AX Control, Inc.

GE PLC: 5 Things You Need To Know

A GE Series 90 Micro PLC. — A GE Series 90 Micro PLC

If you’re reading this, you probably already own a GE PLC. So we’re not going to bore you extolling the virtues of these robust, long-lived devices.

Instead, we’re going to give some advice on best practices that will help you get the most out of your system. We have five primary suggestions that will help save you money and will improve the usefulness of these products.

Understand PLC Battery Lifespan

Pretty much every PLC ever designed has a battery backup connected to the CPU board. This battery will power the EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) if the main power supply fails or needs temporary removal, like when maintenance occurs.

What is a Closed-loop System?

Closed-loop systems can control speed, position, torque, etc. — Control loops can control speed, position, torque, temperature, etc.

A closed-loop system will make automatic adjustments without external adjustment. The system uses a setpoint as part of the initial setup.

Sound difficult? It’s not. Let’s break that down.

Motor RPM: How to Calculate

Knowing how to calculate motor RPM can be invaluable when choosing a motor for your industrial application. Along with torque, voltage, and power, this measurement will help you understand how to find the correct motor for your needs.