• With the aid of inlet and outlet valves, you can fill and empty the tank cyclically and maintain the water temperature between two limit values. Sensors can also be moved with the mouse while the circuit is operating.
• 4 sensors for measuring various levels (minimum level, lower level, upper level, maximum level)
• 2 sensors for temperature measurement (minimum temperature, maximum temperature).
• 4 actuators for control of temperature and water supply (inlet valve (fast and slow inlet), outlet valve, heater).

Test it...

• You can perform numerous tasks and define various sequences for one to three cylinders.
• You can also use timers and counters in the exercises.
• You can use the free actuators to simulate pushbuttons and switch elements in order to simulate the functionality of a control console (Start, Stop, Adjust, Manual Mode,...).
• Two sensors per cylinder for detection of the cylinder position (fully left or fully right).
• One actuator per cylinder for control of the valve.

Test it...

• Elevator with the following simplifications:
  - There is no weight sensor and no Stop button in the cars
  - All call buttons are constantly active. The call buttons in the car have higher priority.
• 3 sensors/buttons for calling the elevator on the relevant floor (0, 1, 2),
• 3 sensors/buttons in the elevator for selecting the destination floor (0, 1, 2),
• 3 sensors for detection of the floor on which the elevator is located,
• 3 sensors for detection of whether the doors are closed on the floors.
• 1 actuator for moving the elevator upwards and 1 actuator for moving the elevator downwards.
• 3 actuators for opening the door on the relevant floor (0, 1, 2).

Test it...

• All important statuses (motor, direction of rotation, inlet and outlet valve, heating, door lock, water quantity and temperature) are shown on the front side. The door can be closed and opened with the mouse. A simplified wash is started with the red button:
  1. Start: Water inlet, heating, turning briefly clockwise and counter-clockwise.
  2. Wash: Turn 15 times clockwise and counter-clockwise (switch on heater if the water cools excessively)
  3. Water outlet: Drum is turned for sixty seconds in one direction with outlet valve open.
  4. Spin (1 minute), after which the door lock opens after a delay period.
• 1 sensor for detecting whether the washing machine door is closed.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether water maximum level or water minimum level is reached.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether maximum or minimum temperature is reached.
• 1 sensor for detecting whether wash has been started.
• 4 actuators for activating heater, water inlet, water outlet and the door lock.
• 3 actuators for controlling the motor (motor on, motor high speed, motor change in direction).

Test it...

• The pointer rotates over a circular consisting of 12 segments. A sensor is assigned to each segment. If the pointer stops at a segment, the corresponding input of the sensor is set.
• Write a program that displays a number between 1 and 12 on the 7-segment display when the corresponding sensor is activated.
• 12 sensors for detecting in what of the 12 partial areas the pointer of the analogue dial is located, i.e. what number is to be displayed?
• 7 actuators for display of the 7 luminous segments of the "units digit".
• 1 actuator for display of the double segment of the "tens digit".

Test it...

• Light or dark bottles are supplied to the wine bottling plant. The selection is determined either by a random generator or by clicking with the mouse on one of the buttons at the bottom. A light bottle must be filled with white wine and must be provided with cork and label for white wine. A dark bottle must be filled with red wine accordingly and must be provided with the corresponding labels. There is a visual quality inspection at the end of production.
• The conveyor belt speed can be varied by clicking with the mouse.
• 4 sensors for detecting at which of the 4 processing stations the bottle is located.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the bottle is light or dark.
• 1 sensor for detecting whether the current station is finished with processing.
• 1 actuator for bottling red wine (dark bottle) and 1 actuator for bottling white wine (light bottle).
• 1 actuator for labelling red wine bottle and 1 actuator for labelling white wine bottle.
• 1 actuator for labelling the neck of the red wine bottle and 1 actuator for labelling the neck of the white wine bottle.
• 1 actuator for providing the bottle with a cork.
• 1 actuator for activating the conveyor belt motor.

Test it...

• You can fill the magazine by clicking on the green button with the mouse. A random generator is used to select aluminium balls and black and yellow plastic balls. By controlling the two catching cylinders, you can sort the balls into three different buffer channels. Using the three 3 sensors (capacitive, inductive and optical), you can distinguish between the various types of ball.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the push-out cylinder is extended or retracted.
• 1 capacitive sensor for detecting whether a ball has already been pushed out.
• 1 optical sensor for detecting whether a ball is bright (orange or silver).
• 1 inductive sensor for detecting whether the ball is conductive (made of aluminium).
• 1 sensor for detecting whether a ball is in the gravity chute.
• 1 actuator for extending the ejector cylinder.
• 2 actuators for extending the two gate cylinders.

Test it...

• Trains may approach a level crossing with a barrier from either direction. When a train is approaching, the barrier must be closed in good time and the traffic signal must be switched to red with the track-signalling unit. When the train has left the crossing and no further train is approaching, the barrier can be reopened and the traffic light can be switched over.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether a train from the right or left is on the level crossing.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether a train is coming from the right or left.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the barrier is open (left or right).
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the barrier is closed (left or right).
• 1 actuator for closing the barrier.
• 1 actuator for switching on the red signal and 1 actuator for switching on the white signal.

Test it...

• The process model consists of the following components:
  - Generator: Adjustable power loss; the power is regulated at random or by clicking on the "green" +/- button with the mouse.
  - Accumulator with adjustable minimum and maximum charge state
  - Two lamps with differing wattage
  - 230 V voltage
  - Two controllable switches
• The task is to control the switches so that the loads (lamps) are always supplied optimally but so that overcharging and undercharging of the accumulator are avoided. The limit values can be varied constantly with the mouse on the indicators (generator power resp. accumulator charge level).
• 1 sensor for detecting whether the generator is generating power, 1 sensor in each case for detecting whether the charge state is above minimum or maximum level.
• 1 actuator for connection of the generator to the accumulator.
• 2 actuators for connection of the first lamp resp. the second lamp to the accumulator.
• 2 actuators for connection of the first lamp resp. the second lamp to the power supply network.
  

• The simplified tape recorder requires a PLC control for playback. The functions of the tape recorder can be integrated step by step. We recommend the following procedure:
  - first the control buttons: >, ||, STOP,
  - then buttons: >> and <<,
  - and, finally, buttons: |<< and >>|
• 7 sensors for detecting whether one of the seven buttons is pressed.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the end of tape at the right or left is reached.
• 1 sensor for detecting whether the tape has a blank tape section.
• 2 actuators for switching on the motor resp. switching to wind.
• 1 actuator for performing a change in motor direction.
• 1 actuator for moving the sound head against the tape.
• 1 actuator for deactivating the two buttons (to next/preceding track).
• 1 actuator for deactivating the three buttons (Stop, Play, Pause).
  

• The task is to find and mark the concealed treasure troves using two moveable search beams (horizontal and vertical). When the search beam strikes an item of treasure, this is indicated by means of a signalling sensor. If both search beams strike the same item of treasure, you can then mark the treasure trove. When all treasure troves have been found and marked, this completes your task.
• The position of the treasure troves can be varied with the mouse. You can start a new game by clicking on the arrow (<-).
• 2 sensors for detecting whether there is a treasure trove on the red or blue line.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the red or blue line is in start position.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the red or blue line is in end position.
• 1 sensor for detecting whether there is a treasure trove at the point of intersection of the lines.
• 2 actuators for moving the red line vertically and moving the blue line horizontally.
• 2 actuators for changing the direction of the two lines (horizontal or vertical).
• 1 actuator for marking the treasure trove.

Test it...

• The task is to always maintain the ambient conditions (relative humidity, temperature and soil moisture) in the greenhouse in the permitted limit value range for the plants. Many plants require lighting for more than 12 hours. In such cases, you also need to use artificial lighting. The required parameters, statuses and limit values are shown. All limit values are monitored by sensors.
• The limit values can be varied with the mouse.
• 1 sensor for detecting whether natural light is too weak.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the relative humidity is above the minimum or maximum value.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the soil moisture is above the minimum or maximum value.
• 3 sensors for detecting whether the temperature is above minimum, is optimum or is above maximum.
• 1 actuator for activating artificial lighting.
• 1 actuator for switching on the soil irrigation.
• 1 actuator for opening windows (ventilation).
• 1 actuator for switching on the heating.
• 1 actuator for switching on the cooling system.
  

• Ships arrive at the lock from both directions. The aim is to control the lock chamber so that the ships can pass the section of river with no accidents. The ships automatically enter the lock chamber when the entry signal shows green. They sail out when the exit gate is fully open.
• For test purposes, you can stop ships approaching or have the ships continue to sail if you click the mouse on the corresponding red lamp (bottom) or green lamp.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the left-hand or right-hand lock gate is closed.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the left-hand or right-hand lock gate is open.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the water level has been equalized at the bottom or top.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether a ship has come from the left or from the right.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether a ship is passing the left-hand or right-hand lock gate.
• 1 sensor for detecting whether there is a ship in the lock chamber.
• 2 actuators for opening the left-hand resp. right-hand lock gate.
• 2 actuators for raising or lowering the water level.
• 2 actuators for generating a green signal at the left-hand or right-hand side.
  

• Vehicles automatically enter the parking lot when the barrier is opened and the entry signal is green. Vehicles can exit when the corresponding barrier is open and the exit signal is green. You can link entry control with a counter so that a maximum number of vehicles in the parking lot is not exceeded.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the entrance barrier is down or up.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether the exit barrier is down or up.
• 2 sensors for detecting whether there is a car in front of the entrance barrier or in front of the exit barrier.
• 2 actuators for opening the entrance or exit barrier.
• 2 actuators for generating a green signal for entrance or exit.
• 2 actuators for generating a red signal for entrance or exit.

Test it...

• The lamp can be switched on and off via a light switch.
• The light switch can also be actuated by clicking with the mouse on the graphic.
• 1 sensor for actuating the light switch
• 1 actuator for switching on the lamp
  

• A cylinder can be retracted and extended by means of a button. The end position is monitored by sensors.
• The position of these sensors can be varied using two rotary switches. In addition, the transparency of the cylinder display can be varied using a switch element. These switch elements can be operated with the mouse. The Start button for the cylinder movement can also be operated with the mouse.
• 1 sensor/button for starting the process
• 1 sensor for detecting whether the cylinder is retracted
• 1 sensor for detecting whether the cylinder is extended
• 1 actuator for extending the cylinder
  

• Allows simulation of input signals and display of output signals of an MPS® Station or PLC. Two types of application are possible:
• Simulation of input for testing a PLC program with max. 16I/16O. This requires an I/O data cable (Order no. 034 031).
• Setting of outputs (with separate 24 V supply) to allow operation of an MPS station. The required cable (Order no. 167 106) is included in the scope of delivery.
  

Task: Create the control program for a hotel safe.

Initially, the safe can be opened without entering a code by clicking on the green key with the mouse. The LED on the safe changes from red (locked) to green (unlocked). If you click on the unlocked safe door, it opens. A personal secret access code can now be entered as follows:

1. Click on the red button
2. Enter a numeric code of 1-9 digits with the numeric keypad
3. Click on the door - the door closes
4. Click on the green key to lock the safe
5. The safe can now only be unlocked by entering the personal access code and then clicking on the green key. The safe door can then be opened.
6. A new access code can only be entered while the safe is unlocked and the door is open and after pressing the C button

The BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) codes for the pushbuttons are:

• Pushbutton '1' BCD code '0001'
• Pushbutton '2' BCD code '0010'
• Pushbutton '3' BCD code '0011'
• Pushbutton '4' BCD code '0100'
• Pushbutton '5' BCD code '0101'
• Pushbutton '6' BCD code '0110'
• Pushbutton '7' BCD code '0111'
• Pushbutton '8' BCD code '1000'
• Pushbutton '9' BCD code '1001'
• Pushbutton '0' BCD code '1010'
• Pushbutton 'C' BCD code '1011'
• 'KEY' button BCD code '1100'

Sensors:
5 sensors to distinguish the pushbuttons (BCD + accompanying signal)
1 sensor detects lock open
1 sensor each for opened or closed door

Actor:
1 actuator for opening the lock

Test it...

The right and left door of the car shown as well as the trunk (boot) can be opened and closed by mouse click. The condition of the closed doors is indicated by sensors. Write a control program to show how the alarm system works.

If you click the red button on the car key, the alarm system is activated. The status is shown by the red indicator light on the right side of the windscreen. If one of the doors or the boot is now opened, the alarm is triggered:

The horn and indicator lights are switched on. The alarm can be switched off by pressing the green button on the key.
The task can be made more complex by having the switching on or off of the alarms system acknowledged by flashing of the indicators and by delaying activation of the alarm by 10 seconds.

• 3 sensors to detect doors and boot closed
• 2 pushbuttons to switch alarm on/off
• Actuators for operating the left and right indicator lights

The use of the control panel is similar to most facilities with cyclic motion. For this reason it is important know how it is programmed.

Write a cyclical control program for the three cylinders by using the inputs (Start, Stop, Automatic/manual, Acknowledge) and outputs (Initial position, Stop, Q1, Q2) of the control panel.

• 6 sensors for detecting the end position of the cylinders
• Four inputs of the control panel (Start, Stop, Reset and Auto/Man switch)
• 3 pushbuttons in the user interface
• 1 switch
• 3 actuators for operation of the valves
• 4 lamps indicating status
• 1 actuator for operating the horn
• 1 actuator for activating the alarm

This method is commonly used to protect the hands of operators operating dangerous machines. The machine only starts when both activate buttons are pressed almost simultaneously (within 0.2 seconds). This has to be done with the left and right hand.

The machine stops immediately if one of the buttons is released.

Create a control program to repeatedly actuate the press cylinder while still complying with the safety requirements detailed above.

Two keyboard keys will be used as starter buttons for checking the solution. Use of the keys can be authorized by clicking on the mouse shown in the background. The keyboard then appears against the white background.

• 2 sensors for the left and right pushbuttons
• 2 sensors for detecting the end position of the press cylinder
• 1 actuator controlling the valves of the press cylinder

One of the timers used is the so-called switch-on delay timer (TON).

The ON or OFF signal has to be of a predetermined duration - only then is the phone switched on or off.

This is the way in which some pushbuttons are protected against unintentional operation, for example the ON/OFF button of the mobile phone. This prevents users from inadvertently switching the phone on or off.

This exercise has to be solved so that the phone is only switched on or off after the pushbutton has been pressed and held for 3 seconds (TON).

The exercise can be made more complex by specifying that the backlight is to illuminate for 3 seconds after the button is pressed when the phone is on (TOF).

• 1 pushbutton (ON/OFF)
• 1 actuator to switch on phone
• 1 actuator to switch on backlight

Lamps equipped with a motion sensor work in this way. They switch on the lighting for a few seconds if the motion sensor detects a moving object and if the ambient light level is low.

Solve this task. If you click on the blue pushbutton on the lower part of the screen you can varying lighting conditions. You can also use the light controller to change lighting conditions.

The delay is to be approx. 7-8 seconds.

You can open and close the blinds according to the amount of ambient light, and switch the light on or off.

• 1 motion sensor
• 1 light intensity sensor
• 2 sensors for end positions of roller shutter (2nd floor)
• 2 sensors for end positions of roller shutter (1st floor)
• 1 actuator for switching on lights
• 2 actuators open and close rollers shutters (2nd floor)
• 2 actuators open and close rollers shutters (1st floor)
• 1 actuator operate light upstairs
• 1 actuator operate lights downstairs
  

Green and blue cubes are being packaged. Green cubes come from the upper conveyor belt while blue cubes come from the lower conveyor belt. The motors have to be switched on and off as appropriate.

Three green and five blue cubes can be placed in each box. Excess cubes fall out of the box. A sensor shows if the box is in the correct position and does not contain the correct number of cubes.

The task has to be solved in such a way that the exact number of cubes is placed in each box and that not a single excess cube falls from the conveyor.

• 2 sensors to detect the number of green and blue cubes in the box.
• 1 sensor detects if the box is not completely filled.
• 2 actuators start the motors of the conveyor belts.
• 1 actuator changes the box.

We can only solve the problem if we learn about pulse-edge control.

The motor circuit switches off automatically when the door reaches its end position.

Status of the lamp in the garage:

• Green: Garage door is in the upper or lower end position
• Red: Garage door is moving
• Yellow: Garage door was not stopped in either end position

• 1 sensor for the remote control
• 1-1 sensors for garage door (upper and lower) end position
• 1 actuator for garage door motor
• 1 actuator to change drive direction of motor

Pieces of luggage are transported via slides. When a piece of luggage reaches the end of a slide, it is to be lifted onto the next slide by two pneumatic cylinders.

The lifting cylinder is controlled by a 5/2-way double solenoid valve, the thrust cylinder by a 5/2-way solenoid valve.

• 1-1 sensors for the piece of luggage (top/bottom)
• 2 sensors for end positions of the lifting cylinder
• 2 sensors for end positions of the thrust cylinder
• 1 actuator controls the lifting cylinder (down/up)
• 1 actuator controls the thrust cylind

The use of the control panel is similar for most facilities with cyclic motion. For this reason it is important know how it is programmed.

Write a cyclical control program for the three cylinders by using the inputs (Start, Stop, Automatic/manual, Acknowledge) and outputs (Initial position, Stop, Q1, Q2) of the control panel.

Pieces of luggage are transported along slides. When a piece of luggage reaches the end of a slide, it is to be lifted onto the next slide by two pneumatic cylinders. The lifting cylinder is a 5/2-way double solenoid valve, the thrust cylinder by a 5/2-way solenoid valve.

• 1-1 sensors for the piece of luggage (top/bottom)
• 2 sensors for end positions of the lifting cylinder
• 2 sensors for end positions of the thrust cylinder
• 1 actuator controls the lifting cylinder (down/up)
• 1 actuator controls the thrust cylinder
• 3 pushbuttons on the control panel (Start, Stop, Reset)
• 1 switch (Auto/manual)
• 4 lamps for status indication (Initial position, Stop, Q1, Q2

A cylinder is moved by a 5/2-way solenoid valve. Two proximity switches detect the positions ‘extended’ and ‘retracted’. A pushbutton is used to control the cylinder in such a way that it moves from one end position to the opposite end position. The cylinder must only move once each time the pushbutton is pressed. In order to cause the cylinder to move again, the pushbutton must be released and pressed again.

• 2 sensors for the cylinder end positions
• 1 pushbutton
• 1 actuator controls the cylinder

I/O-SIM is a comfortable tool for commissioning of any MPS® Station. You need following I/O data cable ( order no. 034 031)

You can set output signals and view the sensor signals of a connected MPS® Station.

Switch - Strobe
The strobe switch enables the switches Bit 0 to Bit 7. To generate output signals via the switches Bit 0 to Bit 7, the strobe switch must be set left. You have to push the strobe switch to the right side if you want to send a signal pattern set by the switches Bit 0 to Bit 7 at well defined time slots.

Switches - Bit 0 to Bit 7
Using these switches you can set output signals or you can generate a bit pattern depending on the position of the strobe switch.

LEDs - Bit 0 to Bit 7
The LEDs show the status of sensors of connected MPS® Station.

Test it...