Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) continue to
evolve as new technologies are added to their capabilities.
The PLC started out as a replacement for hardwired
relay control systems. Gradually, various math and logic
manipulation functions were added. Today PLCs are the
controller of choice for the vast majority of automated
processes. PLCs now incorporate smaller cases, faster
CPUs, networking, and various Internet technologies.
This Fourth Edition of Programmable Logic Controllers
continues to provide an up-to-date introduction to all
aspects of PLC programming, installation, and maintenance
procedures. No previous knowledge of PLC systems
or programming is assumed. As one reviewer of this
edition put it: “I honestly believe that someone with little
or no background to PLC systems could take this book
and teach themselves PLCs.”
The primary source of information for a particular PLC
is always the accompanying user manuals provided by the
manufacturer. This textbook is not intended to replace the
vendor’s reference material but rather to complement,
clarify, and expand on this information. With the current
number of different types of PLCs on the market it is not
practical to cover the specifics of all manufacturers and
models in a single text. With this in mind, the text discusses
PLCs in a generic sense. Although the content is
of a nature to allow the information to be applied to a
variety of PLCs from different manufacturers, this book,
for the most part, uses the Allen-Bradley SLC 500 and
ControlLogix controller instruction sets for the programming
examples. The underlying PLC principles and
concepts covered in the text are common to most manufacturers
and serve to maximize the knowledge gained
through attending PLC training programs offered by different
vendors.
The text is written at a level and format understandable
to students being introduced to PLCs for the first time.
Feedback from instructors indicates that the information
is well organized, to the point, and easy to understand.
The content of this new Fourth Edition has been updated
and reflects the changes in technology since the publication
of the previous edition.
Each chapter begins with a brief introduction outlining
chapter coverage and learning objectives. When applicable,
the relay equivalent of the virtual programmed
instruction is explained first, followed by the appropriate
PLC instruction. Chapters conclude with a set of review
questions and problems. The review questions are closely
related to the chapter objectives and require students to
recall and apply information covered in the chapter. The
problems range from easy to difficult, thus challenging
students at various levels of competence.
