AutoCAD Electrical: Implementing PLCs

1h 38mIntermediate2018-11-21

Authors

Shaun Bryant

Autodesk Certified Instructor in both AutoCAD and Revit Architecture

Course details

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are one of the building blocks of industrial automation. These industrial devices can be used to automate actions within an electrical circuit. In this course, Shaun Bryant shows how to work with PLCs in AutoCAD Electrical, stepping through how to generate drawings that contain PLCs. After providing a brief introduction to industrial automation—and how PLCs fit into the mix—Shaun steps through how to insert a proprietary PLC module into a wiring ladder in an electrical drawing. He then dives into the different types of PLC modules in AutoCAD Electrical, going over both parametric and full unit PLC modules. Discover where PLCs integrate into an electrical system, as well as how to use spreadsheets to exchange information with other systems.

Learning objectives
PLCs in industrial automation
Setting up ladders in electrical drawings
Inserting PLCs into electrical drawings
Working with parametric and full unit PLC models
Choosing a manufacturer
Using spreadsheets to import PLC module data
Exporting spreadsheets from existing PLC modules

Skills covered

AutoCAD ElectricalPLC Industrial Controls and ProgrammingMEPHardwareAutodeskAECDeep Dive (X:Y)

Concepts

Introduction

Work with programmable logical controller (PLC) modules in AutoCAD Electrical
What you should know
Use the exercise files
The new AutoCAD 2019 interface

An Introduction to PLC Modules

PLCs in industrial automation
Work with PLC modules in AutoCAD Electrical

Setting Up Ladders in Electrical Drawings

Set up rung numbering in an electrical drawing
Insert a proprietary PLC module
Add wires and components

The Different Types of PLC Modules in AutoCAD Electrical

Insert PLCs into your electrical drawing
Work with parametric PLC modules
Work with full-unit PLC modules

Parametric PLC Modules in More Detail

Decide on which manufacturer to use
Select the appropriate graphics style
Make sure the correct scale is used
Edit the parametric PLC information

Full-Unit PLC Modules in More Detail

Use the Icon menu for PLC I O fixed units
Decide on which manufacturer to use
Place the full-unit PLC module
Edit the full-unit PLC attributes

Using Spreadsheets to Import PLC Module Data

The AutoCAD Electrical PLC I O utility
Set up the PLC import parameters
Insert the PLCs from the imported data

Exporting Spreadsheets from Existing PLC Modules

Use the To Spreadsheet command
Make changes in the spreadsheet
Import the revised spreadsheet
Check the changes in the drawing

Conclusion

Next steps