PLC vs Industrial Open-Source Controller (Arduino-Compatible) Productivity Open - AutomationDirect

- The Productivity®Open is an Industrial Open-Source Controller (Arduino-Compatible) control platform. This new take on the Arduino-compatible platform makes it possible to use the versatile open-source Arduino technology in the Industrial environment. With Arduino products entering this realm, the question will be if it can replace a PLC. This is a thought-provoking topic and not one that should not be taken lightly. When comparing a PLC vs Industrial Open-Source Controller (Arduino-Compatible) there are some concerns that you should be aware of. This video will detail some of the differences in the platforms and help the viewer see some methods to get the best performance out of both.

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0:00 Start
0:15 PLC vs. Arduino: Main Differences
0:28 Basics of PLCs
0:38 Basics of Arduino
1:16 Arduino vs PLC - Program Retrieval
2:41 PLC vs Arduino - Runtime Edits
3:13 Arduino vs PLC - Viewing Live Data
4:08 PLC vs Arduino - Programming Differences
4:41 PLC vs Arduino - Configuring I/O
5:01 PLC vs Arduino - I/O Update
5:30 PLC vs Arduino - Watchdogs
5:55 PLC vs Arduino - Summary

[whickervision]

This is great that it has the necessary certifications (especially UL) to exist on a DIN Rail without an inspector flagging it.

I do wish there was a watchdog library to enforce a maximum time in the loop section. Too many will use endless while-loops waiting on a signal and learn the hard way. But for those who know good practices, this is a very freeing and empowering product.

[trandyz]

I still prefer the Arduino Industrial standard, they can withstand very low and very high temperature, cheaper, I can automate my process anytime, the only problem is modifying codes in real time, I hope Arduino is upgraded to perform that too

[chuck]

Please don't only keep a copy of the Arduino project saved "locally". The HUGE advantage of the arduino is that you have access to internet based source code repositories like github. Keep the project there. This is probably a practice that should be adopted even for PLC development, because there's no downloading the code from a PLC that's been cooked in a fire.

[levvayner]

I see the video is made for the PLC audience. Just wanted to let you know there are many ways to make applications configurable at runtime, meaning you can control any part of your plc without re-compiling. You can also use an ESP32 or similar to extend your Arduino type PLC to be an IoT device. It can report to your cloud backend, and receive control messages from an automated and centralized system.

[penguin]

PLC: you dont need to write code
Arduino: you have to write code
Other embedded systems: you have to hire a real software engineer.

[dirtydangler]

When i took my first electrical engineering job knowing Java, C++, and objective C. I was very surprised to find how bulky PLC’s are. Felt like I travelled back in time. They seem to be sticking around because the wide variety of people who know how to use them. Seems like there is a large product switch coming, once the new grads come out with C++ expertise, and the older guys retire. That being said, PLC’s are reliable and run forever.

[jefferysprings]

for those of you that may be unfamiliar with arduino and c programming there is software called xod that has a bunch of libraries and conditional controllers that make programming the arduino so much easier and will convert your project into c so you can copy and paste into the arduino ide to run. the website for it is xod.io and youtube has videos that will help with getting you started on how to use it

[mikegLXIVMM]

PLC's are more electrically rugged than Arduino's.

[Username]

PLCs are for industrial control. Arduino compatible MPUs can do anything and are everywhere. I have done 1 mhz control, a usb to ttl converter, a wifi robot, mesh networking, xmass lights, wifi garage door opener, irrigation system, you name it. They are open source hardware boards and software. I'm a c programmer interested in electronics and arduinos are a gift from heaven, since the learning curve is shallow, so they are fun. One time I was mowing my grass and two people stopped me to ask me questions about arduino. It's that popular.

[jesusbermudez]

With Arduino you can embed programming that lets you do parameter adjustment at run-time, using buttons, dials, levers and so on.

[camfocus]

OMG! The basic difference is plc is a time line scrip language so read the code inside the chip is same cold in programming. Also it is real time processing which is more reliable than mcu even the mcu is already very reliable and because it is time line scripts there’s almost no mistake room. But it is 360 all down side than any object language to programming especially in a large project and that’s why only little still in factory application.

[austinbutler]

Excellent video! Although I love Automation Direct and have used their PLC a few times, I mostly use Allen Bradley PLCs due to the massive assembly lines they’re controlling and of course AB’s chokehold on the industry. I haven’t found a single process I couldn’t accomplish with a PLC and the built-in instruction sets. Speed can become a problem with testing equipment and maybe PC based controls is necessary.... And to anyone reading this in the industrial industry, Automation Direct is an excellent suppler of automation products. Keep it up, AD 👍

[zygmuntkrukowski]

I've found working with both professionally is that PLCprogramming is significantly visual based so is more intuitive.Arduino brings extreme low cost but has a steeper learning curve since it's all text based and you have to determine it's limitations and conflicts and correct. A lot of fun with both and consider them Legos or an erector set for adults

[levvayner]

Also with regards to monitoring the Arduino, you absolutely can do that. Its not done via the USB port, you use JTAG/SWD connectors and a device like a Segger J-Link. You can debug, evaluate, monitor and more.

[johnnycatt]

So, how long before we see a "code converter" to download PLC programs and automatically re-write them into Arduinio code? The Future's so bright, I gotta wear shades!

[caffeinatedinsanity]

I would give the Arduino a deserving spot for when you need to subdivide your tasks and give them to multiple controllers led by a "brain" (that would be the PLC). Since Arduinos are likely to be less expensive, you can use it as a worker who only reaponds back to the foreman, aka the PLC. You can interrogate the foreman for info on the process (via online diagnostics).

Heck I wonder if you couldn't make your own servo drive out of it. Stuff like that where you don't typically interrogate the device itself.

It's never going to replace the PLC, but it has a niche in terms of purpose.

And of course, there's a matter of preferences.

[chickenz]

Nice Video Sir! Please help me sir Iam confused whether i should choose arduino or plc for controlling air temperature in farm and turn on the spray or other stuffs if it is too hot

[camarojunky]

I work as a control systems developers and regularly I get on facilities plc’s to make edits and there is no way a plant would stop production so you could make an edit

[Experts_top_]

so, can i use Arduino as much reliably as PLCs keeping the safety at the top? so why industrialists prefers PLCs over an ARDUINO ?, they are really cheaper though....

[azarellediaz]

I worked with PLC’s before Arduino was ever mentioned for the first time and never used one. In today’s industrial espionage world, which is simpler to protect from hackers, the PLC’s or the Arduino platforms?