3
I/O Wiring Strategies
The DL205 PLC system is very flexible and will work in many different wiring
configurations. By studying this section before actual installation, you can probably find the
best wiring strategy for your application. This will help to lower system cost, wiring errors,
and avoid safety problems.
PLC Isolation Boundaries
PLC circuitry is divided into three main regions separated by isolation boundaries, shown in
the drawing below. Electrical isolation provides safety, so that a fault in one area does not
damage another. A powerline filter will provide isolation between the power source and the
power supply. A transformer in the power supply provides magnetic isolation between the
primary and secondary sides. Opto-couplers provide optical isolation in Input and Output
circuits. This isolates logic circuitry from the field side, where factory machinery connects.
Note the discrete inputs are isolated from the discrete outputs, because each is isolated from
the logic side. Isolation boundaries protect the operator interface (and the operator) from
power input faults or field wiring faults. When wiring a PLC, it is extremely important to
avoid making external connections that connect logic side circuits to any other.
In addition to the basic circuits covered above, AC-powered and 125VDC bases include an
aux24VDC power supply with its own isolation boundary. Since the supply output is
isolated from the other three circuits, it can power input and/or output circuits!
Input Module
CPU
Comm.
Main
Power
Supply
Auxiliary
+24VDC
Supply
To Programming
Device, Operator
Inputs Commons
Commons
Outputs
+24VDC Out
PLC
DL205
Interface, Network
Output Module
Internal
Backplane
Supply for
Output Circuit
Primary Side
Secondary, or
Logic side
Field Side
Filter
Power
Input
CPU
Input
Module
Main
Power
Supply
Inputs
Outputs
Power
Input
Output
Module
Primary Side
Secondary, or
Logic side
Field Side
PLC
Programming Device,
Operator Interface, or Network
Isolation
Boundary
Isolation
Boundary
(backplane)
(backplane)
Filter
3
Chapter 3: I/O Wiring and Specifications
3–2
DL205 Installation and I/O Manual, 2nd Edition