EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023

UNITI-ProgrammableLogicController
PART-A
1. Brieflyexplain abouttimers inPLC
The operation of time-delay relays is provided in software. The contacts are shown as NO
orNC designations. Only the address to the relay coil shows that it is a timer contact. The timer
isactivated by acondition in a rung that leads to the timerbeing energized. Then the indicated
timedelay(in secondsorminutes) is insertedbefore theassociatedcontacts changestate.
2. How do youchoosethePLCfor aparticular application?
Theselection ofPLCbasedon
i) The number ofinput and output used ii)Thecontrol strategy
iii)Workingenvironmentofthe system iv)Costfactor.
3. Whatis thedifference betweenPLCandComputer?
Themajor differencebetweenPLCandcomputerare,
1. PLCcanaccommodateindustrialenvironmentthatwillstandrelativelyhightemperature,humi
dity,moistureetc.
2. Programmingof PLCis easierthan Computer.
3. All the field point inputs and outputs are directly connecting to PLC. There is no need
ofsignal conditioning.)
4. Whatislatch?Whereitisused?
Latchisahardwareorsoftwaredevice,whichusestomaintainthestateunlessthenextstateis
generated. In PLC operations the relay contact need not be placed directly over the coil symbol,
butcango anywherein theprogramwith associatedthemwithaparticularcoil.
5. Whatarethedifferent methodsinPLCprogramming?
Thedifferent methodsofPLCprogrammingare
i) Ladder program ii) Functionalblockdiagram iii) Statement list.
6. Brieflyexplain about countersinPLC.
The counter works in a similar fashion as timer expect that it is counting of events
thatdetermine when the associated contacts change state. Thus, if the counter is loaded with the
number10,afterbeingenergized10timestheassociatedcontactswillbechanged.Counterscanbeconfigured
to count up, countdown, count from preset values, and be reset before the count isfinished.
7. WhataretheadvantagesofPLCs?
a. Flexibility d. Lower cost
b. Implementingchangesandcorrectingerrors e. Simplicityoforderingcontrolsystemcomp
c. Largequantitiesofcontacts onents
f. Easeofchangesbyreprogramming
8. WhatarethedisadvantagesofPLCs?
a. Fail safeoperation c.Environmental considerations
b. Fixedcircuitandfixedprogramapplications d.Newertechnology
9. Whatisladder diagram?
Ladder diagrams are the most commonly used diagram for non-electronic control
circuits.They are sometimes elementary diagrams or line diagrams. Sometimes they are
considered asubtype of schematic diagrams. The PLC program is look like ladder in a way. The
program startsat thetop of the ladderandgenerallyworks down asour requirement.
10. Howthescanningoperationoccurs?
All PLCs take a discrete amount of time to scan their operational programs completely.
Thescanning takes place left to right across each rung and from the top to bottom rungs, in
order.Typically,the completeladderscantimeisa few milliseconds.
11. ListthefunctionsofPLCprogramming device.
The programming device is a device used to load the program into the processor. It can be a PC
oradedicatedpieceofequipmentmadebythePLCmanufacturer.ItmakesthePLCreprogrammableandthus
flexible.
12. Whataretheadvantagesof PLCtimer?
The PLC timer the time may be programmable variable time as well as a fixed time.
Thevariable time interval may be in accordance with a changing register value. The PLC timer is that
itstimer accuracyandrepeatabilityareextremelyhigh,since itisbasedonsolidstatetechnology.

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EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023
13. NametheclassificationofPLCbasedonsize.
Small:Itcoversunitswithupto128Inputs/
Outputsandmemoriesupto2Kbytes.ThePLCsarecapableof providingsimple toadvancedlevels
ofmachine control.
Medium:It coversunits upto2048Inputs/Outputsandmemoriesupto32K bytes.
Large:LargePLCs,offcoursearethemost sophisticatedunitsofthePLCfamily.Theyhaveup to
8192 inputs/outputs and memories up to 750K bytes. PLCs of this size has virtually
unlimitedapplication.
14. Mentionany2 differencesbetweenPLC’sand general purposecomputers:
(i) PLC is designed to operate in the industrial environment with wide range of
ambienttemperatures and humidity. A well-designed PLC is not affected by the electrical noise that is
inherentinmostindustriallocations.
Theelectricalnoiseandextremetemperaturesaffectcomputers.
(ii) PLC’s execute a single program in an orderly and sequential fashion from first to
lastinstruction,whereascomputersarecomplexcomputingmachinescapableofexecutingseveralprogramso
rtasks simultaneouslyinanyorder.
15. Listthefeatures ofPLC.
Theprogrammablecontrollerhaseliminatedmuchofhandwiringassociatedwithconventionalrelay
controlcircuits.Itis smalland inexpensivecompared to relay based processcontrol systems.
Programmable controllers also offer solid-state reliability, lower power consumptionandease of
expandability.
16. Draw theladder diagramfordoubleinputtimer.
Controlline

Preset timeTime-
basedAccumulated

Resettime

17. Whatismeant by powerflow inPLC?

If there is electrical current flow through the relay contacts in a rung, the output relay coil
willbeturned ON.Thisistermed powerflowintheladderrung.
18. Listtherelaytypeinstructions.
Instruction set iscomposedofcontactsymbolssotheladderdiagramlanguage
isalsoreferredascontactsymbology.
i) NormallyOpeninstructionii)NormallyClosedinstructioniii)Outputcoilinstruction.
19. Enlisttheadvantagesof PLCoverrelayladder logic.
Relays PLC
 They have to be hard-wires to perform  Nohard-wirerequirement.
aspecificfunction.
 When the system requirements  Canbeeasilychanged orexpanded.
change,the relay wiring has to be
changed ormodified.  Lowerpowerconsumption.
 Higherpowerconsumption.
20. Explainthefunctionofopticalisolator.
Therearethree mainfunctions.Theyare
• Separatethehigher ACinput voltagefromthelogiccircuits.
• Preventsdamagetotheprocessorduetolinevoltagetransients.
• Helpstoreducetheeffectofelectrical noise,whichcanpassentireoperationoftheprocessor.
21. ListtheadvantagesofaPLCsystemoverthetraditionalhardwiredcontrolsystem.
(Dec2013)
Theprogrammablecontrollerhaseliminatedmuchofthehardwiringassociatedwithconventional
relay control circuits. It is small and inexpensive compared to equivalent relay-basedprocess
controlsystems.
Increased reliabilityMore flexibilityLower costsCommunication
capabilityFasterresponsetimeEasierto troubleshoot.

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EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023
22. Whatis program scan?
Duringeachoperatingcycle,theprocessorreadsalltheinputs,takesthesevaluesandenergizes or de-
energizes the outputs according to the user program. This process is known as a scan.A single PLC
scan, which consists of the I/O scan and the program scan. Because the inputs canchangeatanytime,
the PLCmustcarryon thisprocess continuously.
23. List out anyfourPLCinput and outputdevices. (May2013)
Input:i)Pushbutton,ii)Limitswitches,iii)Toggleswitchesiv)Pressurelimitswitch.
Output: a.Controlrelayb.Pilot lamps c.Solenoidd.Alarm.
24. CompareTonandTofftimers. (Dec2013)
Tontimers Tofftimers
 When the coil is energized, the  Whenthecoil isde-
timedcontacts are prevented from energized,thetimedcontacts are
opening orclosing until the time delay prevented from opening orclosing until
period haselapsed. the time delay period haselapsed.
 Whenthecoil isde-energized,thetimed  Whenthecoilisenergized,thetimed
contacts return instantaneously to contacts return instantaneously to
theirnormal state. theirnormal state.
25. Listthe advantages ofPLCover relaylogic (May2014)
The programmable controller has eliminated much of the hard wiring associated
withconventional relay control circuits. It is small and inexpensive compared to equivalent relay-
basedprocess controlsystems.
 Increasedreliability  Communicationcapability
 Moreflexibility  Fasterresponsetime
 Lower costs  Easiertotroubleshoot
26. How many configurationsare thereforPLCcounterfunctions? (May2014)
Programmed counters can count up, down, or be combined to count up and down. The majority
ofcounters used in industry are up-counters; numerous applications require the implementation of
down-countersor of combinationup/down-counters.
27. Write about rungandprogramscan. (Dec2014)
Rung: A group of programmable logic controller instructions which control an output or
storagebit, or performs other control functions such as file moves, arithmetic, and/or sequencer
instructions.Thisisrepresented asone sectionof alogicladder diagram.
Program Scan:During each operating cycle, the processor reads all the inputs, takes these
valuesand energizes or de-energizes the outputs according to the user program. This process is known
as ascan. A single PLC scan, which consists of the I/O scan and the program scan. Because the inputs
canchangeatanytime, the PLCmustcarryon thisprocess continuously.
28. Mentionthe programming devices ofPLCalsowrite abouttheimportance ofoptocoupler.
(Dec2014)
Programming Devices: The programming device provides the primary means by which the
usercan communicate with the circuits of the controller. The programming device allows the user to
enter,change, or monitor a PLC controller program. Industrial CRT terminals are the most
commonlyused devices for programming the controller. The CRT offers the advantage of displaying
largeamountsoflogic onthescreen.
Miniprogrammersalso known as hand held programmers are an inexpensive and
portablemeansfor programmingsmallPLCs.
Optocoupler: The optical isolator not only separates the higher ac input voltage from the
logiccircuits, but also prevents damage to the processor due to line voltage transients. Optical
isolation alsohelps to reduce the effects of electrical noise, common in the industrial environment,
which causeerraticoperation of the processor.
29. GivethespecificationforthePLCbasedonthefollowing: (May2015)
(a) NameofPLC:Allen –BradleySLC -500family
(b) TypeofPLC: LargesizePLCcanhandle upto960I/Opoints.
(c) NumberofInput andOutputs:Upto4096InputsandOutputs.
(d) TypeofI/O: ACInputs/Outputs,DCInputs/Outputs,Relayoutputs,Specialtymodules.
(e) Speedofexecution:upto64K memory.

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EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023
30. Obtainthe PLCequivalent forORgate. (May2015)

TheORgateisessentiallyaparallelcircuitthatproducesanoutputwhenanyonecontactisclosed.
31. WhatarealltheprogrammingdevicesavailabletoprogramthePLC?(Dec2015/May2016)
 PC:Apersonalcomputer(PC)isthemostcommonlyusedprogrammingdevice.
 Hand-heldunit:Hand-heldprogramming devicesaresometimesusedtoprogramsmallPLCs.
32. DefinePLC? (Dec2015/May/Dec2016)
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a user friendly electronic computer that carries
outcontrol functions of many types and levels of complexity. It can be programmed, controlled
andoperatedbya person unskilledin operatingcomputers.
33. Sketchthetimingdiagramfor ONDelay Timer. (Dec2016)

1. MentionthehardwarecomponentsoftheDCS.
Local Control Unit, Data Input / Output Unit, Low Level Human Interface, High Level
HumanInterface.
2. WhatisthesignificanceofDCS?
Used for interfacing and computing functions and also provides the means of
communicationbetween the other devices. It consists of local control unit, low level interface, high
level interface,sharedcommunication facility, etc.
3. Mentionanytwoadvantagesof DCS
 Morereliable Small expensive
 Costislowerthancentralizedsystemwhichperformsthesamefunction.
4. Whatisthe significanceof LLHI?
ThisisthedevicethatallowstheoperatororinstrumentationengineertointeractwiththeLCUto change
set point, control modes, control configuration, or tuning using a direct connection.
LLHIcanalsointerface directlyto the process.
5. Whatissharedcommunication?
One or more communication hardware and associated software that allow the sharing of
datasamong alldevicesin
thedistributedsystem.Sharedcommunicationfacilitiesdonotincludededicatedcommunication channels
between specific devices.
6. Whatis theneed canbe satisfiedindesigning anindustrialgradeLCU?
 Flexibilityofchangingthecontrolconfiguration
 Abilitytousethecontrollerwithoutbeingacomputerexpert.
 Ability to bypass the controller in case it fails. So that the process still can be
controlledmanually.
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EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023
 AbilityoftheLCUtocommunicatewithotherLCUsandotherelementsinsystem.
7. Whatisthe architectureparameterto beconsideredwhileselectingLCU?
 SizeofController  Communicationchannelsoutofcont
 Functionalityof controller roller
 Performanceofcontroller  Controller output security.
8. Whatismanualbackup?
Inthiscase,eachLCUisdesignedtoimplementonlyoneortwocontrolloops,andreliableisplacedontheo
peratorto takeovermanualcontrolincase of afailure of LCU.
9. Whatis redundantcontrolmode?
Inthiscase,theLCUisbackedupby anotherLCUthattakesoveriftheprimary controllerfails.
Inthis way,fullautomaticcontrolis maintainedevenunderfailureconditions.
10. Whatarethe approachesindesigning aredundantLCUarchitecture?
a)CPUredundancy b)One-on-oneredundancy
c) One-on-manyredundancy d)Multipleactiveredundancy.
11. Comparetheconfigurationofthecontroller.
Architecture
ConfigurationA ConfigurationB ConfigurationC
parameter
Controllersize Number of Includes functions Equivalent to
functionneededforsin andI/O smallDDCsystem
glePIDloopor motor
controller
Controllerfu Uses both Uses both Uses both
nctionality continuesandlogicfu continuesand logic continuesandlogicfu
nction functionSplit nction
betweenthe
controller
Controllerscalability Highdegreeof Requiresboth Notscalability
scalability controllertypes
12. WhatarethesecurityrequirementsofLCU?
 Maximizetheavailabilityoftheautomaticcontrolfunctionsofthesystem.
 Duringfailureofthecontrollerallowstheoperatortotakethemanualcontrolofthatprocess.
 Operatorcan shuttheprocess downin anorderlyand safe manner.

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EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023
13. Whatisfunctionallydistributedcontrolsystem?
Several LCUs are used to implement the functions required in controlling the process.
Therefore,itis calledasfunctionallydistributed controlsystem.
14. Whataremultipleactivecontrollers?
In this case, several LCUs are active at the same time in reading process inputs
calculatingcontrol algorithms and producing control outputs to the process. The multiple active
approaches isdesignedsothatafailure ofone ofthe controllersdoesaffecttheautomaticcontrolfunction.
15. Whataretheredundantapproachesofredundantcontrollers?
The redundant architecture should be kept as simple as possible. There is a law of diminishing
inredundancydesign.Atsomepoint,addingmorehardwarewillreducesystemreliability.Theredundant
nature of the controller configuration should be transparent to the user that is the usershould be
ableto dealwiththe systemin the wayasanon-redundantone.
16. WritedownanyfoursalientadvantagesofDCSovercentralizedcontrol systems.
 Scalabilityandexpandability
 Controlcapability  Morereliable
 Operatorinterfacingcapability  Smallexpensive
 Costislowerthancentralizedsystem,which performsthesamefunction.
17. Listthefactorsto beconsideredfor types of communicationin DCS.
There are many factors to take into account when choosing the best medium for
particularapplication, including speed and distance of data transmission, topology of the network,
and targetcosts.
18. Namefew popularcommunicationbusesusedinDCS. (May2013)
• Control Bus • AddressBus
• Data Bus • IEEE488BUS
19. GivesomeapplicationsofDCS. (May2014)
Distributedcontrolsystems(DCSs)arededicatedsystemsusedtocontrolmanufacturingprocesses that
are continuous or batch-oriented, such as oil refining, petrochemicals, central stationpower
generation, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage manufacturing, cement
production,steelmaking,and papermaking.
20. Whatarethemajorarchitecturalparameterstobe consideredfordesigningacontroller
forvariousindustrial controlapplications?
(May2014)Themajorarchitecturalparametersare:
ScalabilityandExpandability,Controlcapability,
Operator interfacing capability, integration of system functions, Significance of single point
failure,Installationcosts,andMaintainability.
21. Writesomeofthebusstandardsusedinprocess controlindustry. (Dec2014)
• HARTProtocol • Modbus
• PROWAY(Processdatahighway) • IEEE488BUS
• ControllerAreaNetwork • IEEE802Networks.
22. Listanyfourfunctionalblocks mostlyusedincommercialDCS.

(May2015)ThevariousfunctionalblocksusedincommercialDCSareAccessControl,MMI,Trending,
AlarmHandling,Logging/Archiving,ReportGeneration,andAutomation.
23. WhatisDCS? DifferentiatePLCandDCS. (May2015)
DCS(DistributedControlSystem)isacomputerizedcontrolsystemusedtocontroltheproduction linein
theindustry. Theentiresystemofcontrollersisconnectedby networksforcommunication and monitoring.
DCS is a very broad term used in a variety of industries, to monitorandcontroldistributed equipment.
24. DefineDCSwith anexample. (Dec2015)
A distributed control system (DCS) is a control system for a process or plant, wherein
controlelements are distributed throughout the system. This is in contrast to non-distributed systems,
whichuse a single controller at a central location. In a DCS, a hierarchy of controllers is connected
bycommunicationsnetworks for commandandmonitoring.
ExamplescenarioswhereaDCS might beusedinclude:
 Chemicalplants
 Petrochemical(oil)andrefineries
 Pulp and PaperMills
 Nuclearpowerplants.

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EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023
25. Whatdo youmean bylocal controlunit? (Dec2015)
Localcontrolunitisthesmallestcollectionofhardwareinthesystemthatcandoclosedloopcontrol.Local
controlunitinterfacesdirectlytothe process.
26. Compareindividual,centralized,anddistributivecontrolsystems. (Dec2013/May2016)
Features Individual Centralized Distributed
1.Scalabilityand Good-due to Poor–verylimited Good-dueto
expandability modularity range ofsystemsize modularity
2.Controlcapability Limited– analogand Full - digital Full - digital
sequential controlcapability controlcapability
controlhardware
3.Operator Limited by Digital Digital
interfacingcapability panelboardinstrument hardwareprovides hardwareprovidesim
ation significantimproveme provementforfull
ntforlarge range ofsystemsizes
systems
4. Integration Poor - due to All Functions integrated
ofsystemfunctio varietyofproducts functionsperformedb inafamilyof products
ns ycentral
computer
27. Whatistherole ofcommunicationinterfacesin DCS? (Dec2013/May2016)
Communication interface reduce Cost of plant wiring (1000 of wires are replaced by the
fewcables or buses used to implement shared communication system). Flexibility of marking
changesincreases because of it is software configuration. Less time to implement large system since
thewiring labor is nearly eliminated,Configuration error reduced.Control ismore reliabledue
toreductionin physicalconnection. Sofailureiseasilyidentified.
28. DefineDCS? (Dec2014/Dec2016)
DCS(DistributedControlSystem) isacomputerizedcontrolsystemusedtocontroltheproduction
linein theindustry.Theentiresystemofcontrollersisconnectedby networksforcommunication and
monitoring. DCS is a very broad term used in a variety of industries, to monitorandcontroldistributed
equipment.
29. Writethefeaturesofsharedcommunicationfacilityusedin DCS. (Dec2016)
One or more levels of communication hardware and associated software that allow the sharing
ofdataamongalldevicesinDCS.Sharedcommunicationfacilitiesdonotincludededicatedcommunicationc
hannels between hardwareelementswithinthe device.

30. MentionthehardwarecomponentsoftheDCS.
Local Control Unit, Data Input / Output Unit, Low Level Human Interface, High Level
HumanInterface.
31. WhatisthesignificanceofDCS?
Used for interfacing and computing functions and also provides the means of
communicationbetween the other devices. It consists of local control unit, low level interface, high
level interface,sharedcommunication facility, etc.
32. Mentionanytwoadvantagesof DCS
 Morereliable Small expensive
 Costislowerthancentralizedsystemwhichperformsthesamefunction.
33. Whatisthe significanceof LLHI?
ThisisthedevicethatallowstheoperatororinstrumentationengineertointeractwiththeLCUto change
set point, control modes, control configuration, or tuning using a direct connection.
LLHIcanalsointerface directlyto the process.
34. Whatissharedcommunication?
One or more communication hardware and associated software that allow the sharing of
datasamong alldevicesin
thedistributedsystem.Sharedcommunicationfacilitiesdonotincludededicatedcommunication channels
between specific devices.
35. Whatis theneed canbe satisfiedindesigning anindustrialgradeLCU?
 Flexibilityofchangingthecontrolconfiguration
 Abilitytousethecontrollerwithoutbeingacomputerexpert.
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EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023
 Ability to bypass the controller in case it fails. So that the process still can be
controlledmanually.
 AbilityoftheLCUtocommunicatewithotherLCUsandotherelementsinsystem.
36. Whatisthe architectureparameterto beconsideredwhileselectingLCU?
 SizeofController  Communicationchannelsoutofcont
 Functionalityof controller roller
 Performanceofcontroller  Controller output security.
37. Whatismanualbackup?
Inthiscase,eachLCUisdesignedtoimplementonlyoneortwocontrolloops,andreliableisplacedontheo
peratorto takeovermanualcontrolincase of afailure of LCU.
38. Whatis redundantcontrolmode?
Inthiscase,theLCUisbackedupby anotherLCUthattakesoveriftheprimary controllerfails.
Inthis way,fullautomaticcontrolis maintainedevenunderfailureconditions.
39. Whatarethe approachesindesigning aredundantLCUarchitecture?
a)CPUredundancy b)One-on-oneredundancy
c) One-on-manyredundancy d)Multipleactiveredundancy.
40. Comparetheconfigurationofthecontroller.
Architecture
ConfigurationA ConfigurationB ConfigurationC
parameter
Controllersize Number of Includes functions Equivalent to
functionneededforsin andI/O smallDDCsystem
glePIDloopor motor
controller
Controllerfu Uses both Uses both Uses both
nctionality continuesandlogicfu continuesand logic continuesandlogicfu
nction functionSplit nction
betweenthe
controller
Controllerscalability Highdegreeof Requiresboth Notscalability
scalability controllertypes
41. WhatarethesecurityrequirementsofLCU?
 Maximizetheavailabilityoftheautomaticcontrolfunctionsofthesystem.
 Duringfailureofthecontrollerallowstheoperatortotakethemanualcontrolofthatprocess.
 Operatorcan shuttheprocess downin anorderlyand safe manner.

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EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023
42. Whatisfunctionallydistributedcontrolsystem?
Several LCUs are used to implement the functions required in controlling the process.
Therefore,itis calledasfunctionallydistributed controlsystem.
43. Whataremultipleactivecontrollers?
In this case, several LCUs are active at the same time in reading process inputs
calculatingcontrol algorithms and producing control outputs to the process. The multiple active
approaches isdesignedsothatafailure ofone ofthe controllersdoesaffecttheautomaticcontrolfunction.
44. Whataretheredundantapproachesofredundantcontrollers?
The redundant architecture should be kept as simple as possible. There is a law of diminishing
inredundancydesign.Atsomepoint,addingmorehardwarewillreducesystemreliability.Theredundant
nature of the controller configuration should be transparent to the user that is the usershould be
ableto dealwiththe systemin the wayasanon-redundantone.
45. WritedownanyfoursalientadvantagesofDCSovercentralizedcontrol systems.
 Scalabilityandexpandability
 Controlcapability  Morereliable
 Operatorinterfacingcapability  Smallexpensive
 Costislowerthancentralizedsystem,which performsthesamefunction.
46. Listthefactorsto beconsideredfor types of communicationin DCS.
There are many factors to take into account when choosing the best medium for
particularapplication, including speed and distance of data transmission, topology of the network,
and targetcosts.
47. Namefew popularcommunicationbusesusedinDCS. (May2013)
• Control Bus • AddressBus
• Data Bus • IEEE488BUS
48. GivesomeapplicationsofDCS. (May2014)
Distributedcontrolsystems(DCSs)arededicatedsystemsusedtocontrolmanufacturingprocesses that
are continuous or batch-oriented, such as oil refining, petrochemicals, central stationpower
generation, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage manufacturing, cement
production,steelmaking,and papermaking.
49. Whatarethemajorarchitecturalparameterstobe consideredfordesigningacontroller
forvariousindustrial controlapplications?
(May2014)Themajorarchitecturalparametersare:
ScalabilityandExpandability,Controlcapability,
Operator interfacing capability, integration of system functions, Significance of single point
failure,Installationcosts,andMaintainability.
50. Writesomeofthebusstandardsusedinprocess controlindustry. (Dec2014)
• HARTProtocol • Modbus
• PROWAY(Processdatahighway) • IEEE488BUS
• ControllerAreaNetwork • IEEE802Networks.
51. Listanyfourfunctionalblocks mostlyusedincommercialDCS.

(May2015)ThevariousfunctionalblocksusedincommercialDCSareAccessControl,MMI,Trending,
AlarmHandling,Logging/Archiving,ReportGeneration,andAutomation.
52. WhatisDCS? DifferentiatePLCandDCS. (May2015)
DCS(DistributedControlSystem)isacomputerizedcontrolsystemusedtocontroltheproduction linein
theindustry. Theentiresystemofcontrollersisconnectedby networksforcommunication and monitoring.
DCS is a very broad term used in a variety of industries, to monitorandcontroldistributed equipment.
53. DefineDCSwith anexample. (Dec2015)
A distributed control system (DCS) is a control system for a process or plant, wherein
controlelements are distributed throughout the system. This is in contrast to non-distributed systems,
whichuse a single controller at a central location. In a DCS, a hierarchy of controllers is connected
bycommunicationsnetworks for commandandmonitoring.
ExamplescenarioswhereaDCS might beusedinclude:
 Chemicalplants
 Petrochemical(oil)andrefineries
 Pulp and PaperMills
 Nuclearpowerplants.

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EI8651LogicandDistributedControlSystems DepartmentofEIE 2022-2023

54. Whatdo youmean bylocal controlunit? (Dec2015)

Localcontrolunitisthesmallestcollectionofhardwareinthesystemthatc
andoclosedloopcontrol.Localcontrolunitinterfacesdirectlytothe process.
55. Compareindividual,centralized,anddistributivecontrolsystems.
(Dec2013/May2016)
Features Individual Centralized Distributed
1.Scalabilityand Good-due to Poor–verylimited Good-dueto
expandability modularity range ofsystemsize modularity
2.Controlcapability Limited– analogand Full - digital Full - digital
sequential controlcapability controlcapability
controlhardware
3.Operator Limited by Digital Digital
interfacingcapability panelboardinstrument hardwareprovides hardwareprovidesim
ation significantimproveme provementforfull
ntforlarge range ofsystemsizes
systems
4. Integration Poor - due to All Functions integrated
ofsystemfunctio varietyofproducts functionsperformedb inafamilyof products
ns ycentral
computer
56. Whatistherole ofcommunicationinterfacesin DCS?
(Dec2013/May2016)
Communication interface reduce Cost of plant wiring (1000 of
wires are replaced by the fewcables or buses used to implement shared
communication system). Flexibility of marking changesincreases
because of it is software configuration. Less time to implement large
system since thewiring labor is nearly eliminated,Configuration error
reduced.Control ismore reliabledue toreductionin physicalconnection.
Sofailureiseasilyidentified.
57. DefineDCS?
(Dec2014/Dec2016)
DCS(DistributedControlSystem)
isacomputerizedcontrolsystemusedtocontroltheproduction linein
theindustry.Theentiresystemofcontrollersisconnectedby
networksforcommunication and monitoring. DCS is a very broad term
used in a variety of industries, to monitorandcontroldistributed
equipment.
58. Writethefeaturesofsharedcommunicationfacilityusedin DCS. (Dec2016)
One or more levels of communication hardware and associated
software that allow the sharing
ofdataamongalldevicesinDCS.Sharedcommunicationfacilitiesdonotinclu
dededicatedcommunicationchannels between
hardwareelementswithinthe device.

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