PLC Programming Guides
Master industrial automation with 756+ comprehensive guides covering 7 major PLC brands, 9 programming features, and 12 real-world use cases.
Featured Guides
Siemens Ladder Logic
Learn to implement Ladder Logic for HVAC Control using TIA Portal
Allen-Bradley Ladder Logic
Learn to implement Ladder Logic for Motor Control using Studio 5000 (formerly RSLogix 5000)
Mitsubishi Ladder Logic
Learn to implement Ladder Logic for Conveyor Systems using GX Works2/GX Works3
Siemens Structured Text
Learn to implement Structured Text for Temperature Control using TIA Portal
Browse by PLC Brand
Siemens
TIA Portal
Industry-leading German manufacturer of PLCs, widely used in Europe and globally. Known for robust engineering tools and extensive documentation.
Allen-Bradley
Studio 5000 (formerly RSLogix 5000)
Rockwell Automation's flagship PLC brand, dominant in North America. Known for reliable hardware and comprehensive ecosystem.
Mitsubishi
GX Works2/GX Works3
Leading Japanese PLC manufacturer with strong presence in Asia-Pacific. Known for compact, high-performance controllers.
Schneider Electric
EcoStruxure Machine Expert
French multinational with comprehensive automation portfolio. Strong in energy management and building automation.
Beckhoff
TwinCAT 3
German PC-based control technology specialist. Known for innovative approach using industrial PCs instead of traditional PLCs.
Rockwell Automation
FactoryTalk Suite
Parent company of Allen-Bradley, offering complete automation solutions including PLCs, HMIs, drives, and software.
ABB
Automation Builder
Swiss-Swedish multinational with strong robotics and automation portfolio. Known for reliability and power industry expertise.
Browse by Programming Feature
Ladder Logic
BeginnerLD (Ladder Diagram)
The most widely used PLC programming language, based on electrical relay logic diagrams. Intuitive for electricians and easy to learn.
Structured Text
Intermediate to AdvancedST (Structured Text)
High-level text-based programming language similar to Pascal. Excellent for complex algorithms and mathematical calculations.
Function Blocks
IntermediateFBD (Function Block Diagram)
Graphical programming using interconnected function blocks. Good balance between visual programming and complex functionality.
Sequential Function Charts (SFC)
IntermediateSFC (Sequential Function Chart)
Graphical language for describing sequential operations. Excellent for batch processes and step-by-step procedures.
Timers
BeginnerStandard function blocks (TON, TOF, TP)
Essential PLC components for time-based control. Includes on-delay, off-delay, and retentive timers for various timing applications.
Counters
BeginnerStandard function blocks (CTU, CTD, CTUD)
PLC components for counting events, cycles, or parts. Includes up-counters, down-counters, and up-down counters.
Data Types
IntermediateStandard data types (BOOL, INT, REAL, etc.)
Understanding PLC data types including BOOL, INT, REAL, STRING, and user-defined types. Essential for efficient programming.
HMI Integration
Intermediate to AdvancedVarious protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP)
Connecting PLCs to Human-Machine Interfaces for visualization, control, and monitoring. Essential for operator interaction.
Communications
AdvancedVarious protocols (OPC UA, Modbus TCP, etc.)
PLC networking and communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and industrial protocols.
Browse by Industrial Use Case
HVAC Control
IntermediateHeating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning control systems using PLCs for temperature regulation, air quality, and energy efficiency.
- •Commercial building climate control
- •Hospital environmental systems
Conveyor Systems
Beginner to IntermediateAutomated material handling using conveyor belts with PLC control for sorting, routing, and tracking products.
- •Airport baggage handling
- •Warehouse distribution
Traffic Light Control
BeginnerAutomated traffic signal control using PLCs for intersection management, timing optimization, and pedestrian safety.
- •City intersection control
- •Highway ramp metering
Temperature Control
IntermediatePrecise temperature regulation using PLCs with PID control for industrial processes, ovens, and thermal systems.
- •Industrial ovens
- •Plastic molding machines
Bottle Filling
Intermediate to AdvancedAutomated bottle filling and capping systems using PLCs for precise volume control, speed optimization, and quality assurance.
- •Beverage bottling lines
- •Pharmaceutical liquid filling
Assembly Lines
Intermediate to AdvancedAutomated production assembly using PLCs for part handling, quality control, and production tracking.
- •Automotive assembly
- •Electronics manufacturing
Pump Control
IntermediateAutomated pump systems using PLCs for water distribution, chemical dosing, and pressure management.
- •Municipal water systems
- •Wastewater treatment
Motor Control
Beginner to IntermediateIndustrial motor control using PLCs for start/stop, speed control, and protection of electric motors.
- •Pump motors
- •Fan systems
Sensor Integration
Beginner to IntermediateIntegrating various sensors with PLCs for data acquisition, analog signal processing, and digital input handling.
- •Environmental monitoring
- •Process measurement
Safety Systems
AdvancedSafety-rated PLC programming for personnel protection, emergency stops, and safety interlocks per IEC 61508/61511.
- •Machine guarding
- •Emergency stop systems
Packaging Automation
Intermediate to AdvancedAutomated packaging systems using PLCs for product wrapping, boxing, labeling, and palletizing.
- •Food packaging lines
- •Pharmaceutical blister packing
Material Handling
Intermediate to AdvancedAutomated material movement using PLCs for warehouse automation, AGVs, and logistics systems.
- •Warehouse automation
- •AGV systems
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