
The program level is where the action is. The task level controls program execution and supports triggers and scheduling. Each resource encompasses a set of tasks that in turn include programs and/or function blocks. Each configuration encompasses a set of resources-so-called processing facilities - that can execute programs. At the start of a project, the programmer establishes a top-level configuration that specifies hardware components, characteristics, and capabilities. It begins at the system level and becomes steadily more granular, progressing to specific tasks and function blocks of code. Not to be confused with fieldbus protocols like SERCOS, CANopen, or any of the many flavors of Ethernet, IEC 61131-3 is a programming standard.

In particular, IEC 61131-3 defines a modular PLC programming environment that promises flexibility, reusability, and vender-to-vendor interoperability. In the early 90s, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) began developing IEC 61131, a standard for programmable logic controllers that today consists of eight parts encompassing everything from hardware and test protocol to communications. Programming the control system consumes more non-recurring engineering hours almost any other task in machine building. Whether the mechanism consists of one axis or 100, it requires a processor, memory, and instructions to be useful. Find out more, including documentation and schemas at The group is also working on OPC UA, a standard designed to simplify the interface between controllers, control software, and business enterprise systems - sort of shop-floor to top-floor on steroids.īased on a modular architecture compatible with any of five languages, the standard offers flexibility, reusability, and ease of use.Īt the heart of every machine lies the controller.

According to PLCopen, its XML interchange standard provides an open, non-proprietary, software interface for the interchange of industrial and process control programs between controls, product life cycle management (PLM), machine and process simulation, CAD, documentation software, and other systems.
