Basic PLC Knowledge for Interview
This PDF contains basic PLC interview questions and answers commonly asked for instrumentation and
automation engineering interviews.
Q1. What is PLC?
Ans: PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is an industrial digital controller used to automate machines and
industrial processes.
Q2. Why is PLC used in industries?
Ans: PLC provides reliable automation, easy troubleshooting, flexibility, fast operation, and reduced wiring.
Q3. What are the main parts of a PLC?
Ans: CPU, Power Supply, Input Module, Output Module, Memory, and Communication Module.
Q4. Difference between relay and PLC?
Ans: Relay logic uses hard wiring while PLC uses software programming. PLC is easier to modify and
troubleshoot.
Q5. What are digital inputs and outputs?
Ans: Digital inputs and outputs work only in ON/OFF conditions like push buttons, switches, lamps, and relays.
Q6. What are analog inputs and outputs?
Ans: Analog signals vary continuously such as 4-20 mA or 0-10 V signals from transmitters and control valves.
Q7. What is ladder logic?
Ans: Ladder logic is the most common PLC programming language which resembles electrical relay diagrams.
Q8. What is scan cycle in PLC?
Ans: PLC continuously reads inputs, executes the program, updates outputs, and repeats the process.
Q9. What is a timer in PLC?
Ans: A timer is used to delay operations. Common types are ON-delay timer and OFF-delay timer.
Q10. What is a counter in PLC?
Ans: A counter counts events or pulses. Types include up counter, down counter, and up/down counter.
Q11. What is NO and NC contact?
Ans: NO means Normally Open and NC means Normally Closed contacts used in ladder programming.
Q12. What is interlocking?
Ans: Interlocking is a safety feature used to prevent two opposite operations from occurring simultaneously.
Q13. What is HMI?
Ans: HMI (Human Machine Interface) is used for operator interaction with machines and PLC systems.
Q14. What is SCADA?
Ans: SCADA is a supervisory system used for monitoring and controlling industrial processes remotely.
Q15. What communication protocols are used in PLC?
Ans: Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and DeviceNet are common protocols.
Q16. What is sinking and sourcing?
Ans: These terms define current flow direction between sensors and PLC input modules.
Q17. What is memory in PLC?
Ans: PLC memory stores user programs, data values, timer values, and system information.
Q18. What is retentive memory?
Ans: Retentive memory retains data even after power failure.
Q19. What is watchdog timer?
Ans: A watchdog timer monitors PLC operation and detects program execution faults.
Q20. What is the difference between Siemens and Allen Bradley PLC?
Ans: Both are popular PLC brands. Siemens commonly uses TIA Portal while Allen Bradley uses RSLogix/Studio
5000.
Important PLC Interview Tips
Tip Description
Know Basics Understand PLC hardware and ladder logic fundamentals.
Practice Logic Practice timer, counter, motor start-stop, and interlocking logic.
Communication Learn basic industrial communication protocols.
Troubleshooting Know how to identify input/output faults.
Safety Understand emergency stop and industrial safety concepts.