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PLC Programming Examples

Real-world PLC projects with full ladder + Structured Text code, I/O lists, and step-by-step explanations. Each example shows the full solution to a problem you'll meet on the plant floor.

Beginner30 minutes

Traffic Light PLC Program

Single-intersection traffic light controller with N-S and E-W phases plus all-red interval

TimersState machineSequential control
Intermediate1 hour

Water Tank Level Control

Two-pump water tank with high/low level sensors, alternating pumps for even wear, high-high alarm trip

Level controlPump alternationAlarm logic
Intermediate1 hour

Conveyor with Photoeye Sort

Conveyor running at constant speed sorting parts by photoeye into two reject bins

Photoeye triggeringEdge detectionPneumatic actuator timing
Intermediate1 hour

HVAC Zone Temperature Control

Single-zone temperature control with PID heater output, thermostat dead-band, and occupied/unoccupied scheduling

PID controlDead-bandOccupied/unoccupied scheduling
Beginner30 minutes

Motor Reversing with Interlock

Bidirectional motor with start/stop buttons for forward and reverse, with software interlock preventing both contactors energising simultaneously

Seal-inSoftware interlockMutual exclusion
Advanced2-3 hours

Batch Mixer Sequence

Three-ingredient batch process with parallel filling, weighing, mixing, and discharge using SFC-style state machine

Sequential function chartParallel branchesWeight-based control
Intermediate1 hour

Parking Gate Controller

Single-lane parking gate with vehicle loops, RFID/ticket trigger, gate motor with safety photoeye

Vehicle detectionSafety photoeyeTimed gate cycle
Intermediate1 hour

Pump PID Flow Control

Centrifugal pump with VFD modulating to maintain a flow setpoint via PID control

PID controlVFD modulationFlow control