Introduction To PLC Ladder PDF

Learn Ladder Logic
Table of Contents
Legal Notice ........................................................................................................................... 2
Preface ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 1 Establish a Base ........................................................................................................ 5
Rails & Rungs......................................................................................................................... 6
Understanding the logical flow of rungs .................................................................................. 8
A bit about instructions ..........................................................................................................12
Tags, an address to memory .................................................................................................15
Creating Tag Names ..........................................................................................................15
Tag Data Types .................................................................................................................16
Project Structure....................................................................................................................18
Project Tasks .....................................................................................................................18
Programs ...........................................................................................................................19
Program Routines ..............................................................................................................19
End of Chapter Review ..........................................................................................................20
Putting it all together ..............................................................................................................20
End of chapter review Questions. ..........................................................................................21
Test Answers.........................................................................................................................25
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Legal Notice
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of the book may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the
publisher..
This book expresses the author’s views and opinions. The infomration
contained in this book is provided without any express, statutory, or implied
warranties. Neither the author, nor its resellers or distributors will be held
liable for any damages caused or alleged to be caused either directly or
indirectly by this book.
Learn Ladder Logic
Preface
T
his eBook is for anyone who wants to learn ladder logic. Whether your
goal is to trouble-shoot logic, write programs, or simply learn how to
make changes to a process, you’re on the right track. The best way to
accomplish these goals, you the future programmer/technician, must
understand the intent and architecture of ladder logic. Identifying the various
parts and pieces of a ladder logic project, and how these pieces relate to one
another is the forefront to learning the language. It’s all but impossible to
troubleshoot and write code without first being able to identify the various
components and understand the logical flow of the language.
Ladder logic is a language, and learning a language can be difficult, learning a

language lacking the proper tools is plain torture. This eBook teaches the
language, the fundamentals. Material is presented in such a way that the
reader is not inundated with technical data, which would be a recipe for
disaster.
The material in this book is not an attempt to regurgitate datasheets which are
readily available. It’s a roadmap for successfully mastering ladder logic. It’s
written by a programmer working in the field, not a technical-writer in a
cubicle collecting a paycheck. Publications churned out by corporations have a
place, and that is to provide specific information when and where it’s needed
for both technical and legal reasons. If you have unsuccessfully tried to decode
ladder logic from material like this, as I have, don’t fret it’s not your fault; the
material is dry and not intended to teach the language. Rockwell Software has
extensive libraries covering technical material. Datasheets, help files, and
programming publications are freely available. Don’t misunderstand; technical
information is necessary, but necessary when you need it. It’s not a good read
and probably doesn’t belong in a book, certainly not this one.
This book is about fundamentals. If you want to learn the structure of a

project, learn how to read and write ladder logic, learn how to navigate code,
and avoid common pitfalls then this book is for you. If you are looking for
specific details pertaining to software or hardware use the supplied help files
and check out the knowledge base at www.rockwellsoftware.com . You can also
check out www.ladder-logic.com for more specifics.
Finally, if you’re looking for a quick fifteen minute solution to trouble-shooting

and programming ladder logic expect some disappointment in your life. Put
simply; that book, online course, or free tutorial doesn’t exist. Learning Ladder
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logic takes time, dedication, effort, and practice. This eBook is an excellent
start, so free yourself from distractions and dig in.
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Chapter 1 Establish a Base
T
his book is about learning ladder logic. If you’re reading this book then
it’s assumed that you at least have a basic understanding of
Programmable Logic Controllers. If not you should.
A PLC is a computer, or more precisely an industrial computer. PLC’s are

designed to withstand harsh environments; assembly lines, mines, food
processing plants, automotive plants and more. Most PLC’s are modular; they
can be scaled up or down as needed. Inputs cards, output cards,
communication cards, motion control cards all can be added or removed to
satisfy most engineering needs. They are designed for a very specific purpose,
machine control. The PLC is the brain of any intelligent control system.
Just as the integrated circuit chip replaced multiple transistor circuits in

electronics, the PLC replaced multiple electromechanical relays in industrial
circuits. Automated equipment from the not so distant past was controlled by
electromechanical relays, and lots of them. Complex machines contained
thousands of relays. Today a single PLC can replace all the logical relays,
timers, and other peripheral devices common in the machines of the past. The
modern PLC can control machines, collect data, crunch numbers and so much
more. All they need is an architect, someone to tell them what to do.
Enter you the programmer/technician, master of virtual circuits, more

specifically the master of ladder logic, the language of virtual relay circuits. As
the story has been told, ladder logic was developed for engineers who were
skilled at designing and working with ladder diagrams. Ladder logic was
developed as a programming language to mimic ladder diagrams, it emulates
industrial electrical circuits. These virtual circuits made up of rails, rungs, and
instructions are packaged into routines, programs and tasks. The aim of this
eBook is to place each component of the language under the virtual microscope
to acquire a better understanding of roles and how the various components
relate to one another.
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Rails & Rungs
Ladder logic is similar to a ladder; you know the kind you climb. I’m not
kidding stick with me here. There are two major components two a ladder, rails
and rungs, Ladder logic is structured similarly. A ladder diagram has rails and
rungs. The rails represent the opposing polarities of an electrical circuit and
the rungs represent wires connected between the two.
Let’s back up just a little. It’s important to point out that most programming
languages are textual. That is the code is written out. Compare the following
code written in a textual based programming language with the equivalent code
created with ladder logic.
If Button_Pressed Then
Structured Text is a
Light := 1;
Else textual PLC programming
Light := 0; language.
End_IF;
The above example is a textual language called Structured Text. Note that the
code is written in a structured format. Below is the equivalent statement
written using ladder logic.
Rails
Rung
Contact Coil
Ladder logic is a graphical language as opposed to a textual based language.

Rather than writing code in a text editor, rungs are placed between rails, and
instructions are placed on the rungs. The rung along with the instructions
make the code.
Using the same rung example let’s explore how the graphical based ladder logic
programming software emulates industrial electrical circuits made up of
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electromechanical components. Ladder logic is intended to be written, read and

executed using principles defined by electrical circuits. This can be confusing
for people who are used to writing and reading textual based programming
languages. Ladder logic was developed for electrical engineers and technicians
as a way to write software that emulates electrical circuits.
Below is an example of an electrical circuit. The circuit consists of a battery

connected to a switch in series with a load. When the switch is closed an
electrical path is created allowing current to flow through the circuit. As the
current flows, the light is energized, or turned on. When the switch is opened
the electrical path is removed and the light turns off.
Below is an example of how the circuit could be created with ladder logic
software. The left and right rails represent the opposing polarities of the power
source. Think of the left and right rails as the positive and negative terminals of
the battery as shown above. The rung represents the wires that connect the
components together. This rung behaves just like the electrical circuit
described above.
Note the green highlighting of the rails; this indicates that the PLC is in active
scan mode. In the first rung, only the rails are highlighted. The Switch contact
is not highlighted indicating that the Switch contact is open. The path from one
rail to the other is open resulting in the Load coil being off. In the second rung
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the Switch contact is highlighted in green indicating the Switch is closed. A

path to the load coil is created; notice the Load coil is highlighted indicating it
is on.
Green Highlighting is used to indicate the state of contacts, coils, and rails.
Green highlighting on a contact indicates the contact is closed; a path to the
right of the contact is present. The absence of highlighting indicates the
contact is open; no path to the right of the contact exists.
In the case of the coil green highlighting indicates the coil is on while the
absence of highlighting indicates the coil is off.
Rather than thinking in terms of If Then Else statements ladder logic can be
thought of in terms of contacts, coils and wires. Consider a contact as an input
and a coil as an output. If the contact is closed an electrical path is created via
the rung which energizes the coil. If the contact is open the electrical path is
removed and the coil is de-energized. Contacts, or rung inputs, create a logical
path that energizes coils, or rung outputs.
Key concepts - This is a basic fundamental concept of ladder logic, read it

again. If you don’t understand this material there’s not much point in moving
forward. Put simply, the input rung logic creates a
path to an output. The output is the action; it can be
anything, turning on a light, indexing a counter, Ladder logic is scanned like
initiating a database lookup. Inputs always reside left a book is read; from top to
in respect to an associated output. It makes sense bottom, left to right.
when you think about program flow, which is always
from left to right.
Understanding the logical flow of rungs

Similar to climbing-ladders programs consist of more than one rung. Each
rung can be thought of as a single logical circuit. Rungs can be related to other
rungs or completely independent of one another. Take the following rung
examples. Using the logical flow analysis described above, determine the value
of the output coils. What conditions must be satisfied in order to turn on the
output coils of the following rungs?
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The above rung has an unconditional output.

There are no inputs to evaluate in order to Rungs reside in routines. Routines can be
turn the output coil on hence the scanned or not, it’s configurable. Just
unconditional part of the rung. As a side because rails are highlighted doesn’t
note rungs reside in routines which are mean the rung logic is being executed.
blocks of code. Routines may or may not be
called or executed. Rails are highlighted in
green even if the rung logic is not executed.
The highlighting of the rails indicates the processor is in active scan mode.
These two rungs demonstrate that a contact can be addressed to an output

coil. The second rung is dependent upon the output coil of the first rung. If the
first rung is evaluated as false the output of the second rung will also be false.
If the output of the first rung is true then the output of the second will also be
true.
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The above example is a conditional rung with

two input contacts. Both contacts have to be Trouble-shooting tip: Look at the
closed in order to create a logical path to the
state of the output coil first. Look for
output coil. This type of circuit is known as and
the green highlighting of the coil. If
logic because contact 1 and contact 2 must be
the coil is off trace the logic backward
closed to turn the output coil on. Looking at the
from there.
states of the input coils what is the condition of
the output coil on or off? Input_1 is on while
Input_2 is off resulting in an open circuit leaving the coil Ouput_1 off.
The example above is another conditional rung with two contacts. In this
scenario only one contact needs to be closed in order to create a logical path to
the output coil. This type of circuit is known as or logic. Either contac1 or
contact 2 is required to be closed to turn on the output coil. Notice that this
circuit has the same number of inputs and outputs as the previous circuit. The
only difference between the rungs is where the inputs have been placed. The
placement of contacts and coils determines the logic of the rung. The virtual
wire that connects Input_2 to the rung is known as a branch. The inputs of this
circuit are in parallel while the inputs of the previous and logic circuit are in
series.
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The above rung is a conditional rung with two contacts and two coils. Notice
the contacts reside on the right side of the rung, but still left of their respective
output coils. If contact 1 is closed, Output_1 coil is on. If contact 2 is closed
Output_2 coil is on. This rung has two circuits in parallel. The circuits are
independent of one another; therefore the rung has two possible outputs.
Recall that the previous rung contained a branch that was described as or
logic. Would this rung be described similarly? Not necessarily, because the
output coils are not part of or logic in respect to the input contacts. Observe
the Output_2 coil; it turns on only when Input_2 is closed, not Input_1 or
Input_2. Output_1 behaves similarly with respect to the Input_1 contact.
Once again, determining the logic of the rung is all about where contacts and
coils are placed. When determining the rung output remember the logical flow
is always from left to right or input to output. Incidentally the flow is always
from top to bottom as well. That means that Input_1 and Ouput_1 are solved
before Input_2 and Output_2.
The above rung looks similar to the previous rung with the exception of the
first conditional contact. Adding this contact creates two and logic circuits.
The two circuits still act independently in respect to one another.
Circuit 1 – Input_1 and Input_2 must be closed to turn on Output_1 coil.
Circuit 2 – Input_1 and Input_3 must be closed in order to turn on Output_2 coil.
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The above rung may be confusing and seem to break the left to right rule at
first however it can also be broken down into two logical circuits.
Circuit 1 – Input_1 must be closed in order to turn on Output_1.
Circuit 2 – Input_1 and Input_2 must be closed in order to turn on Output_2.

Output_1 has no bearing on the output of circuit 2.
Again the input is always on the left in respect to the output of the circuit.
Complex rungs like the one above can be broken down into individual circuits
to decipher the appropriate logical flow to the outputs. As a side note rungs
written like this are completely legitimate and completely confusing. There are
several ways to write this circuit that would cause less confusion. Can you
think of any?
A bit about instructions

Thinking about ladder logic in terms of contacts and coils is an essential part
of understanding the language. Contacts and coils are symbols that can be
placed on rungs to create logical circuits. These symbols have a name they are
called instructions.
RSLogix 5000 has numerous symbolic instructions from very simple to very
complex. You can even create your own custom instructions called Add On
Instructions. Instructions define logical statements. Let’s take a look at a basic
instruction called the Examine If Closed or XIC instruction. Think of an XIC
instruction is a contact; it’s either open or closed. When the contact is closed a
path is created and “current” is allowed to flow from left to right through the
contact. When the contact is open the path is removed removing “current” flow
through the contact. Take a look at the rung below.
XIC – Examine If Closed
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When the input contact (XIC instruction) is closed a path is created allowing
“current” to flow to the output coil. In a real electrical circuit the contact might
be a mechanical switch/button which is closed with a hand. The action of
closing the switch would allow electrons to flow through the circuit resulting in
the output, maybe a light, turning on.
In an electrical circuit the contact and coil are real devices, something which
can be mechanically triggered. In the ladder rung circuit the
contact and coil are symbols. So, how does one press a symbol,
or turn a virtual coil on?
Instructions have arguments called operands. When the above

rung is scanned the contact closes to create a path and opens
to remove a path. The XIC instruction accomplishes this by
checking the value of the argument associated with the instruction. The XIC
instruction, similar to the electromechanical contact has two possible states,
open or closed. The argument associated with the instruction has two possible
states one and zero.
The XIC instruction checks the Operand for its value. If the value is one the
XIC is “closed” and a path is created allowing “current” to flow to the output
coil. If the value is zero the XIC is “open” removing the path of “current” to the
output coil.
The coil symbol is called an Output Energize or OTE instruction.

The OTE instruction also requires an Operand similar to the XIC
instruction. Rather than checking the value of the argument the
OTE sets the value of the argument to either a one or zero. If the XIC
instruction is one a path is created and the OTE sets the associated argument
to one.
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The table below shows the XIC and OTE instructions displaying both possible
states. The XIC instruction has an operand named XIC_Argument and the OTE
instruction has an operand named OTE_Argument.
Instruction
Operand Name Graphics Value Alternate Name
XIC_Argument 1 On True Set
0 Off False Clear
Instruction
Operand Name Graphics Value Alternate Name
OTE_Argument 1 On True Set
0 Off False Clear
Input instructions check values of associated operands, while output

instruction set values of associated operands. Operands can also be called
arguments. The most commonly used instructions are bit instructions. Bit
instructions have two possible states which can be referred to as one and zero,
on and off, set and clear, and true and false.
In order to fully understand the language it must be broken down into logical
components. An instruction is a graphical symbol that instructs the PLC to do
a specific task. In the case of the XIC instruction that task is to check the value
of the associated argument. In the case of the OTE instruction that task is to
set the value of the associated argument.
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Tags, an address to memory

All programming languages make use of what are known as variables. A
variable is simply a memory location, an address. In ladder logic these
variables are called Tags. Tags are basically made up of two parts, the tag
name and the tag type.
RSLogix 5000 software requires users to define tags. Tags are addresses to
memory locations. Picture this, somewhere in the deep dark depths of the PLC
exists a vast array of empty warehouses. These warehouses are memory banks,
one after another, as far as the eye can see. Their sole purpose is to store data.
Accessing these memory locations is simple. All you need to do is create a tag.
To create a tag you simply give it a name and define the amount of memory the
tag will access. The software automatically associates your new tag name to a
spot in the warehouse of memory. To access this memory simply use the tags
name. Easy.
Creating Tag Names

Tags are named by you the programmer. Simple enough right? There are a few
governing rules that must be followed when naming tags which is covered later.
As a general rule tag names should be descriptive. The tag name should have
something to do with what tag was created for.
For instance, suppose you were writing a program that required a door to be
closed in order for a process to start. Your job is to give descriptive names to
tags. What would you call them? You could name it after your nephew,
girlfriend, boyfriend, or dog. What if you could give it a descriptive name that
makes your code more readable? Look at the following examples, which one is
more readable rung -1 or rung-2?
Obviously rung-2 makes much more sense, it’s more readable. If the door is
closed then go ahead and start the machine. Rung-1 is the exact same logic as
Rung-2 however what is the objective of the rung? Why did the programmer
write the rung? The logic does the same thing as Rung-2 but because the tag
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names are irrelevant to the logic who knows what the rung is supposed to
accomplish.
Believe it or not programmers do this all the time. Take this scenario for
example. Alexander works the night shift at the bubble gum plant. The bubble
gum expander machine locks up and won’t run. Alexander, being the savvy
programming type, opens up the program and adds an XIC instruction. All
good, but rather than creating a tag that makes sense he uses his name.
To him this made sense, think about it, if anyone needed to see what he had
done they could simply search for his name and they would surely be
impressed by his witty contribution to the bubble gum expander. In reality
Alexander just made the code hard to read. Don’t be an Alexander, make your
code readable.
Tag Data Types

A tag is a memory location addressable by a name. In order to create an
addressable memory location one has to define the amount of memory that will
be used. When a tag is created you the programmer/technician selects how
much memory the tag will use. To select how much memory a tag will address
simply choose an existing data type. The data type defines the amount of
memory the tag will address. The software has several data types which are
nothing more than predefined memory sizes.
In all the previous rung examples the XIC and OTE instructions used are
binary. They have two states, on and off. Another way of saying binary is
Boolean. According to Google the definition of Boolean is: a binary variable,
having two possible values called “true” and “false”. Incidentally a binary
instruction will only accept binary arguments (tags).
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RSlogix 5000 has several native data types which are referred to as Atomic
Data Types. The software has numerous instructions that require operands of
one or more of the following data types.
Atomic Data Type Description Minimum Maximum Bits
BOOL Binary Data Type 0 1 1 bit
SINT Short Signed Integer -128 +127 8 bit
INT Signed Integer -32,768 +32,767 16 bit
DINT Double Signed Integer -2,147,483,648 +2,147,483,647 32 bit
REAL Real Number +/-1.1754944E-38 +/-3.402823E38 32 bit
As an example the MOV (Move) instruction

requires two operands, a source operand and
a destination operand. The required data type
can be SINT, INT, DINT, or REAL. Unlike the
XIC or OTE instructions the MOV instruction
can accept multiple data types. In the picture
to the right both the Source and Destination
arguments are of type DINT. When the instruction is executed the data in the
memory location addressed by the tag Source_Argument is copied into the
memory location addressed by the tag Destination_Argument. Because the
tags were defined as DINT data types 32 bits of data is copied from the source
to the destination.
Once a tag is created it can be associated with an instruction. Once associated

with an instruction the tag then becomes the argument for the instruction. The
instruction then has the ability to examine or change the addressed data. No
numbered addresses or cryptic codes to remember. Give a tag a unique name
and define the amount of memory it will access.
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Project Structure
Now that you have a better understanding of how the code components of the
language works let’s take a look at an overall project. Specifically where does
the code reside and why? What initiates code execution?
Code and tags make up programs. A program is nothing more than a set of
instructions that execute step by step. RSLogix 5000 has a hierarchy type of
organizational method.
Code, rungs instructions and such, reside in routines. Routines reside in

programs. Programs reside in tasks. Why make it so complicated? To answer
that question let’s ask more questions. Suppose you write a program. What will
initiate your code? What starts the process? Think about it, should it be
started in response from a trigger or event? Should it run continuously over
and over again as soon as it’s placed in the PLC? Maybe it would be better to
run it periodically, say every second until the end of time.
Project Tasks
Programs are assigned to tasks. A task is nothing more than a way to schedule
programs. Every program needs a mechanism to initiate the execution of logic
contained in the program. There are three types of tasks available, the
Continuous Task, the Periodic Task and the Event task.
Continuous Task
The continuous task is initiated when the processor is placed in run mode.
Programs assigned to the continuous task will execute from start to finish.
Once a program in the task completes it immediately starts again.
Periodic Task
A periodic task is triggered at a user selectable time. Programs in this task are
triggered first when the processor is placed in run mode, then at the selected
interval. If the interval is set to 100 milliseconds and the program assigned to
the task takes 10 milliseconds to execute the program will not run again until
the 100 millisecond time interval has expired.
Event Task
An event task is triggered from an event. The event is selectable; it can be
triggered by an instruction, from an input, consumed tag, or motion
operations. In other words there are plenty of selectable triggers to start a
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program. Once a program has completed its execution it waits for another
trigger to start again.
Programs
Programs are nothing more than a logical group of components. These
components are code, variables, and routines. Refereeing to a program is
referring to a group of components with the same schedule (task). A single PLC
can have multiple programs. Each program can operate independently or in
conjunction with one other.
Programs are an excellent way to organize projects. Several programmers can

work on a project at once. If a project contains multiple programs multiple
programmers can work on individual programs without stepping on the toes of
others.
If a program already exists that controls a process why create a new one?
Simply import an existing program into a new project. Placing code in
programs makes the code portable. It can be transferred from one process to
another with little or no modifications if it was written and grouped correctly.
Program Routines
Routines serve several purposes they can up a program, make it more
readable. They can give sections of code that ability to be conditional. They can
be used to pass parameters allowing code to be called again and again
crunching different data. This can make code smaller and is covered in later
material.
It’s possible to write an entire program in one routine although not advised.
Every program has at least one routine, the main routine. It is executed
unconditionally, meaning it is called when the program is triggered. All code in
the main routine is scanned when the program is triggered.
Any subsequent routines in a program must be called

with a Jump To Subroutine (JSR) instruction. Routines
can be called conditionally by placing conditions on a
JSR instruction. JSR instructions can also pass and receive parameters from
routines. Routines are inherent to programs. They are logical elements of a
program.
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End of Chapter Review

Ladder logic is a graphical programming language used to create virtual
circuits. Ladder logic is the most commonly used programming language for
PLC programming. The code part of ladder logic is comprised of rungs,
instructions and tags. There are two types of instructions input instructions
and output instructions. Input instructions examine data while output
instructions change data. Variables or tags are addresses to memory locations.
Instructions examine/change data addressed by tags. Tags are nothing more
than addresses to a defined block of memory.
When a rung is scanned it is done so from top to bottom, left to right never in
reverse. A single rung can have multiple circuits or outputs. The output of a
rung is dependent on the placement of instructions and branches.
PLC projects are made up of at least one program scheduled in one task. The
code is made up of various components dispersed in logical routines.
Putting it all together

This chapter serves as a base for learning the language. After completing this
chapter, you the reader, should be able to clearly identify basic rung logic. You
should also be able to identify the various components that make up code.
Code is made of rungs, branches, instructions and tags. The code resides in
routines, routines reside in programs, and programs reside in tasks which are
all covered in the book.
These basic components serve as the base of ladder logic. As you will soon
discover there are more complex instructions and tags. Some instructions are
dedicated to managing program flow rather than manipulating data. Tags can
get more complex with aliasing, arrays, and visibility. The important thing to
remember is that regardless of the complexity of the components they all follow
the same basic rules.
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End of chapter review Questions.

Each chapter is followed up with a brief set of supplemental questions. The
questions are designed to instill key concepts.
1. A modern PLC is capable of running multiple programs. True or

False.
2. Highlighting an instruction and pressing the ___ key will bring up a

context sensitive help file.
a) H
b) F1
c) F
d) CTL + H
3. Ladder Logic programming, similar to other languages is a textual based

language. True or False.
4. Which of the following statements best describes an unconditional rung :

a) A rung which has a parallel branch.
b) A rung with at least one input instruction.
c) A rung that is dependent upon another rung.
d) A rung with an output instruction only.
5. The scan flow of a rung always follows what path?

a) Left to Right
b) Input to Output
c) Is dependent upon the placement of the instructions
d) Is selectable when the rung is created
6. Output instructions are always ______ of their respective input

instructions.
a) Complimentary
b) Right
c) Inherited as well as complimentary
d) The inverse
7. Which statement best describes the OTE instruction.

a) An OTE instruction is an output instruction that sets or clears
data addressed by an associated tag.
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b) The OTE instruction is an output instruction that sets the data

addressed by an associated tag. An OTI instruction is used to clear
the data.
c) The OTE instruction can be used as either an input or output
instruction. It inherits its properties from an associated input
instruction.
d) An OTE instruction is an output instruction that sets or clears
data addressed by an associated tag. Only one OTE instruction is
allowed per rung.
8. The XIC instruction is an input instruction that examines the data
addressed by an associated tag. True or False
9. Using the following input tag values, find the values of the tags
referenced to the OTE instructions.
Switch_1 = 1, Switch_2 = 1, Switch_3 = 0
Ouput_1 ___ Output_2___ Output_3___ Ouput_4___ Output_5____
10. Bit Instructions require arguments. Arguments are placeholders

for _____ .
a) Tags
b) Rungs
c) Routines
d) Programs
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11. A tags name is essentially a(n) ______ to a memory location.

a) cypher
b) address
c) communication asset
d) peer connection
12. There are ____ different types of tasks available for scheduling
programs.
13. Each program in the PLC must be scheduled in a different task.

True or False.
14. Every program has a default main routine which is triggered when
the program is run. How are subsequent routines called?
a) From the task scheduler

b) With a JSR instruction
c) Automatically after the main routine is called
d) Alphabetical order
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Test Answers
1. True, PLC’s can run multiple programs scheduled in a continuous,
periodic or event task.
2. b) F1 key. Highlighting an instruction and pressing the F1 key will bring
up a context sensitive help file. Use it.
3. False, Ladder Logic is a graphical based programming language, unlike
popular PC based programming languages such as Java and C++.
4. d) A rung with an output instruction only. Note the question asked which
selection best describes an unconditional rung. An unconditional rung
could have several outputs.
5. a) Left to Right.
6. b) Right. Outputs will always be right of their respective inputs.
7. a) An OTE instruction is an output instruction that sets or clears data
addressed by an associated tag.
8. True, an XIC or Examine If Closed instruction examines the data of the
operand or tag.
9. Output_1 = 1, Output_2 = 1, Output_3 = 1, Output_4 = 1, Output_5 = 0
10. a) Tags
11. b) Address
12. Three available tasks. Continuous, Periodic, and Event.
13. False, multiple programs can be scheduled in each task.
14. b) With a JSR or Jump To Subroutine instruction.

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Learn Ladder Logic

Ladder logic is a language, and learning a language can be difficult, learning a

This book is about fundamentals. If you want to learn the structure of a

Finally, if you’re looking for a quick fifteen minute solution to trouble-shooting

Chapter 1 Establish a Base

A PLC is a computer, or more precisely an industrial computer. PLC’s are

Just as the integrated circuit chip replaced multiple transistor circuits in

Enter you the programmer/technician, master of virtual circuits, more

Rails & Rungs

Ladder logic is a graphical language as opposed to a textual based language.

electromechanical components. Ladder logic is intended to be written, read and

Below is an example of an electrical circuit. The circuit consists of a battery

the Switch contact is highlighted in green indicating the Switch is closed. A

Key concepts - This is a basic fundamental concept of ladder logic, read it

Understanding the logical flow of rungs

The above rung has an unconditional output.

These two rungs demonstrate that a contact can be addressed to an output

The above example is a conditional rung with

Circuit 1 – Input_1 and Input_2 must be closed to turn on Output_1 coil.

Circuit 1 – Input_1 must be closed in order to turn on Output_1.

Circuit 2 – Input_1 and Input_2 must be closed in order to turn on Output_2.

A bit about instructions

XIC – Examine If Closed

Instructions have arguments called operands. When the above

The coil symbol is called an Output Energize or OTE instruction.

XIC_Argument 1 On True Set

0 Off False Clear

OTE_Argument 1 On True Set

0 Off False Clear

Input instructions check values of associated operands, while output

Tags, an address to memory

Creating Tag Names

Tag Data Types

Atomic Data Type Description Minimum Maximum Bits

BOOL Binary Data Type 0 1 1 bit

SINT Short Signed Integer -128 +127 8 bit

INT Signed Integer -32,768 +32,767 16 bit

DINT Double Signed Integer -2,147,483,648 +2,147,483,647 32 bit

REAL Real Number +/-1.1754944E-38 +/-3.402823E38 32 bit

As an example the MOV (Move) instruction

Once a tag is created it can be associated with an instruction. Once associated

Code, rungs instructions and such, reside in routines. Routines reside in

Programs are an excellent way to organize projects. Several programmers can

Any subsequent routines in a program must be called

End of Chapter Review

Putting it all together

End of chapter review Questions.

1. A modern PLC is capable of running multiple programs. True or

2. Highlighting an instruction and pressing the ___ key will bring up a

3. Ladder Logic programming, similar to other languages is a textual based

4. Which of the following statements best describes an unconditional rung :

5. The scan flow of a rung always follows what path?

6. Output instructions are always ______ of their respective input

7. Which statement best describes the OTE instruction.

b) The OTE instruction is an output instruction that sets the data

Switch_1 = 1, Switch_2 = 1, Switch_3 = 0

Ouput_1 ___ Output_2___ Output_3___ Ouput_4___ Output_5____

10. Bit Instructions require arguments. Arguments are placeholders

11. A tags name is essentially a(n) ______ to a memory location.

13. Each program in the PLC must be scheduled in a different task.

a) From the task scheduler

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