WEBINAR ON "COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS IN PLC" BY ER.S.KARTHIKEYAN M.E, MANAGING DIRECTOR, ARK TECH AUTOMATION PVT, LTD. , KPR Institute Engineering and Technology, Autonomous Engineering Institution, Coimbatore, India

The webinar provided insights into various communication protocols used in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their significance in industrial automation processes.

On 10th February 2024, a webinar titled 'Communication Protocols in PLC' was conducted as part of the industry interaction component in the course 'Advanced Industrial Automation.'

Presentation Overview: Er. S. Karthikeyan M.E, an experienced professional and Managing Director at ARK Automation Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore, served as the resource person for the webinar. His expertise in industrial automation and extensive knowledge of communication protocols in PLCs added significant value to the session.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

2. Importance of Communication Protocols in PLCs

3. Overview of Different Communication Protocols: a. Modbus b. Profibus c. Ethernet/IP d. CANopen e. DeviceNet

4. Comparison of Communication Protocols in Terms of: a. Speed b. Reliability c. Complexity d. Application Areas

5. Case Studies and Practical Applications

6. Future Trends in Communication Protocols for PLCs

Highlights:

• The webinar commenced at 2:30 PM with a warm welcome to all participants followed by a brief introduction to the topic by the presenter.

• Er. S. Karthikeyan delved into the fundamentals of PLCs and elucidated the role of communication protocols in facilitating data exchange between PLCs and other industrial devices.

• Various communication protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, CANopen, and DeviceNet were discussed in detail, including their working principles and application scenarios.

• The presenter shared real-world case studies and practical examples to illustrate the implementation of different communication protocols in industrial automation settings, which resonated well with the audience.

• The comparison between communication protocols based on speed, reliability, complexity, and suitability for specific applications provided valuable insights for the participants to make informed decisions in their future projects.

• The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session where participants had the opportunity to clarify their doubts and engage in meaningful discussions with the presenter.

Conclusion: The webinar on 'Communication Protocols in PLC' was a resounding success, thanks to the insightful presentation delivered by Er. S. Karthikeyan M.E. The session not only enhanced the participants' understanding of communication protocols in PLCs but also inspired them to explore innovative solutions in the field of industrial automation. The industry interaction component proved to be a valuable addition to the course 'Advanced Industrial Automation,' fostering a holistic learning experience for the electrical engineering students.