What is the difference between MCU and PLC?

1. Different structure

PLC is a product built on a single-chip microcomputer, which is an integrated circuit. PLC can be regarded as a general-purpose single-chip microcomputer, which is suitable for single-chip microcomputers in industrial sites.

2. Different uses

Single-chip microcomputer can constitute a variety of application systems, ranging from micro, small, medium, and large. PLC is a special case of single-chip microcomputer application systems. The plc is mainly its own industrial performance, mainly its stability. PLC is used in harsh environments, and no single-chip microcomputer is used.

3. Different principles

The PLCs of different manufacturers have the same working principle, similar functions and indicators, have certain interchangeability, and the quality is guaranteed. The programming software is moving towards standardization. This is the basis for PLC to be widely used.

4. Programming is different

PLC is basically a kind of sequential control. The execution order of the program is very fixed, that is, it is executed from left to right and from top to bottom. It is very logical. It can be said that PLC programming is in line with the thinking of electrical engineers. And the single-chip microcomputer must have the basis of assembly or software programming.

But the single-chip microcomputer application system is uneven in quality, and it is very difficult to learn, use and maintain.