Abstract :
Programmable logic controller is the topic of this paper. For several decades, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) have been the most often used implementation platform for control algorithms in industrial applications. After their introduction in 1969, various companies developed PLCs with different run-time environments, operating systems, and programming languages. To reduce complexity for the users of PLCs, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) elaborated the standard IEC 61131. IEC 61131-3 (published in 1992) specifies five PLC programming languages based on the existing programming languages but abstracting from proprietary peculiarities: the textual programming languages instruction list (QV) and structured text (ST), the graphical programming languages function block diagram (FBD) and ladder diagram (LD), and the structuring tool and higher level programming language sequential function chart (SFC). Although programmers had to get used to these languages first, they have now become a standard that is accepted and appreciated around the world, as it reduces training efforts and fosters harmonization. The integration of motion control and safety functions are discussed in this paper.
Keywords :
IEC standards; industrial control; motion control; programmable controllers; programming languages; IEC 61131-3 standard; function block diagram; instruction list; ladder diagram; motion control; operating systems; programmable logic controllers; programming languages; runtime environments; safety functions; sequential function chart; structured text; Computer languages; Electrical equipment industry; IEC standards; Industrial control; Motion control; Operating systems; Programmable control; Programming profession; Runtime environment; Safety;
