On the surface, a programmable logic controller (PLC) might seem like nothing more than a generic microcontroller, perhaps outfitted to operate in industrial settings with things like high temperat…
PLCs for me were always that thing that “other EEs” talked about. I’ve never used it, though many have told me stories about ladder logic and whatever.
I recognize that the market for PLCs are huge, but I don’t even know where to get started with regards to understanding them. On the other hand, I’ve always felt like the humble microcontroller has always done what I’ve wanted, so I guess I’ve also never had the need to reach for the PLC tool.
As EE has turned into a hobby for me (despite spending 4-years of college on it… I’m just a humble programmer in practice), I don’t think I’ll personally come across PLCs. Microcontrollers are king of the cheap hobbyist market for a good reason, while PLCs are found in more industrial systems and larger platforms that are likely outside a hobbyist’s budget.
PLCs for me were always that thing that “other EEs” talked about. I’ve never used it, though many have told me stories about ladder logic and whatever.
I recognize that the market for PLCs are huge, but I don’t even know where to get started with regards to understanding them. On the other hand, I’ve always felt like the humble microcontroller has always done what I’ve wanted, so I guess I’ve also never had the need to reach for the PLC tool.
As EE has turned into a hobby for me (despite spending 4-years of college on it… I’m just a humble programmer in practice), I don’t think I’ll personally come across PLCs. Microcontrollers are king of the cheap hobbyist market for a good reason, while PLCs are found in more industrial systems and larger platforms that are likely outside a hobbyist’s budget.