Analog Input Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
Last Updated: January 31, 2025
Description
Analog Input Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are specialized computing devices used in industrial control systems. They are designed to receive analog signals from various sensors and convert these signals into digital data that can be processed by the PLC. This allows the PLC to monitor and control a wide range of industrial processes by interpreting the continuous data from sensors such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate.
Working Principle
Analog Input PLCs operate by first receiving analog signals from sensors, which are then converted into digital signals through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). This digital data is processed by the PLC's microprocessor, which executes pre-programmed instructions to control outputs based on the input data. The ability to handle both analog and digital inputs makes these PLCs versatile and essential for precise control in complex industrial environments. They are particularly useful because they can implement advanced algorithms, such as PID control, to maintain desired process conditions.
Applications
Analog Input PLCs are widely used in various industrial applications. For example, they are employed in chemical processing plants to monitor and control the temperature and pressure of reactors. In the food and beverage industry, they help maintain the correct temperature and humidity levels in storage facilities. Additionally, they are used in water treatment plants to regulate the flow and pressure of water through the system, ensuring efficient and safe operation.
Advantages over other Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
One of the main advantages of Analog Input PLCs over other types of PLCs is their ability to process continuous data, which is crucial for applications requiring precise control and monitoring. For instance, in a manufacturing process that involves temperature-sensitive materials, an Analog Input PLC can provide more accurate control compared to a digital-only PLC, which can only handle discrete signals.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, Analog Input PLCs have some limitations. They can be more complex to program and maintain due to the need for analog-to-digital conversion and the handling of continuous data. Additionally, they may require more expensive sensors and input modules compared to digital-only PLCs, which can increase the overall system cost.
Considerations
When considering the implementation of Analog Input PLCs, several factors should be taken into account. The initial cost can be higher due to the need for specialized input modules and sensors. Operating expenses may also be elevated due to the complexity of the system and the potential need for more frequent maintenance. However, the durability and accuracy of Analog Input PLCs can provide long-term benefits in terms of process efficiency and product quality. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be considered, as these systems may require specialized components and expertise for servicing.
from ifm efector inc.
For complex control functions in vehicles and mobile machines. With many multifunctional configurable input and output channels. High-performance CAN interfaces for various communication tasks. Programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS. E1 type approval for use under difficult conditions. Article to... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 40
- Computer Interface Options: Single Serial Interface
from DigiKey
OPTA RS485 [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 8
- Output: Relay Output
from RS Components, Ltd.
Mini-PLC STG-570 CAN [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 5
- Inputs: 5
- Output: Digital
from ifm efector inc.
For simple control functions in vehicles and mobile machines. With many multifunctional configurable input and output channels. High-performance CAN interfaces for various communication tasks. For use in driver's cabin and control cabinet. Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS 2.3. From... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 24
- Network Options: CANbus
from DigiKey
MAX31855KASA+T, MAX31865ATP+T, SP335ECR1-L, TJA1049T/3J Arduino Portenta Machine Control - Embedded Evaluation Board [See More]
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- Inputs: 11
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from RS Components, Ltd.
Mini-PLC STG-580 MOD [See More]
- Input: DC Input; Analog Input; Analogue, DC Digital
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- Inputs: 5
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital, PWM, Solid State
from ifm efector inc.
For simple control functions in vehicles and mobile machines. With many multifunctional configurable input and output channels. High-performance CAN interfaces for various communication tasks. For use in driver's cabin and control cabinet. Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS 2.3. From... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Relay Output; Analog Output
- Maximum Channels: 14
- Network Options: CANbus
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output; PWM
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Mini-PLC STG-680 MOD [See More]
- Input: DC Input; Analog Input; Analogue, DC Digital
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- Inputs: 10
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from ifm efector inc.
powerful 32 bit triple core controllers with large application memory. With many multifunctional configurable inputs and outputs. High-performance CAN and Ethernet interfaces for various communication tasks. Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS 3.5. From May 1st 2025, products produced in... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 37
- Programming Options: Front Panel
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
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- Inputs: 16
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output; PWM
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Mini-PLC STG-700 STEP [See More]
- Input: DC Input; Analog Input; Analogue, DC Digital
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- Inputs: 4
- Output: Relay Output; Digital, Power Stepper Motor, Solid State
from ifm efector inc.
For complex control functions in vehicles and mobile machines. With many multifunctional configurable input and output channels. High-performance CAN interfaces for various communication tasks. Protection rating for the requirements of mobile machines. Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 32
- Network Options: CANbus
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output; PWM
from RS Components, Ltd.
em4 local nano-PLC, B26-ET, 24 VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 12
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; PWM, Relay
from ifm efector inc.
Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS 3.5. High-performance CAN interface for various communication tasks. Multifunctional inputs and current-controlled outputs ensure maximum adaptability. Can be used as a safety controller up to SIL2/PL d when combined with a T ÜV-certified software... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 24
- Programming Options: Front Panel
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output; PWM
from RS Components, Ltd.
em4 B26-ET Starter Kit, glossy black [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 12
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; PWM, Relay
from ifm efector inc.
powerful 32 bit triple core controllers with large application memory. Certified as safety controller with CANopen Safety support. Scalable inputs and outputs for standard and safety applications. High-performance CAN and Ethernet interfaces for various communication tasks. Freely programmable to... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 98
- Computer Interface Options: Single Serial Interface
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output; PWM
from RS Components, Ltd.
Logic Controller STG-560 CAN [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 5
- Inputs: 5
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital, PWM, Solid State
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 18
- Inputs: 30
- Output: Transistor Output
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Logic Controller STG-660 CAN [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 9
- Inputs: 10
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital, PWM, Solid State
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 24
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output
from RS Components, Ltd.
Easy control Relay outputs. [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 6
- Inputs: 12
- Output: Relay Output; Relay
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 24
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output
from RS Components, Ltd.
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- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 9
- Inputs: 5
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital, PWM, Solid State
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 16
- Output: Relay Output
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- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 9
- Inputs: 5
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital, PWM, Solid State
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 8
- Output: Relay Output
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Logic Controller STG-820 [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue
- Outputs: 9
- Inputs: 3
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from DigiKey
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- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 8
- Output: Relay Output
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FX5U CPU 24VDC 16 /16 I/O [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Output: Analog Output; Analogue
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 12 ~ 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 8
- Output: Relay Output
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FX5U CPU 24VDC 16 /16 I/O [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
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- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 10
- Output: Analog Output
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- Input: Analog Input; Analogue
- Outputs: 32
- Inputs: 32
- Output: Analog Output; Analogue
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Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 12
- Output: Relay Output; Analog Output
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Logic Controller STG-850 [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 9
- Inputs: 10
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; PWM, Solid State
from DigiKey
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- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 12
- Output: Analog Output; Transistor Output
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Logic Module EASY-E4-DC-12TC1 [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 8
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 12
- Output: Analog Output; Transistor Output
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Logic Module EASY-E4-UC-12RC1 [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 8
- Output: Relay Output; Relay
from DigiKey
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- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Output: Analog Output; Transistor Output
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- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 8
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Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input
- Outputs: 2
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MilleniumEVO KIT, Smart Relay with embed [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 12
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from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 12 ~ 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
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- Input: Analog Input; Analogue
- Network Options: Ethernet; Ethernet
- Inputs: 4
- Power: 24VDC; 24 V dc
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 12 ~ 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 11
- Inputs: 12
- Output: Analog Output; PWM
from RS Components, Ltd.
SIMATIC S7-1200F CPU 1214 FC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 14
- Network Options: Ethernet
from DigiKey
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- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 22
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- Output: Relay Output; Analog Output; PWM
from RS Components, Ltd.
lococube ® mini-PLC STA-800 (Starter Kit [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 5
- Inputs: 5
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 12 ~ 24VDC [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
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- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 5
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- Input: Analog Input; Digital
- Outputs: 31
- Inputs: 17
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SIMATIC S7-1500 Compact CPU CPU 1511C-1P [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
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from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
The Alpha2 is a controller designed to address simple control applications at the lower end of the industrial and commercial control markets. With simple analog processing integrated, a straightforward programming style and a built-in display, the Alpha 2 is a highly affordable control solution. [See More]
- Input: DC Input; Analog Input
- Inputs: 15
- Total Points: 24
- Outputs: 8
from STW Technic
Designed for harsh environments, freely programmable [See More]
- Input: DC Input; Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Interrupt Input
- Inputs: 24
- Total Points: 36
- Outputs: 12
from Galil
The RIO-471x0 is a compact PLC with Ethernet that is smart, easy-to-use and cost-effective. The RIO contains a fast RISC processor for handling I/O logic and is programmed using Galil's intuitive command language or using Galil's Ladder Interface software. [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Optically Isolated
- Inputs: 8
- Total Points: 16
- Outputs: 8
from Iwaki America and Walchem, IWAKI America Inc
Walchem ’s WIND WebMaster ® sets a new standard for Industrial Water Treatment Controllers. The WIND WebMaster ® has a flexible multi-input/output platform, a wide range of analytical sensor measurement capabilities, and an extensive assortment of integrated communications and data... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Digital Input
- Inputs: 15
- Total Points: 23
- Outputs: 8
from ifm electronic gmbh
For complex control functions in vehicles and mobile machines. With many multifunctional configurable input and output channels. High-performance CAN interfaces for various communication tasks. High protection rating for the requirements of mobile machines. Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 64
- Computer Interface Options: Single Serial Interface
from ifm electronic gmbh
For complex control functions in vehicles and mobile machines. With many multifunctional configurable input and output channels. High-performance CAN interfaces for various communication tasks. For use in driver's cabin and control cabinet. Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS 2.3 [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 42
- Computer Interface Options: Single Serial Interface
from ifm electronic gmbh
For simple control functions in vehicles and mobile machines. With many multifunctional configurable input and output channels. High-performance CAN interfaces for various communication tasks. For use in driver's cabin and control cabinet. Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS 2.3 [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 20
- Network Options: CANbus
from ifm electronic gmbh
For simple control functions in vehicles and mobile machines. With many multifunctional configurable input and output channels. High-performance CAN interfaces for various communication tasks. For use in driver's cabin and control cabinet. Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS 2.3 [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 16
- Network Options: CANbus
from ifm electronic gmbh
For complex control functions in vehicles and mobile machines. With many multifunctional configurable input and output channels. High-performance CAN interfaces for various communication tasks. High protection rating for the requirements of mobile machines. Programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 64
- Network Options: CANbus
from ifm electronic gmbh
Freely programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS 3.5. High-performance CAN interface for various communication tasks. Multifunctional inputs and current-controlled outputs ensure maximum adaptability. Can be used as a safety controller up to SIL2/PL d when combined with a T ÜV-certified software... [See More]
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 32
- Programming Options: Front Panel