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Ladder Logic PLC Programming

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Jemima A
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123 views

Ladder Logic PLC Programming

easy to learn

Uploaded by

Jemima A
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ladder Logic PLC Programming

Before Programmable Logic Controllers became popular, relay-based controls were the norm at
most manufacturing sites. Relays drove loads based on the simple logic that was implemented
through the physical wiring of the devices. The wiring of these devices was specified in
electrical drawings that assumed the layout resembling a ladder. As the most basic PLCs
were introduced into the field, ladder logic PLC programming was designed to mimic the layout
of relay-based circuits. In other words, ladder logic was one of the first PLC
programming languages that’s still used today due to simplicity.

PLC Programming Languages - PLC Schematics Leading to Ladder Logic

PLC Programming
Since its inception, ladder logic has evolved significantly. However, the basic principles of
operation remain the same. Ladder logic PLC programming evaluates each rung of a ladder in
sequential order assesses conditional instructions, and if the result evaluates to “TRUE,” the
output instructions are executed.
PLC Programming Languages | Ladder Logic PLC Programming Example in RSLogix 5000

Advantages of Ladder Logic PLC Programming

 Simple to Implement and Troubleshoot | Ladder Logic is a visual language that provides
confirmations of status for most instructions. In other words, it’s easy for someone with
little knowledge of a specific process to walk through the program and understand the
logic.

 Modular Design | Ladder Logic can be easily modified through the addition or
subtraction of logic. Each rung is a separate condition and can be removed or added as
needed.

 Resilience and Consistency | Ladder Logic allows the user to implement many functions.
However, the language is heavily standardized and doesn’t give full flexibility, thus
keeping the code consistent between different implementations.

Drawbacks of Ladder Logic

 Steep Learning Curve | Ladder Logic is a simple language, yet not very intuitive to those
who come with backgrounds in C, C++, Java, or Python. That being said, it may be easier
to grasp for electrical engineers and those with basic knowledge of assembly
programming.

 Slow Deployment | Because of the visual nature of ladder logic, it takes longer a
programmer to create the logic they’ve envisioned. There’s a need to drag and drop
elements that slow down the development process versus other modern programming
languages.

 Unintuitive for Complex Applications | Ladder Logic shines when it comes to sequential
boolean tasks. However, when it comes to modern control theory that involves PIDs,
flow control, analog sensors, and feedback loops, it’s not always easy to implement and
decipher.

Ladder Logic is the most used PLC programming language around the world. It’s easy to work
with and maintain for those who don’t have constant exposure to PLC programming. We
recommend that you begin your PLC programming journey by learning ladder logic first.

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