Modern programmable logic controllers (PLCs) possess many more abilities than they did at their inception. They contain more processing power than their predecessors and can handle discrete I/O, analog, temperature, motion control and more.

Among the PLC’s more important improvements is the ability to handle data.

“This data has been in various serial forms such as Modbus remote terminal unit (RTU), but industry has been quickly shifting to Ethernet protocols and the advantages they bring to communication,” Control Design contributor Larry Stepniak wrote. “Serial buses are still widely in use in the installed machinery base and still available in device offerings.”

Read the full story from Control Design here.