The effect of IEC 1131-3 on the testing process for real time software applications [PLCs]

IEC 1131-3 provides an excellent opportunity for PLC vendors to assist the test engineer. The implementation will facilitate the testing process and will lead to portability of tested software a reduced learning curve, a consistent programming methodology and increased reliability. It is not envisaged that this will happen overnight but the vendors should be encouraged to include the standard in the next generation of PLCs. It is the responsibility of the PLC industry and the purchasers of PLC software to ensure that the standard is implemented by specifying that the software is developed and tested in accordance with IEC 1131-3