Industrial Solution - PLC or Microcontroller

A microcontroller (µC) is a multipurpose processor that has digital inputs, ADC inputs, interrupts, USB, RS232 etc. µC can perform a lot of tasks, provided that it has the right buffers and interfaces. You have to program any function (e.g. USB communication) in assembly or C language. For all the functions that you need, the program can be made out of many modules (the µC manufacturers give a lot of application help). It requires the design and manufacturing of a printed circuit board with all the necessary circuitry to make it perform according to your design. It requires soldering testing, uploading the software in the µC.

The price of the µC could be from $1.50 to $10.0 (or so). I think that, in order to start a project based on a µC, you need to learn the assembly for that particular chip, you need some hands-on for circuitry. There are some packages for designing pcb's that you can download for free. A prototype board doesn't cost you more than $50. A device to "in-circuit" program the µC costs you some $75.

A PLC is made with industry in mind. It is built around a processor and all the above mentioned functions can be performed by separate modules that go on the frame of the PLC. Apart from the RLL (relay ladder logic) language, a minimum knowledge of electronics is necessary to run a system PLC based. Some of the cheapest PLC's could cost for the basic frame (with digital inputs and outputs) some $100. Than you pay for each module (like the ADC one) in the $200 area.

Which one is better for you? You have to decide, but first, you have to know what you want, what is your time and money budget etc.

Hi,Rishabh Mehta,

The project on PLC is more practical to work out for your college project considering the investment involved. It is easier if you get a project from some factory . You can design your own or get involved with on going project for specific operation .For this purpose design required software programme for specific functions.

If you contact any PLC manufacturer for a Project they may gladly accept for any of their on going projects. You can learn the practical implementation of a PLC and complete your Project with out much of Investment but your hard work .But do an original project do not copy one from earlier files done by your senors. ,