PLC dealers and distributors in India

Supplier, Reseller, Dealer and distributor of PLC from various international brands in India supporting critical applications

EKA is a leading Supplier, Reseller, Dealer and distributor of PLC from various international brands in India supporting critical applications.

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an industrial computer used to control automated processes in manufacturing and other industrial settings. Available in various sizes, PLCs can be customized with modules to fit specific applications. Known for their speed, reliability, and ease of programming, they are essential components in automation systems like SCADA and HMI, enabling the monitoring and control of machines, assembly lines, and robotic systems.

A PLC’s functions are divided into three main categories:

PLCs collect data from the plant floor by monitoring inputs from connected machines and devices.

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Based on this logic, it generates output commands to control machines and devices accordingly.

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The CPU processes this input data by applying user-defined logic.

Most PLCs today use one of the following 5 programming languages:

Sequential Function Charts.
Instruction List
Function Block Diagram
Structured Text
Ladder Diagram

There are two main types of inputs:

Machine-Generated Inputs:
These come from devices and sensors connected to machines on the plant floor.

Human-Facilitated Inputs:
These are triggered manually, such as through buttons, switches, or panels.

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Human-Facilitated Inputs and Outputs

Human-facilitated inputs include actions like pressing buttons, flipping switches, or using input devices such as keyboards, touchscreens, remotes, or card readers. PLCs respond to these inputs by generating outputs. These outputs may be physical—like starting a motor, turning on a light, opening a valve, or adjusting heat—or visual, such as sending data to printers, monitors, projectors, or GPS displays.

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How a PLC Operates

PLCs function in continuous cycles. First, they read the status of all connected input devices. Based on the user-defined logic, the CPU processes this data and sends commands to the output devices, turning them on or off as needed. After executing commands, the PLC performs a self-check using internal diagnostics to ensure proper operation before restarting the cycle.

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PLC Integration with Ignition

With a variety of device drivers available, Ignition software can connect to nearly any modern or legacy PLC. Once connected, real-time data can be accessed or sent to the PLC. This data can be used across Ignition’s powerful modules, enabling advanced monitoring, visualization, and automation functionality.

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Why PLCs Still Matter

Despite new technologies, PLCs remain widely used due to their simplicity, affordability, and reliability. When paired with modern platforms like Ignition, their usefulness is extended even further, making them valuable for years to come.

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PLCs and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

As IIoT adoption grows, there’s a greater need to gather data from remote locations, pushing more PLCs and edge computing devices to the network’s outer limits. These devices often rely on cellular networks, where traditional poll-response communication becomes costly due to frequent data requests.

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Poll-Response Communication in PLCs

PLCs typically use the poll-response method, where a central system frequently checks for updates. While efficient for local and wired environments, this method can be inefficient and expensive over long distances, especially on cellular networks.

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Modern IIoT Architecture

Today’s IIoT setups allow organizations to build modern solutions on top of existing (brownfield) systems. This improves data accessibility and bandwidth efficiency by making PLC data from edge devices available across the entire organization.

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Enterprise-Wide Automation

With tools like Ignition, companies can develop robust SCADA, MES, HMI, alarming, and reporting systems. These platforms provide full visibility and control over PLC data—no matter where it is—enabling organization-wide automation .

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Evolving Hardware Solutions

The automation market continues to evolve, with newer devices like Programmable automation Controllers (PACs)—which combine PLC functionality with higher-level PC capabilities—and industrial embedded systems offering more flexibility and processing power.