Generally speaking, there are two types of processes in manufacturing: discrete and analog. A discrete process is a manufacturing methodology that will produce separate widgets. In other words, a production line may output one item, two items, three items, etc. An analog production process is where the plant will create a quantity of product that is quantifiable by weight. Examples include the production of beverages, sauces, raw ingredients, etc. Although it is possible to design a flow that will continuously output the product, such production is often managed in batches. It is important to note that although batches are considered to be analog or continuous flow, most of them end up being packaged for consumption which converts them into a discrete manufacturing process.
A complete introduction to getting started in RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000, an environment for programming ControlLogix and CompactLogix Allen Bradley PLCs.
A step-by-step guide to the TON (Timer ON) instruction used to keep track of the time of occurrence of certain events.
A step-by-step guide to the ONS (One Shot) instruction which allows the rung to execute once if the data leading to it is true.
A step-by-step guide to the OTL (Output Latch) instruction which forces a single bit of logic into a high state if all the conditions leading to it are true.
A step-by-step guide to the NEQ (Not Equal) instruction used to compare two values just like the EQU Instruction.
Learn how to implement a FIFO through FFL and FFU instructions. An excellent step toward becoming a better programmer.
A step-to-step guide to the JSR, JMP, and LBL instructions. Learn when and how to use them in order to avoid troubleshooting complications in PLC systems.
A step-by-step guide to function Blocks which are an essential programming tool in PLC programming. Learn the concept of input and output scaling explore specific examples of how to scale an analog input that is registered into a MicroLogix PLC.
Analog PLC Inputs are crucial for modern control systems. Learn the exact steps required to configure and receive inputs on a 1769-IF8 module, the most used card for the CompactLogix platform.
A PID control loop is a critical function within many industrial processes. It gives an engineer the ability to control a certain process based on the feedback received from field devices. Although this concept has a very extensive control systems background & theory, we’ve come to a point where we can utilize a PLC-based instruction to control the system without worrying about all the details.
A step-by-step guide to creating Alias Tags for PLC input-output modules in RSLogix 5000.
Learn about real-world practical use-cases for a sequencer and how the SQI and SQO instructions are set up. Although the sequencer isn’t something you’d expect to use on a regular basis, it’s an advanced technique that shines in specific applications.
An in-depth overview of IO buffering, discussing why it’s important, what you can accomplish through this practice and lastly, how is it used in real-world scenarios.
A complete step-by-step guide to Add-On Instructions(AOI) that play a critical role in PLC programming. They give a programmer the ability to define custom instructions in order to maximize code reusability and simplify development.
A step-by-step guide to PLC Forces, an important tool that you need to deal with on a regular basis and something you should have in your toolkit as a competent PLC Programmer.
A step-by-step guide to advanced alarm capturing in Ladder Logic RSLogix 500 Allen Bradley. Learn how to implement a Ladder Logic to notify the operator or engineer which fault came first as in many cases, an array of faults would be triggered after the first one.
A step-to-step guide to the SCP (Scale with Parameters) instruction commonly used for working with analog signals.
A step-by-step guide to Alarms, Faults, and Warning which play a critical role within every PLC Program. This logic allows the programmer to capture any abnormalities, alert the operator of a failure, and prevent system damage. Ultimately, this code is needed to make sure that equipment is brought to a safe condition after a critical failure.
A step-by-step guide to User-Defined Data Types or UDTs which are commonly used in Programmable Logic Controller Programming in order to group data and maximize code reusability.
An easy step-by-step guide to getting started with RSLogix 500 on a MicroLogix 1100 PLC. Perfect for PLC programming beginners.
A step-by-step guide to the OTE (Output Energize) instruction used to energize a single bit of data if the input leading to it is true.
Learn how to answer the 2 button motor starter question which is one of the most fundamental interview questions you will encounter as a PLC programmer & control engineer or technician.
A step-by-step guide to the CPT (Compute) instruction which has extensive capabilities when it comes to mathematical and logic functions in ladder logic.
A step-by-step guide to the MOD (Modulo) instruction used to calculate the remainder produced by a division of two integers.
A step-by-step guide to the MUL (Multiply) instruction used to perform a mathematical multiplication of two integers or floats.
A step-by-step guide to the SUB (Subtraction) instruction used to perform a mathematical subtraction of two values which may be integers or floats.
A step-by-step guide to the ADD (Addition) instruction used to perform a mathematical addition of two integers or floats.
A step-by-step guide to the MEQ (Masked Equals instruction which is used to perform a similar function to the EQU (Equals) Instruction, with one key difference: a mask is applied to the compared bits.
A step-by-step guide to the LIM (Limit Test) instruction used to compare the specified operand to two limits: lower limit and high limit.
A step-by-step guide to the GRT (Greater Than) instruction that compares two operands and evaluates if the value stored in “Source A” is greater than the value stored in “Source B”.
A step-by-step guide to the LES (Less Than) instruction used to compare two values against each other.
A step-by-step guide to the OTU (Output Unlatch) instruction which sets a bit to LOW if all the conditions leading to it evaluate to true.
A step-by-step guide to the OSF (One Shot Falling) instruction which allows a programmer to create a scenario where an output is energized for a single scan when a transition from a logic HIGH to a logic LOW is detected on the input side of the instruction.
A complete guide to One-Shot Rising instructions for Allen-Bradley PLCs
A step-by-step guide to the EQU (Equal) instruction used to compare two values.
A step-by-step guide to the CTD (Count Down) instruction used to decrement the value of the counter associated with it.
A step-by-step guide to the CTU (Count Up) instruction used in pair with a Counter construct to count the number of LOW to HIGH transitions of the preceding logic.
A complete guide to the RTO (Retentive Timer) instruction used to keep track of time just like the TON Instruction, but with one key difference.
A complete guide to the TOF (Timer OFF) instruction used to keep track of the time of occurrence of certain events.
A step-by-step guide to the XIO (Examine If Open) instruction which performs the function opposite to the XIC (Examine if Closed). The XIO instruction if is fundamental for working with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
A step-by-step guide to the XIC (Examine If Closed) instruction which is one of the fundamental instructions used in ladder logic programming for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
Enjoy over 100+ in-depth high quality technical tutorials for every skill level.
Discover PLC programming courses created, vetted, and taught by industry experts who have worked on massive industrial systems integration projects and are eager to share their experience.
Join over 5000 engineers and level-up your PLC programming skills with unlimited access to trusted, high-quality tutorials and video courses
