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V Semester AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS CODE: 20EC53I
WEEK-4 & SESSION-4

Familiarization of PLC Installation Practices, troubleshooting and
programming
PLC Programming
1.1 Classification of PLC programming languages
The International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) 1131-3 standard on

Programmable Controllers – Programming languages specifies the syntax and
semantics of a unified suite of programming languages for PLCs. Some of the factors
that vary between formats are nomenclature, numbering schemes, and screen
appearance.
The 5 most popular types of PLC Programming Languages are:

1. Ladder Diagram (LD)
2. Sequential Function Charts (SFC)
3. Function Block Diagram (FBD)
4. Structured Text (ST)
5. Instruction List (IL)
Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 1

1.1.1 Ladder Diagram (LD)

Most Commonly used PLC programming method is Ladder Diagram.The
initial paradigm for the Ladder diagram was derived from Relay Logic, which
controlled operations using physical devices like switches and mechanical relays.
Ladder diagrams internal logic replaces everything but physical devices, which
require an electrical signal to be activated.
On Relay-logic schematic, the electrical connection is represented by two
vertical rails. The Ladder diagram is constructed in the shape of horizontal rungs with
vertical rails.
A ladder diagram identifies each of the elements in an electromechanical
circuit and represents them graphically. This allows user to see how control circuit
operates before actual physical operation the system starts.
Ladder diagram
PLC programming based on the use of ladder diagrams involves writing a

program in a similar manner to drawing a switching circuit. The ladder diagram
consists of two vertical lines representing the power rails as shown in Fig. Circuits are
connected as horizontal lines, i.e. the rungs of the ladder, between these two vertical
lines.
The table shows input/output (I/O) symbols used in constructing the ladder
diagram.

Following Table shows the ladder diagrams for AND, OR, NOT, NAND,
NOR and XOR logics.

1.1.2 Sequential Function Charts (SFC)

Sequential Function Chart is a graphical programming language that is defined
as Preparation of function charts for control systems.
This language is used when programming a process that can be split into
several steps. There are 3 main components of an SFC:
 Steps with defined actions;
 Transitions with defined logic conditions;
 Links between steps and transitions.
The actions and the conditions can be described in any PLC programming
language. The SFC is basically a chart that represents an overview of the project,
aimed to ease the analysis of the process.
A condition is associated with every transition. If all the input steps of a

transition are active, and the transition condition is satisfied then the transition is
fired, which means deactivation of all its inputs steps and activation of all its output
steps.

1.1.3 Function Block Diagram (FBD)

The Function Block Diagram is a form of graphical language in its own right.
Fundamentally, a function is described using the Function Block Diagram, wherein
inputs and outputs are represented as blocks linked to one another via connection
lines. Function Blocks were designed and created to make it easier to configure
various common functions, including timers, counters, and PID Loops.
The function of the block is the relation between the state of its inputs and
outputs. Here’s how a simple function block could look like:
In the middle of the box is often a symbol or a text. This symbol

represents the actual functionality of the function block.
Consider OR function block. It takes 2 inputs and has 1 output, and
works just like an OR gate. If one of the inputs is true the output will also become
true. In FBD the block will typically look like this:

1.1.4 Structured Text (ST)

Structured Text is the fourth PLC Programming Language that has been
developed. This language relies heavily on written communication. Structured Text is
a high level language, which represents a combination of three programming
languages: Basic, Pascal and C. This language gives the possibility to operate with
inputs and outputs, using different statements such as for, while, if and case.
It is easy to implement complex algorithms and work with mathematical
functions. The following example shows the Structured Text format:
1.1.5 Instruction List (IL)

Instruction List is a low level language that resembles the assembly language
OR Instruction List is a low level textual language used in PLC system, which has a
structure similar to a simple machine assembler. This programming language consists
of many lines of code, with a single instruction per line. It’s read top to bottom and left
to right.
Instruction List is very straight-forward to read because each line is executed
sequentially. Some examples of these codes are LD (Load), AND, OR, etc. The
Instruction List comprises instructions; each presented on a separate line and followed
by a space at the end of the line for any comments.

The diagram shows how Instruction list will appear with reference to Ladder diagram.

Practice: Conduct the following using any one of Textual language and
Graphical form of PLC
1. DOL Starter
A DOL Starter also known as a Direct On Line Starter or Across the

Line Starter is a method of starting a 3 phase Induction Motor. In a DOL Starter, an
induction motor is connected directly across its 3-phase supply and the DOL starter
applies the full line voltage to the motor terminals.
Ladder Diagram:
2. Staircase Light Application
This is one of the most frequently used projects in Building

management systems. In this, one light is controlled using two switches. One switch is
installed at the lower side of the Staircase while the other switch is installed at the
upper side of the Staircase. With the help of this project, we can save electricity and
reduce the electric bill.

Ladder Diagram:
3. Water Level Controller
The Water Level Controller system helps to prevent the overflowing of

water from the tank and helps in maintaining the water level. Filling of tank is
monitored by two sensors positioned to sense maximum and minimum water levels of
tank. The water level is maintained by using two water level float sensors.
Ladder Diagram:

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V Semester AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS CODE: 20EC53I

WEEK-4 & SESSION-4

1.1 Classification of PLC programming languages

The International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) 1131-3 standard on

The 5 most popular types of PLC Programming Languages are:

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 1

1.1.1 Ladder Diagram (LD)

PLC programming based on the use of ladder diagrams involves writing a

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 2

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 3

1.1.2 Sequential Function Charts (SFC)

A condition is associated with every transition. If all the input steps of a

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 4

1.1.3 Function Block Diagram (FBD)

In the middle of the box is often a symbol or a text. This symbol

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 5

1.1.4 Structured Text (ST)

1.1.5 Instruction List (IL)

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 6

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 7

A DOL Starter also known as a Direct On Line Starter or Across the

2. Staircase Light Application

This is one of the most frequently used projects in Building

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 8

3. Water Level Controller

The Water Level Controller system helps to prevent the overflowing of

Department of Collegiate and Technical Education Page 9

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