Industrial Communication Guide

BASICS OF AUTOMATION

Output In the simplest case, the output of a function or a controller is used to activate an indicator light. In general terms, we can refer to these as actuators that are activated via the output. This might be a motor or a valve.

The Input-Output-model In terms of an input-output-model, the conveyor belt comprises the following automation system: In this case the input is provided by two light barriers; the controller processes the two inputs and supplies the output in the form of the signal to switch the drive on and off.

1.3. THE INPUT-OUTPUT-MODEL: A SIMPLE CONVEYOR BELT

1.4. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONTROLLER AND REGULATOR

A simple conveyor belt has two light barriers and a drive that can be switched on and off. The light barriers are located at the begin- ning and end of the conveyor belt. If a workpiece is placed at the start of the conveyor belt, the light barrier is interrupted and the conveyor belt is switched on. When the workpiece reaches the end of the conveyor belt, the second light barrier is interrupted and the conveyor belt is switched.

Controller The speed of the fan is set via the selector switch, and the control unit then converts the set level into an output signal for the fan.

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Target value (desired fan strength)

Actual value (room temperature)

Sensor

Control unit

Actuator

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