Lecture

PLC Programming: Basics and Languages

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In course

CS-487: Industrial automation

This course consists of two parts:

architecture of automation systems, hands-on lab
dependable systems and handling of faults and failures in real-time systems, including fault-tolerant computing ...

Description

This lecture covers the basics of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), including the main components such as the CPU, digital and analog inputs/outputs, and communication interfaces. It delves into PLC programming languages like Ladder Diagram (LAD), Instruction List (IL), Structured Text (ST), and Sequential Function Chart (SFC). The instructor explains the importance of the IEC 61131-3 standard, the evolution of PLC programming, and the limitations of IEC 61131. Practical exercises and examples are provided to illustrate the concepts, such as creating asymmetric sawtooth waves and writing code in different languages. The lecture also discusses the advantages of using PLCs over traditional relay logic and the challenges of using high-level languages like Java or Python for PLC programming.

Instructor

Jean-Charles Tournier

Teaching & PhD Courses Industrial automation CS-487 This course consists of two parts:1) architecture of automation systems, hands-on lab2) dependable systems and handling of faults and failures in real-time systems, including fault-tolerant computing

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Programmable logic controller

A programmable logic controller (PLC) or programmable controller is an industrial computer that has been ruggedized and adapted for the control of manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, machines, robotic devices, or any activity that requires high reliability, ease of programming, and process fault diagnosis. Dick Morley is considered as the father of PLC as he had invented the first PLC, the Modicon 084, for General Motors in 1968.

Ladder logic

Ladder logic was originally a written method to document the design and construction of relay racks as used in manufacturing and process control. Each device in the relay rack would be represented by a symbol on the ladder diagram with connections between those devices shown. In addition, other items external to the relay rack such as pumps, heaters, and so forth would also be shown on the ladder diagram. Ladder logic has evolved into a programming language that represents a program by a graphical diagram based on the circuit diagrams of relay logic hardware.

Automation

Automation describes a wide range of technologies that reduce human intervention in processes, namely by predetermining decision criteria, subprocess relationships, and related actions, as well as embodying those predeterminations in machines. Automation has been achieved by various means including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, electronic devices, and computers, usually in combination. Complicated systems, such as modern factories, airplanes, and ships typically use combinations of all of these techniques.

Programming language

A programming language is a system of notation for writing computer programs. Most programming languages are text-based formal languages, but they may also be graphical. They are a kind of computer language. The description of a programming language is usually split into the two components of syntax (form) and semantics (meaning), which are usually defined by a formal language. Some languages are defined by a specification document (for example, the C programming language is specified by an ISO Standard) while other languages (such as Perl) have a dominant implementation that is treated as a reference.

Comparison of programming languages

Programming languages are used for controlling the behavior of a machine (often a computer). Like natural languages, programming languages follow rules for syntax and semantics. There are thousands of programming languages and new ones are created every year. Few languages ever become sufficiently popular that they are used by more than a few people, but professional programmers may use dozens of languages in a career. Most programming languages are not standardized by an international (or national) standard, even widely used ones, such as Perl or Standard ML (despite the name).

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