PLC Tutorial

PLC Programming Languages

Written by October

PLC is considered an easy-to-learn programming language with the advantages of being easy to learn, repair, and compact with a large amount of memory that can accommodate complex programs.

The PLC programming language can communicate with other smart devices such as computers, networking, expansion modules – completely reliable in industrial environments.

There are 6 main PLC programming languages, let’s find out with plctop.com

LAD (Ladder Diagram)

A graphical PLC programming language to represent logical operations with symbolic symbols. It is made up of logical ladders, is one of the standardized PLC programming languages ​​with a ladder structure that is easy to arrange, organize and track, and allows annotation and editing support. online repair.

>>> Brands that support LAD programming language: ABB, Siemens, Schneider, Mitsubishi…

FBD (Function Block Diagram)

This is a function block diagram – a widely used programming language that provides many possibilities and uses to program any function in a PLC program. It is a basic language for all PLC programmers, a great tool for implementing everything from logic to timers, PID controllers or even SCADA systems. The language helps to combine multiple lines of programming into one block or several function blocks.

>>> Brands that support FBD programming language: ABB, Schneider, Siemens, B&R…

ST/STL (Structured Text)

Unlike LAD and FBD, ST/STL is a text-based, high-level programming language that takes up less space, is easier to describe, annotate and print than other PLC programming languages. It is the easiest language to use for programs that use mathematical calculations, formulas, algorithms, and programs with large amounts of data.

>>> Brands that support ST/STL programming languages: Schneider, ABB, B&R, Siemens…

SFC (Sequential Function Chart)

This can be understood as a graphical means to partition the code and display the status or mode of operation visually. Processes can be broken down into key steps that make troubleshooting faster and easier. However, this language is not always suitable for all applications.

>>> Brands that support SFC programming language: Mitsubishi, Schneider, Siemens, ABB…

IL (Instruction List)

It was the first PLC programming language, and a textual programming language. This is a low-level language because when using it, you will work with codes, components like LD, AND, OR…
The advantage of IL is that it is fast and efficient, especially when compared to a graphical language, which uses less memory. However, the language is prone to runtime errors and causes infinite loops or arithmetic operations, making it less common in today’s applications.

C/C++

This is a high-level programming language that programmers need to know and apply. C is a procedural language, while C++ is object-oriented, procedural programming follows the step-by-step principles of functions, while object-oriented programming focuses on objects, inheritance.

Brands that support C/C++ programming language: B&R, Mitsubishi, Unitronics, Beckhoff

About the author

October

Leave a Comment