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 ...

Icons appear in different colors to let users know at a glance whether or not an interface or device has been configured. A connection editor provides interface and device definition and configuration ...

Some common pitfalls in machine safety have to do with not wiring devices correctly. Many devices today can cover a range of safety levels, such as SIL 1 through SIL 3, but have different wiring ...

This paper attempts a journey right from configuring a PLC, writing application program to code generation along with run-time configurations and RTOS abstraction for embedding it into PLC hardware ...

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 ...

As engineers, we often need to design a customized control system or interface to address a need which can”t be met with an off-the-shelf interface device. In the used-to-be days, we”d get a Bud box, ...