Expansion and improvement of modular workstation for advanced PLC analysis and operation

This work provides continuity to the development of a modular workstation for the advanced operation of the programmable logic controller (PLC), through incorporation of the functions of master-slave communication, proportionalintegral-derivative (PID) controller and high-speed counters (HSC); and its use as a support element for teaching process of related topics. The operation of the workstation constituted from the integration of a speed control system in a threephase alternating current motor is analyzed; whose test parameters are entered from a graphical interface executed through a touch screen. Such application was implemented through a communication network between controllers; in addition, it uses a variable frequency drive (VFD) and an encoder as power and perception elements, respectively. The performance observed during the tests carried out confirms an adequate follow-up of assigned parameters, by reaching and settling real response of system in these. While, with regard to the use of the developed modular workstation as a teaching tool for analysis of advanced automation solutions, its relevance is confirmed.