IEC 61131-3 programming languages
IEC 61131-3 Programming Languages With so many programmable logic controller (PLC) programming languages and standards from which to choose, what is the right choice for automation and controls applications? IEC 61131-3: Programming languages: LD, SFC, FBD, CFC and ST Ladder Diagram remains popular because of its graphical nature. Sequential Function Chart is a graphical language great for expressing state machines and appeals to the graphical nature of engineers. Programming language choices for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are many. It is said the great thing about standards is there are so many to choose from! While this is meant as sarcasm, in the case of IEC 61131-3 Programming Languages, it is an advantage to have several language standards from which to choose. Figure 1: IEC61131-3 Programming Languages offers languages suited to specific needs. With IEC 61131-3 programming languages, PLC programming and maintenance are enhanced when the strengths of all the languag