9/5/2013

Programming a
Programmable Controller

Objectives

• Describe the available options for programming a

PLC.
• Explain what online is in comparison to offline.
• List the advantages of software programming with a
personal computer over a hand-held programming
terminal.
• Explain the differences when interfacing a notebook
personal computer to a PLC.
• Discuss open or soft PLC programming.
• Provide an overview of the IEC 1131-3 standard.

1
 9/5/2013

PLC Run Mode (1 of 2)

• The PLC can do nothing without someone

developing a program and loading it into the
PLC processor’s memory.

• Once the program has been loaded into PLC

memory, the processor is put into run mode.

• While in run mode, the processor is solving

the ladder program.

PLC Run Mode (2 of 2)

• While in run mode, the processor reads field
device input signals and stores them in
memory.

• There is one memory location for each input

screw terminal’s ON or OFF state.

• Field device status information is stored in

the input status table.

2
 9/5/2013

PLC Programming
• The oldest programming method is the hand-
held programmer.

• Most popular programming method is IBM-

compatible personal computer using either
DOS or Windows software.

• Higher-end PLCs can only be programmed

using software.

Programming Options

Image courtesy of Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation business

3
 9/5/2013

Hand-held Terminal (HHT)

Image courtesy of Allen-Bradley, a Rockwell Automation business

Smart Hand-held Programming

Terminal Advantages
• Compact size

• Easy to use and learn, no software required

• Low cost; cheaper than notebook computer

• Easy to transport a program to the field

• Easy to transfer PLC program to HHT for

editing or troubleshooting

4
 9/5/2013

Smart Hand-held Programming

Terminal Disadvantages

• Holds one program at a time

• Newer more complex processors do not
support
• Limited capability to display ladder rungs
• Documentation not displayed
• Many keystrokes needed to program or edit
ladder program
• Dead battery means program lost

Software Programming
Using PC Advantages

• Newer software Windows-based

• View or monitor multiple ladder rungs
• Documentation displayed
• Easy to scroll through rungs for troubleshooting
• Programs stored on computer’s hard drive
• Programs transferred to floppy or CD-ROM
• Easy editing and programming, drag and drop,
cut and paste, etc.

5
 9/5/2013

IEC 1131-3
Programming Standard
• Defines a consistent set of programming
languages for PLCs:
– Ladder diagram
– Function block diagram
– Instruction list
– Structured text
– Sequential function block