7 Critical Ladder Logic Mistakes That Trip Up New Programmers!

Here are the top 7 problems and concepts beginners struggle with using ladder logic (Ladder Diagram). Ladder logic is a programming language used in PLCs, and it is based on the graphical representation of electrical relay logic circuits. Many beginners struggle with ladder logic because it requires a different mindset than traditional programming languages like … Read more

How Ladder Logic Program Scan Works

How Ladder Logic Program Scan Works

PLC programs scan cyclically. This means that it is repeated many times and in the same order. The primary sequence of a PLC scan is reading the inputs, executing the program, diagnostics, and communication, and updating the outputs. We will look at these scan items with particular attention to how the ladder logic program is … Read more

Master PLC Wiring: Safe Single-Button Start/Stop Control

How to Connect Pushbutton Switch to Programmable Controller

We will connect a lighted pushbutton switch to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Using our Click PLUS PLC, we will be assembling, wiring, programming, and testing our pushbutton switch system. The Fuji Electric pushbutton, normally open (NC) contact, will be wired to the first PLC (X1) input. The LED light will connect to the Click … Read more

Master PLC Programming FREE with Do-More Designer Simulator

Learn PLC Programming Free Now

We can learn plc free by using the Do-More Designer simulator. This is free, fully functional programming and simulator software. The PLC simulator also allows communication through the Ethernet and Serial ports of the computer to help you learn about HMI and communication. This video series will take you through the simulator’s basics of installing, … Read more

Building a PLC Program that you can be Proud of

Building a PLC Program that you can be Proud of

Building a PLC program series will take you through developing and programming PLC logic. This six-part series was released almost seven years ago but is still relevant today. Each part will add and build upon the previous step. This series will look at different ways to solve the same machine logic. Using discrete inputs and … Read more

Timing Diagram NOT Just Used for a Timer

Logic circuits in a PLC ladder logic program are either on or off. The inputs change, which will affect the outputs. This can be expressed in a timing diagram. The timing diagram or chart will show you how the ladder logic program will respond to the changing states of the inputs and outputs. This visual … Read more

Productivity 2000 PLC Ladder Logic Outputs

Productivity 2000 PLC Ladder Logic Outputs

The Productivity Suite Software comprises more than 82 instructions divided into 14 categories. These instructions include Out, Set, Reset, OR Out, Flasher, Debounce, Timed, Toggle, Program End, and No Operation. Coils (Outputs) are one of these categories of ladder logic instructions to program your productivity PLC controller. Ladder logic outputs or coils are in every … Read more

Ladder Logic (NO) Contact – 3 Things to Know

Ladder Logic Normally Open (NO) Contact - 3 Things to Know

Normally open (NO) contacts or inputs in the PLC ladder logic program do not mean the same as a wired normally open switch. NO contacts on the ladder logic provide the logic condition for the rung to turn on the output. We will be looking at three things about the normally open (NO) contact on … Read more

PLC Learning Series – Program Cyclic Scan

PLC Learning Series - Program Cyclic Scan

Programmable logic controllers (PLC) use a cyclic scan. The time that it takes to complete one scan is called Scan Time. Typical scan times range from 10 milliseconds to 10 microseconds. This translates from 0.01 to 0.0001 seconds per PLC scan. Understanding how the program scan will help us in programming and troubleshooting the PLC. … Read more

Click PLC – Easy Transfer Line Programming

Click PLC – Easy Transfer Line Programming

EasyPLC Software Suite is a complete PLC, HMI, and Machine Simulator Software package. This PLC learning package includes a Machine Simulator (MS). This virtual 3D world with real-time graphics and physical properties can communicate to several different programmable logic controllers. (PLC) We will be developing a Click PLC program for a transfer line. This is … Read more