When a PLC is used primarily to replace relays, timers, and counters, it's hard to beat the simplicity and usefulness of ladder diagram programming. Their ability to accept programming in ladder ...

In part one of this series, we looked at the PLC’s internal architecture, briefly discussed Ladder Logic programming, Human-Machine Interfaces, advantages of the PLC’s ability to react consistently ...

As the title suggests, I'm looking for something to help me learn the basics of PLC programming. We're looking to develop the ability to do it in-house rather than wait for a contractor to come in and ...

Have you ever found yourself deep into a complex PLC program, struggling to decipher the logic behind it? Frustrating, right? Well, what if I told you there’s a powerful tool that can not only ...

Ladder logic uses switch or relay contacts to implement Boolean expressions. In years past, ladder logic was made possible with discrete relays and was sometimes termed “relay logic.” Today most ...

Old habits die hard. But change is inevitable. And in this case, if proponents are right, change is on the way in the form of an open PLC programming standard known as IEC 61131-3. Promulgated by the ...

Recently I became interested in PLC programming. I'm not planning on working in this field on building a career, just want to play with a bit. I've some background in software development and ...

A new family of PLC-controlled robots combines a SCARA robot with a PLC Server that allows direct programming of the robot from the Allen-Bradley family of PLCs, through a DF-1 serial connection. The ...

This file type includes high-resolution graphics and schematics when applicable. One of the key parts of automation is observing variation, and a process’ ability to control it. Reducing variation ...

On the surface, a programmable logic controller (PLC) might seem like nothing more than a generic microcontroller, perhaps outfitted to operate in industrial settings with things like high ...