Frequency / Pulse Output Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
Last Updated: January 31, 2025
Description
Frequency / Pulse Output Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are specialized devices within the broader category of PLCs that are designed to generate precise frequency or pulse signals. These signals are used to control various types of equipment and processes that require accurate timing and sequencing. The primary function of these PLCs is to manage and output pulse signals that can be used to drive devices such as motors, actuators, and other machinery that operate based on pulse or frequency inputs.
Working Principle
Frequency / Pulse Output PLCs operate by using microprocessor-based systems that execute programmed instructions to generate pulse signals. These signals are typically controlled by semiconductor integrated circuits, which provide high accuracy and reliability. The PLCs use crystal oscillators to generate clock pulses, ensuring precise timing and counting functions. This capability makes them particularly useful in applications where precise control over timing and sequencing is critical, such as in motor control or automated manufacturing processes. The ability to vary output levels through pulse width modulation (PWM) allows these PLCs to control devices with varying speed or position requirements.
Applications
Frequency / Pulse Output PLCs are commonly used in applications that require precise control over timing and sequencing. Specific examples include:
- Motor Control: These PLCs can be used to control the speed and position of motors in industrial automation systems.
- Conveyor Systems: They manage the timing and sequencing of conveyor belts in manufacturing plants to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
- Robotics: In robotic systems, pulse output PLCs control the movement and operation of robotic arms and other components.
- Packaging Machines: They are used to synchronize the operation of packaging machinery, ensuring that products are packaged accurately and efficiently.
Advantages over other Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
Frequency / Pulse Output PLCs offer several advantages over other types of PLCs:
- Precision Control: They provide high accuracy in timing and sequencing, which is essential for applications requiring precise control.
- Flexibility: The ability to vary output levels through PWM makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple motor control to complex automation systems.
- Scalability: These PLCs can be expanded with additional modules to handle more inputs and outputs, making them adaptable to growing system requirements.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, Frequency / Pulse Output PLCs have some limitations:
- Complexity: The programming and setup of these PLCs can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge and skills.
- Cost: They may be more expensive than simpler PLCs due to their advanced capabilities and precision components.
- Proprietary Programming: The programming for these PLCs can be proprietary, which may tie users to specific vendors or programmers for updates and maintenance.
Considerations
When considering the use of Frequency / Pulse Output PLCs, several factors should be taken into account:
- Initial Costs: The initial investment can be significant due to the advanced technology and precision components involved.
- Operating Expense: Ongoing costs may include energy consumption and the need for specialized maintenance.
- Durability: These PLCs are generally durable and reliable, but their complexity may require more frequent maintenance checks.
- Accuracy: They offer high accuracy, which is crucial for applications requiring precise control.
- Replacement and Maintenance Costs: Consider the potential costs associated with replacing components and the need for specialized maintenance personnel.
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]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Maximum Channels: 40
- Computer Interface Options: Single Serial Interface
from RS Components, Ltd.
BARTH 0850-0580 PLC I/O Module [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Digital, pwm, solid-state
- Outputs: 6
- Inputs: 5
- Input: DC Input; Analog Input; Analogue, dc digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; PWM
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 8
- Input: 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]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Maximum Channels: 24
- Network Options: CANbus
from RS Components, Ltd.
BARTH 0850-0680 PLC I/O Module [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Digital, pwm, solid-state
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 10
- Input: DC Input; Analog Input; Analogue, dc digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; PWM
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Digital
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. Programmable to IEC 61131-3 with CODESYS. From... [See More]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Maximum Channels: 64
- Network Options: CANbus
from RS Components, Ltd.
Crouzet 88981133 PLC CPU [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Pwm, relay
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 12
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
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]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Maximum Channels: 32
- Programming Options: Front Panel
from RS Components, Ltd.
BARTH 0850-0560 PLC I/O Module [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital, pwm, solid state
- Outputs: 5
- Inputs: 5
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
BARTH 0850-0660 PLC I/O Module [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital, pwm, solid state
- Outputs: 9
- Inputs: 10
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
BARTH 0850-0800 PLC I/O Module [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital, pwm, solid state
- Outputs: 9
- Inputs: 5
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
BARTH 0850-0850 PLC I/O Module [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Pwm, solid state
- Outputs: 9
- Inputs: 10
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Industrial Shields IS.MDuino.21+ PLC CPU [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital Isolated Output (24Vcc), Digital Isolated Output Relay, PWM Isolated Output 8-Bit (24 Vcc)
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 13
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
BARTH 0850-0950 PLC CPU [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; PWM, Solid State
- Outputs: 5
- Inputs: 5
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Omron CJ2M-CPU11 PLC CPU [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Pulse
- Operating Temperature: 32 to 131
- Agency Approval: RoHS Certified
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; PWM
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Omron CJ2M-CPU31 PLC CPU [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Pulse
- Network Options: Ethernet
- Programming Options: Computer Programmable; Computer
- Agency Approval: RoHS Certified
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; PWM
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Omron CJ2M-CPU33 PLC CPU [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Pulse
- Network Options: Ethernet
- Programming Options: Computer Programmable; Computer
- Agency Approval: RoHS Certified
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; PWM
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Omron CJ2M-CPU13 PLC CPU [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Pulse
- Network Options: Rs232c, usb 2.0
- Programming Options: Computer Programmable; Computer
- Agency Approval: RoHS Certified
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Omron CJ2M-MD211 PLC CPU [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Pulse
- Outputs: 64
- Inputs: 10
- Input: Frequency or Pulse; Pulse
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Schneider Electric TM251MESC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Pulse
- Programming Options: Mini usb
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue
- Network Options: CANbus; Ethernet, modbus, profibus dp, usb
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Panel Mount 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 6
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Omron CJ2M-CPU32 PLC CPU [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Pulse
- Network Options: Ethernet
- Input: DC Input; Dc
- Mounting Options: Panel mount
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
BARTH 0850-0500 PLC I/O Module [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Pwm, solid state
- Outputs: 5
- Inputs: 5
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse
- Outputs: 6
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
BARTH 0850-0600 PLC I/O Module [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; Pwm, solid state
- Outputs: 9
- Inputs: 10
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 14
- Input: Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 14
- Input: Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 14
- Input: Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) [See More]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 14
- Input: Digital
from Delta Electronics (Americas)
The Delta Compact Modular Mid-range PLC AS Series is a high performance multi-purpose controller designed for all kinds of automated equipment. It features Delta's self-developed 32-bit SoC CPUs for enhanced execution speed (40 k steps/ms) and supports up to 32 extension modules or up to 1,024... [See More]
- Output: DC Output (optional feature); Relay Output (optional feature); Analog Output (optional feature); Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output
- Inputs: 16
- Total Points: 32
- Outputs: 16
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]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Maximum Channels: 64
- Computer Interface Options: Single Serial Interface
from STW Technic
Designed for harsh control jobs, smaller than the ESX [See More]
- Output: DC Output; Relay Output; Frequency or Pulse; PWM
- Inputs: 16
- Total Points: 24
- Outputs: 8
from Delta Electronics (Americas)
Delta's DVP series programmable logic controllers offer high-speed, stable and highly reliable applications in all kinds of industrial automation machines. In addition to fast logic operation, bountiful instructions and multiple function cards, the cost-effective DVP-PLC also supports various... [See More]
- Output: DC Output (optional feature); Relay Output (optional feature); Analog Output (optional feature); Frequency or Pulse; Transistor Output (optional feature); Triac Output (optional feature)
- Inputs: 36
- Total Points: 60
- Outputs: 24
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]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; 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]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- 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]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Maximum Channels: 16
- Network Options: CANbus
from ifm electronic gmbh
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 [See More]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Maximum Channels: 37
- Programming Options: Front Panel
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]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Maximum Channels: 32
- 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]
- Output: Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Maximum Channels: 24
- Programming Options: Front Panel
from ifm electronic gmbh
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]
- Output: Analog Output; Frequency or Pulse; Digital
- Input: Analog Input; Frequency or Pulse; Resistance
- Maximum Channels: 98
- Computer Interface Options: Single Serial Interface