Star Network

Project Details

This block diagram shows an Ethernet star network control system.

Allen Bradley PLC units operate a seperate machine in a long manufacturing line. Each PLC operate on an autonomous basis with local HMI controls. An Ethernet Star Network connects PLCs with HMIs and other optional local programming devices. Low level PLC communication semaphores are performed over ethernet. A set of four PCs are used to perform SCADA functions. The system is linked to plant wide IT network for group reporting. Local device networks at individual PLC's provide machine level communications (not shown).