Everything You Need to Know About PLCs
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or new to the field of automation, learning how to use a new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) can be a challenge. Searching through multiple sites for the information you need to get your PLC up and running can take up precious time, delaying deployment while issues are being resolved. To make this process as painless as possible, the following page provides a central access point for everything you need to know about Maple Systems PLCs.
Selecting The Right PLC
Modular PLC
Modular PLC: Our modular PLC’s numerous module types, compact size, high performance, and built-in functionality are the ideal solution for small to medium-scale control systems.
Micro PLC
Micro PLC: Our Micro PLCs are compact logic controllers for small-scale applications that require less than 36 Inputs and Outputs and are extremely cost effective.
Today’s PLC Hardware
Compared to their more primitive predecessors, modern PLCs pack an enormous amount of functionality into an extremely compact form-factor. Combining I/O control, communication, and customizable program logic, PLCs have now become the backbone of modern automation.
PLCs on the market today have become feature-rich devices with hundreds of variations available. This can make choosing the right PLC challenging for buyers when presented with so many options. Here are some key aspects to pay attention to when selecting a new PLC:
- External Device Compatibility
- Hardware Features
- Programming Language Support
- Software Features
- Power Needs
- Scan Time
- Hazardous Environments
- Certifications
- Size
- Support Resources
For more tips on how to choose a PLC that is right for your project, check out our 10 Things to Consider When Choosing a New PLC buyer’s guide.
Related Software
Not all software is created equal. Before deciding on a hardware solution, you should consider what features your application requires.
MapleLogic
Our free, user-friendly PLC configuration software MapleLogic is used for programming Maple Micro and Maple Modular PLCs. It offers an intuitive, powerful, and flexible solution for building programs, executing instructions, and monitoring projects, making it suitable for any application. You can try MapleLogic before purchasing an actual PLC, and its intuitive interface allows you to start your project instantly.
Visit Software & Upgrades to browse our collection of applications and utilities available for download.
Connecting to a PLC
Controller cables are used to connect the PLC to other devices, enabling communication between them. Devices using serial protocol have different pinout configurations from model to model, so it is important to make sure that the cable used is compatible with both devices.
Maple Micro PLCs
Maple Systems offers Micro PLC which is an ideal choice for small scale applications (Up to 36 Digital Inputs/Outputs and 2 Analog Inputs/Outputs).
PLC Communication Cables
View our Communication Cables page that can be used to find the right cable for your project.
Maple Modular PLCs
Our Modular PLC is expandable (up to 384 Digital/Analog Inputs/Outputs), which can be configured with any combination of modules to fit your application.
PLC Communication Cables
View our Communication Cables page that can be used to find the right cable for your project.
HMI + PLC
Our HMC series combines a touchscreen HMI and PLC all in one unit, providing an affordable combination of display and control in a single package.
HMI + PLC (HMC) Communication Cables
View our Communication Cables page that can be used to find the right cable for your project.
Getting Started with a Maple Systems PLC
We’ve compiled our training materials, along with our most common technical support questions, in one place to help you find the answers you need and get you started using a Maple Systems PLC today. From hardware to software, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.
Tutorials
Do you need help learning how to add a Maple Systems PLC to your project? Our tutorials provide step-by-step instructions and videos so you can follow along when learning how to use your PLC. The following section contains our entire collection of video tutorials for Maple Systems PLCs in one place.
MapleLogic Software Overview
Skills you’ll gain: The basics, features, and programming environment of our MapleLogic PLC programming software.
How to Set Up Your Maple PLC and HMI with Modbus
Skills you’ll gain: The basics, features, and programming environment of our MapleLogic PLC programming software.
How to Set Up your Maple Modular PLC as a Modbus TCP Master Device
This tutorial will cover Modbus TCP communication between two Maple PLC’s using an Ethernet Module.
How to Set Up your Maple PLC as Modbus RTU Master Device
This tutorial will cover Modbus RTU communication between two Maple PLC’s. A Maple Modular PLC as the slave device and a Maple Micro PLC as the master device.
How to use the PLC Simulator and Online Edit in MapleLogic
This tutorial will cover downloading and uploading a scan program in MapleLogic using the PLC Simulator as well as Online Edit Mode.
How to Program a High Speed Counter
This tutorial will cover the configurations for using the built-in High Speed Counter for the Maple Modular and Micro PLC’s.
How to Read Temperature using a Thermocouple
This tutorial will demonstrate how to read temperature with a thermocouple using a Maple Modular PLC and a Thermocouple Module in MapleLogic.
How to Read Temperature using an RTD Sensor
This tutorial will demonstrate how to read temperature with an RTD Sensor using a Maple Modular PLC and an RTD Module in MapleLogic.
Allocating your I/O Expansion Module and Online Communication
Skills you’ll gain: Allocating and configuring your I/O modules as well as going online with your Maple PLC.
PLC Registers and Data Types
Skills you’ll gain: What data types are available, to address memory, and simple ladder programming.
How to Program Timers
Skills you’ll gain: Understanding of various timers, how to implement timers, and when certain timers should be used.
How to Program Counters
Skills you’ll gain: Understanding of various counters, how to implement counters, and which timers should be used in a given situation.
How to Set Up your Maple Modular PLC as a Modbus TCP Master Device
This tutorial will cover Modbus TCP communication between two Maple PLC’s using an Ethernet Module.
How to Set Up your Maple PLC as Modbus RTU Master Device
This tutorial will cover Modbus RTU communication between two Maple PLC’s.
How to Troubleshoot and Reset Error Codes in your PLC Diagnostics
This tutorial will cover troubleshooting the PLC Diagnostics in MapleLogic. It will demonstrate the steps in resetting any error codes within your CPU and I/O Modules.
What is a PID Controller
In this tutorial you will learn about PID functionality, as well as how it is used in Industrial Control environments.
What is a High Speed Counter and How is it Used with an Encoder
In this tutorial you will learn about high speed counters and how they are used with encoders as well as how they are both utilized together in Industrial Control environments and configured in the control software (MapleLogic).
PLC Programs, Special Configuration and Communications
Skills you’ll gain: Learn the various types of programs, special configurations, and communication configurations to set-up your program.
How to Turn a Pump On and Off Using Digital I/O
Skills you’ll gain: This tutorial will demonstrate how to turn a pump on and off using digital I/O and configuring in the PLC Control Software (MapleLogic).
How to Read the Analog Input from a 0-10V and 4-20mA Pressure Sensor
Skills you’ll gain: How to wire your input and output devices, configure multiple channels, and how to read current and/or voltage signals.
How to Configure your I/O Modules Virtually
This tutorial will cover how you would configure your I/O modules virtually in MapleLogic and converting them into ladder diagram without having the physical hardware.
Manuals & Guides
Here you’ll find our collection of user manuals for Maple Systems PLCs, as well as individual modules. Meticulously designed to supplement your understanding of PLCs, these manuals provide a good starting point for those who want to know more about their PLC hardware.
Sample Projects
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced PLC user, sample projects can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance your proficiency in programming PLC applications. These resources are designed not only to demonstrate the capabilities of our PLCs but also to serve as a springboard for our clients to develop their unique applications, tailored to their specific needs.
Connecting Maple Systems HMI and Maple Systems PLC Demo
This demo file contains both the HMI and PLC projects needed to demonstrate the communication between a Maple HMI and Maple PLC via Modbus TCP/IP.
How to Read Temperature using a Thermocouple
This sample project will demonstrate how to read temperature with a thermocouple using a Maple Modular PLC and a Thermocouple Module in MapleLogic.
How to Use a Pump to Turn the Digital Output On and Off
This sample project will demonstrate how to turn the digital output on and off using a pump and receiving feedback.
How to Read the Analog Input from a 0-10V and 4-20mA Pressure Sensor
This sample project will cover how to configure and wire the Analog Input for a pressure sensor using 0-10V and 4-20mA on a Maple Modular PLC and in MapleLogic control software.
How to Configure your I/O Modules Virtually and Convert your Ladder Diagram
This sample project will cover how you would configure your I/O modules virtually in maple logic and converting into ladder diagram without having the physical hardware.
How to Communicate via Modbus with a Maple PLC as an RTU Slave & an HMI as an RTU Master Device
These sample projects will cover Modbus Communication via RTU between a Maple Modular PLC and a cMT HMI — the Maple PLC as an RTU slave, and the HMI as the master device.
Modbus TCP Master
This sample project will cover how to connect your Maple Modular PLC as a Modbus TCP Master device.
Modbus TCP Slave
This sample project will cover how to connect your Maple Modular PLC as a Modbus TCP Slave device.
Modbus RTU Slave Modular
This sample project will cover how to connect your Maple PLC as a Modbus RTU Slave device.
Modbus RTU Master Micro
This sample project will cover connect your Maple PLC as a Modbus RTU Master device.
How to Program a High Speed Counter
This sample project will cover the configurations for using the built-in High Speed Counter for the Maple Modular and Micro PLC’s.
Resources
Browse our Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) FAQs for answers to common questions our customers ask before buying a new device.
Contact Us
Would you like to know more? Our friendly and knowledgeable sales team can connect you to the resources you need. For information on pricing, availability, and more, send an email message to sales@maplesystems.com, or contact our team by phone at (425) 745-3229.
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