how well could PLC's do DSP?

[seanclarke]

We have a DH+ network of about a dozen AB SLC5/04's throughout a domestic and wastewater treatment plant. There are several PC's on the DH+ network running SCADA software. I want to be able to design an IIR filter to process some of the data (analog inputs). Is it better to try to program a 5/04 to do this, or should i use a PC? thanks in advance!

 

[FrancisL]

It depends on the complexity and time sensitivity of what you want to do. Most PLCs, and I think the SLC 5/04, have some standard analog input filtering functions but they may need some fairly simple programming to implement. If these do what you need then keep it in the PLC. You can also program some simple filtering yourself using math functions.

 

[chriskei]

I would lean towards integrating the solution in with your existing PLC structure. This keeps the hardware in one place and typically PLC solutions are more reliable.

Chris Keith
ATS