What is a PLC? - Part 2

In part 2 of the PLC Basics series, learn what a PLC is.

A PLC is a specialized, industrially hardened computer designed to control manufacturing processes in real time. It can be found in various settings, such as assembly lines, power plants, amusement park rides, and aircraft carriers. The PLC can be programmed to do just about anything. It works by monitoring input conditions and running a program that controls outputs like motors and valves based on the status of those input conditions. The basic components of a PLC include the input circuitry, output circuitry, central processing unit, and memory. These components work together to execute the user-developed program.