Motor Control PLC with a PIC

[sougata]

Hi,

I need to quote for the project and I am not sure how I would fare up against a commercial PLC. I think a commercial PLC would be cheaper !!! Actually my client wants the students taking the classes to have a clear understanding of Motor Drives and the control logic behind that. Since the application is limited to only motor control functions, I need to define the SFB (Special Function Blocks) before I start the actual coding. Since there would be only two types of motor connected, AC Induction and DC motor so the motor's electrical and mechanical parameters would be quite fixed. May be I should study commercial Motor Drives and write a flexible application to customize it via the PC software. My concern is that the system should be capable to some extent, not just a lame one. Cause it will be used as a tool to to teach college students on drives during summer camp or science fair. It need not be complicated but should have a technically right approach (To get my payments through!!!)

[mister_e]

If you already know the pricing of the competition, but you don't know how much time you need to spend on... it's hard to quote something reasonable.

But on another hand, it could be a nice core for something else on another area. Kind of stuff you sole the IDE first, then plug-ins (or SDK).

1. How much person will buy it
2. How much you can extend this
3. Can this be a single developpement tool
4. Can this replace a compiler
5. Can this allow you to create development board OR dedicated pre-programmed chip
6. Do you have to include some 'Disclaimer' or assume some potential behaviour, material damage

may lead you to the final decision.

Can also be something like Easy HID. It do the program core and user have can play with what you do. You know possibility are endless.

It's a interesting project if you have time and can afford some tech support.

Good luck!

[sougata]

Hi,

Well more than a business interest I was more inclined to the academic interest of the project. As you say "Learning Opportunities". But this is way beyond to be a discrete project sold only once. Still I would like to know the motor control parameters that a PLC should support.