? How in general does it look like installing, connecting, configuring, repairing and replacing the controller? The answers to these questions will be given in the framework of this article.

What are the controllers?

This designation in automation systems is used for devices that are assigned the functions of controlling physical processes according to the previously recorded algorithm. This uses information that comes from the sensors and is output to the actuators. In computers, controllers are devices that connect peripheral devices to internal data buses . Due to the processing of slow I / O operations, their performance positively affects the speed of the systems. That is, controllers are devices that sort through a portion of the CPU functionality. So, he no longer needs to constantly listen, the keyboard is active or not. The tasks of the central processor only include the willingness to accept data about the presence of interaction and respond appropriately to it.

History of occurrence

For the first time in the industry, they were used to build cars in the late 60's. They were used to automate assembly lines. Then computers were very expensive, so the controllers used hard logic, which was programmed in hardware. But their reconfiguration was a very time consuming process. Therefore, there were devices that changed using a special relay. They received the name of programmable logic controllers, and it has survived to this day. Over time, devices appeared that were programmed in machine-oriented languages. It is easier to do constructively, but it is necessary to have a programmer to make even the smallest changes to the control algorithm. From that moment, the task of processes was constantly simplified. First, high-level languages arose, and then special visual programming, which has much in common with relay logic.

Application

Find controllers almost everywhere: in the automation of technological processes, in machine tools with numerical control, in alarm systems and emergency protection, life support, life support of the building, security, communications, medical and experimental equipment. Despite such a spread, there are still enough areas where these devices are just starting to appear.

We make installation and replacement

How are the controllers installed? For simplicity of explanation, and also considering a large number of possible applications, we will consider a specific case with the device that deals with the temperature in the greenhouse. So, initially we will need to select the installation horizon. As a rule, in its quality, the middle of the height of adult vegetation is selected. It takes care of the fixing point. Certain requirements are put forward to him. So, it should be in a place where there will be at least relatively a circulation of air. In addition, the temperature sensor must be directly accessible so that nothing interferes with it. Then the controller is installed directly, it is mounted to its place, and it remains to connect, configure and use its services. And what if there were problems with the hardware component of the device? If necessary, a replacement is made. It will be necessary to disassemble the device and collect the entire temperature support scheme again, focusing on the physical characteristics of the new device.

Connect

To power the controller, there are two main options:

1. Stationary energy source. Here we mean the presence of a battery that will supply power to the controller. The advantages of this option include a significant level of autonomy. In this case, the battery of the controller should be regularly charged. You can automate this process by developing a schema that will connect it to the network. When the charge is less than a certain value (say, 50%), the make-up will be turned on. But this is an additional waste of energy (albeit not very significant).
2. Circuit. Here we mean connecting the controller to the power grid. But if you need to monitor the temperature constantly (in a greenhouse with exotic plants or an incubator for chickens), then because of the possibility of current loss, this option is not suitable. It is necessary to weigh the pros and cons of each scheme.

Customize

Here everything is quite simple. The controller simply needs to be tuned to the required temperature range and action when it is transitioned. If we talk about the purchase device, then it should be provided interfaces, by working with which you can do everything necessary. With self-made devices it will be a little more complicated. It is possible to select the necessary temperature regime in the greenhouse by adding new elements or changing the values of the already installed ones. In doing so, you should watch to not accidentally burn the circuit because of overloading or not put a part that will make it insensitive. To do this, it will be necessary to make the appropriate calculations and make sure that they are correct, in practice. That's the whole configuration of the controller.

Repairs

When the controllers fail, there are three main options:

1. Hand over to professionals so that they can repair it.
2. Throw it out and buy a new one.
3. Repair yourself.

Each of them is expensive in its own way. So, the first two mostly rest in money, and the third in their own time and effort. And if the factory controller is out of order, then it's best not to try to figure it out on your own (although in the end everything depends on desires and confidence in one's own skills). Repair is best suited for cases where the device was hand-assembled and assembled. In this case, it will be necessary to use special equipment (or test schemes) and establish the operability of each element. And when an idle link is identified, it will need to be disposed of, and in its place a new part should be installed, which has no problems with functioning. That's the whole repair of the controller with your own hands. For the master this is nothing complicated.

Conclusion

As you can see, controllers are not difficult. The same can be said about the processes of working with them. But it must be remembered that controllers are devices that work under a certain voltage, so you should be careful. The best option is to place the device in a shell, due to which access to it by unauthorized persons will be substantially limited.