In PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is an electronic solid-state device that can control a process or a machine and has the ability to be programmed or reprogrammed quickly according to the demand of the application.
It was invented to replace the relay-based sequential circuits that were necessary for machine control. The PLC works by monitoring its inputs, and depending on its status, activating and deactivating its outputs.
PLCs are used in many applications:
- Parts machining
- Packaging machines
- Material handling
- Automatic assembly
- Petrochemical / Chemical
- Mining
- And in general, any type of application that requires electrical controls can use a PLC.
Top 15 PLC Brands
- ABB
- Allen-Bradley
- Siemens
- Honeywell
- Mitsubishi
- Yokogawa
- Toshiba
- General Electric
- Omron
- Schneider Automation
- Reliance
- Hitachi
- Modicon/Gould
- AutomationDirect/PLC Direct/Koyo
- Cutler Hammer
Types of PLC
Compact PLC
- Monolithic construction
- Monoprocessor
- Fieldbus connection
Modular PLC
- Modular construction (backplane)
- One- or multiprocessor system
- Fieldbus and LAN connection
Soft-PLC
- Windows NT or CE-based automation products
- Direct use of CPU or co-processors
Top PLC Brands & types of PLC
At present many brands and types of PLC are widely used in industries ranging from low-end to high-end. This below table provides an overview of various PLC brands, their product ranges, and the typical industries or applications where they are used.
| Brand | Types of PLC | Industry Application |
| Siemens | SIMATIC S7-1200 (Compact, Basic) | General automation, small to medium-scale systems |
| SIMATIC S7-1500 (Advanced) | High-end automation, complex industrial systems | |
| LOGO! (Small, Basic) | Simple control tasks, small machines | |
| Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) | MicroLogix (Compact, Low-end) | Small systems, low-end applications |
| CompactLogix (Medium) | Machine automation, mid-range industries | |
| ControlLogix (High-end) | High-end automation, large-scale systems | |
| Mitsubishi Electric | MELSEC iQ-R (High-end) | Advanced manufacturing and industrial applications |
| MELSEC iQ-F (Compact) | Small systems, factory automation | |
| Schneider Electric | Modicon M221 (Compact) | Machine automation, simple tasks |
| Modicon M580 (High-end, PAC) | Process automation, complex control tasks | |
| Omron | CP1 (Compact, Low-end) | Compact machines, small-scale automation |
| NX1 (Advanced, High-end) | High-speed control, data management | |
| ABB | AC500 (Modular, High-end) | Power, water, and large industrial automation |
| Delta Electronics | DVP Series (Compact) | Basic automation, small machines |
| Keyence | KV Series (Compact, High-speed) | High-speed applications, precision control |
| Hitachi | MICRO-EHV+ (Compact, Medium-end) | Factory automation, small to medium machines |
| Yokogawa | FA-M3 (Modular) | High-speed process automation, manufacturing |
| Honeywell | ControlEdge (High-end, Integrated with DCS) | Process control, plant automation |
| Fuji Electric | Micrex-F (Modular) | Industrial automation, factory control |
PLC Brands List by Country-Wise
This comprehensive list includes PLC brands from various countries, covering a wider range of manufacturers in the automation industry.
| Country | Leading Automation Brands |
| Japan | Omron Industrial Automation, Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, Fuji Electric, Yokogawa Electric, Toshiba, Panasonic, Keyence |
| United States | Emerson Electric, Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley), General Electric (GE), Honeywell |
| Germany | Siemens, Bosch, Phoenix Contact, Beckhoff Automation |
| Switzerland | ABB |
| France | Schneider Electric, Modicon (Schneider Automation) |
| Taiwan | Delta Electronics, Fatek |
| Israel | Unitronics |
| China | Wecon Technology, Kinco, Inovance |
| India | RS Enterprises, General Industrial Controls (GIC), Siemens |
| Italy | Gefran |
| South Korea | LS Electric (formerly LG Industrial Systems) |
| Austria | B&R Automation (A member of ABB group) |
| Canada | Schneider Electric (formerly Modicon, primarily developed in North America) |
What is the best brand of PLC?
The “best” brand of PLC depends on the application, industry, and budget. Some of the most reputable and widely recognized brands include Siemens, Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley), Mitsubishi Electric, Schneider Electric, and Omron. Siemens is often favored for complex automation tasks, while Allen-Bradley is highly popular in the Americas.
Who are the PLC manufacturers?
Leading manufacturers of PLCs include:
- Siemens
- Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley)
- Schneider Electric
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Omron
- ABB
- Delta Electronics
- Yokogawa
- Honeywell
- GE Automation
What are the 5 types of PLC?
The five types of PLCs are categorized based on size, performance, and application:
- Compact PLCs (for small-scale automation)
- Modular PLCs (with flexible, expandable I/O)
- Distributed PLCs (used in distributed control systems)
- Safety PLCs (designed for safety-critical applications)
- Motion Control PLCs (used in motion control systems)
Which is the most popular PLC in India?
In India, Siemens and Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) are highly popular PLC brands, especially in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. Siemens’ SIMATIC series and Rockwell’s ControlLogix series are widely used.
What company uses PLC?
PLCs are used by companies across various industries such as:
Energy (e.g., NTPC, Reliance Power)
Manufacturing (e.g., Tata Steel, Toyota)
Automotive (e.g., Ford, Mahindra)
Food and Beverage (e.g., Coca-Cola, Nestlé)
Oil and Gas (e.g., Indian Oil, ONGC)
Pharmaceutical (e.g., Pfizer, Sun Pharma)
