Transistor Output Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
Last Updated: November 6, 2024 Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
Transistor Output Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are devices used in industrial control systems to manage and automate processes. They are designed to receive inputs from various sensors and produce outputs that control actuators or other devices. These PLCs utilize transistor outputs, which are solid-state components, to switch and control electrical loads.
Working Principle
Transistor Output PLCs operate by using a microprocessor-based system that processes input signals from sensors and executes a pre-programmed logic to control outputs. The transistor outputs are solid-state, meaning they use semiconductor devices to switch electrical loads on and off. This type of output is particularly useful for applications requiring fast switching and high reliability. The microprocessor within the PLC makes decisions based on the input data and the programmed instructions, allowing for precise control of industrial processes. The use of transistor outputs provides advantages in terms of speed and durability compared to mechanical relay outputs.
Applications
Transistor Output PLCs are widely used in various industrial applications. For example, they are employed in automation process robots, where they control the movements and operations of robotic arms. These PLCs are also used in electric motor control systems, where they manage the starting and stopping of motors without the need for manual intervention. Additionally, they are utilized in manufacturing lines to control the sequence of operations and ensure efficient production processes.
Advantages over other Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
One of the main advantages of Transistor Output PLCs over other types, such as those with relay outputs, is their ability to handle fast switching operations. This makes them ideal for applications requiring high-speed control. Additionally, transistor outputs are more durable and have a longer lifespan since they do not have moving parts that can wear out over time. This results in lower maintenance requirements and increased reliability in harsh industrial environments.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, Transistor Output PLCs have limitations. They are subject to low voltage and current restrictions, which can limit their use in applications requiring high power. This means they may not be suitable for controlling large electrical loads without additional interfacing components. Furthermore, the initial cost of these PLCs can be higher compared to simpler relay-based systems, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious projects.
Considerations
When selecting a Transistor Output PLC, several factors should be considered. The initial cost can be higher, but the long-term operating expenses may be lower due to reduced maintenance needs. Durability is a significant advantage, as solid-state components are less prone to failure. However, the accuracy of control can be affected by the limitations in voltage and current handling. Replacement and maintenance costs are generally lower due to the absence of mechanical parts, but it is essential to ensure that the PLC's specifications match the application's requirements to avoid additional interfacing costs.
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.
FX3S CPU 24VDC 6/4 I/O [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor (Source)
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 6
- Input: Sink, Source
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.
FX3S CPU 24VDC 8/6 I/O [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor (Source)
- Outputs: 6
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Sink, Source
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.
FX3S CPU 24VDC 16/14 I/O [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor (Source)
- Outputs: 14
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Sink, Source
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.
FX3S CPU 24VDC 12/8 I/O [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor (Source)
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 12
- Input: Sink, Source
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.
FX3S CPU 100-240VAC 16/14+2 I/O [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor (Source)
- Outputs: 14
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Sink, Source
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.
Logic Module EASY-E4-DC-12TC1 [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 8
- 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.
Logic Module EASY-E4-DC-8TE1 [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 4
- Input: 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.
Logic Module EASY-E4-DC-16TE1 [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 8
- Inputs: 8
- Input: 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.
EASY-BOX-E4-DC1 [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Digital
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.
PLC-Network,24 DI, 16 DO, PNP, 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 24
- Input: Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
PLC-Standard,18 DI, 12DO, PNP, 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 12
- Inputs: 18
- Input: Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
PLC-Standard,24 DI, 16 DO, PNP, 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 24
- Input: Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
SIMATIC DP, Electronics module ET 200SP [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Agency Approval: RoHS Certified
- Input: 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.
SIMATIC S7-1500 Digital output module [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Agency Approval: RoHS Certified
- Outputs: 32
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 16
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Logic ctrl M262 3ns/inst Eth. [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 4
- Input: Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 100 ~ 240VAC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 6
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
Logic ctrl M262 5ns/inst Eth. [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 4
- Inputs: 4
- Input: Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 100 ~ 240VAC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 6
- Inputs: 8
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
lococube ® mini-PLC STA-800 (Starter Kit [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 5
- Inputs: 5
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 100 ~ 240VAC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 14
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
lococube ® Motor Controller MC-800 [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 5
- Inputs: 5
- Input: Analog Input; Analogue, Digital
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 14
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
SIPLUS S7-1200 CPU 1212C DC/DC/DC -40 .. [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 6
- Inputs: 10
- Input: Analog Input; Analog
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 100 ~ 240VAC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 28
- Inputs: 32
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
SIPLUS S7-1200 CPU 1212C DC/DC/DC based [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 6
- Inputs: 10
- Input: Analog Input; Analog
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output
- Outputs: 28
- Inputs: 32
- Input: Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
SIPLUS S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC -25 .. [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Analog Input; Analog
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
SIPLUS S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC based [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Analog Input; Analog
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
SIPLUS S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC -25 .. [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Analog Input; Analog
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
SIPLUS S7-1200 CPU 1215FC DC/DC/DC -25 ° [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 12
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Analog Input; Analog
from DigiKey
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Chassis Mount, DIN Rail 24VDC [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output; PWM
- Outputs: 10
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Analog Input; Digital
from RS Components, Ltd.
SIPLUS S7-1200 CPU 1215C DC/DC/DC -40 .. [See More]
- Output: Transistor Output; Transistor
- Outputs: 12
- Inputs: 16
- Input: Analog Input; Analog
from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
The FX3G is an introductory compact PLC and is the newest addition to the FX3 series, designed for simple yet performance-critical applications. Incorporating innovative FX3 series technology the customer is presented with a suite of benefits. Features: • 3rd Generation Compact PLC. •... [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output
- Inputs: 36
- Total Points: 60
- Outputs: 24
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 Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
The FX3U is the original dual system-bus, high-speed, fully expandable compact PLC designed to seamlessly control communication, networking, analog, and positioning systems. With a maximum of 384 controllable local and networked I/O via CC-Link/AS-i, the FX3U uses its power and flexibility to... [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output
- Inputs: 64
- Total Points: 128
- Outputs: 64
from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
The FX3UC is the new ultra-compact high speed, fully expandable PLC. Based on 24V DC power and using connector-type transistor I/O, the FX3UC is designed for space conscious and modular applications. Created inline with the FX3U series, the FX3UC incorporates such attributes as built-in high speed... [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output
- Inputs: 48
- Total Points: 96
- Outputs: 48
from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
The FX1N is an introductory micro PLC meant for simple yet performance-critical applications. With internal positioning capabilities, comprehensive expansion options, and a battery-less maintenance-free design, the FX1N provides a competitive answer for controlling systems with up to 128 I/O. [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output
- Inputs: 36
- Total Points: 60
- Outputs: 24
from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
The FX3S is the fit-and-forget PLC solution for space and cost conscious applications requiring up to 30 I/O. This minimum-expandability, battery-less maintenance free controller is perfect for handling straightforward processes and can be hidden away in locations without regular maintenance... [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output
- Expandable: Expandable
- Total Points: 30
- Input: DC Input
from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
The FX1S is the fit-and-forget PLC solution for space and cost conscious applications requiring up to 30 I/O. This minimum-expandability, battery-less maintenance free controller is perfect for handling straightforward processes and can be hidden away in locations without regular maintenance... [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output
- Inputs: 16
- Total Points: 30
- Outputs: 14
from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
The L Series is Mitsubishi's newest controller line, donning an innovative and easy-to-expand rack-free design. The single-CPU architecture includes built-in Ethernet and Mini-USB interfaces, a SD/SDHC memory card slot for program storage and data logging, and 24 I/O for positioning and high-speed... [See More]
- Output: Relay Output; Transistor Output
- Inputs: 10
- Total Points: 18
- Outputs: 8