Worlds Smallest PLC's
(to date at least)

We take an objective look at the smallest
PLCs in the world and if they are worth the effort of writing a program... or not?

Let's have a look objectively at some of the small PLC's in the world to see if they have good practical use or if they're just a nice toy. Are they worth the effort of putting a program in or would it be better to use relay on small control circuits?

One of the smallest PLC's has to be this one. But I don't think the title is a clear cut thing, but this one by Mitsubishi definitely qualifies as a contender.

Yes yes I know there are smaller devices that are classed as PLC's but they're not boxed up as neatly as this Mitsubishi. Omron produce a similar item. So there are bound to be more from other manufacturers.

So before we go off in search of a title winner, lets see if they are worth the effort. First of all, why would you use one of the smallest PLC's. An eight or ten I/O tiny PLC would not give much more switching ability than a few four pole relays.

OK but, there is the fact that they can be programmed or rather reprogrammed fairly easily as opposed to our friendly relay here that would have to be rewired.

Ah... yes, the programming, let us just have a quick peek at the cost of what you would need to do that. I could ignore it for now but it does have to be kept in mind for any comparison equasion.

The program by Mitsubishi is very expensive for the individual, around £800 quid, but it is very good. It's called "GX Developer" and it's the tool with which Mitsubishi PLC's are programmed. I called it a tool because that's exactly what these type of programs are.

All the major manufacturers of PLC's have developed thier own tool for thier own range of PLC's. You use them to make it much easier to instruct the PLC to do your bidding and hence control motors, valves, solenoids and indicator lights in the fashion you want to happen.

Without these PLC programming program tools you would not be able to program the majority of PLC's, some you could use a hand programmer. Maybe even some by having to learn machine code programming, which take it from me is not that easy.

Other pages you may be interested in is a little PLC History, or find out how PLCs work and what makes a PLC tick.

Go back to Computer Hardware Terminology page.

Carry on down the menu to Specification page.

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