Application of a PLC as a cell controller using a communication network

Design and implementation of a low cost flexible production unit for assembly, inspection and other sequential tasks while maintaining an open system architecture is explained. All components of the cell are connected to the production unit controller, a PLC, via the installation bus controller area network (CAN). The design is flexible to accept a number of sensors with different functionality such as pressure, temperature, bar-code readers etc. which may be connected to the bus individually or via an intelligent peripheral device.