PLC Ladder Programming
A Ladder Diagram (LD) is a graphical PLC programming language that resembles an
electrical relay control circuit, using vertical power rails and horizontal "rungs" to
represent logic.
Ladder logic programming uses a standardized set of symbols and notation to represent
the various components and functions. Each rung of the ladder diagram consists of a
series of contacts and coils, with the contacts determining the conditions under which
the coils are energized or de-energized.
Construction of PLC Ladder Diagram
A proper PLC ladder diagram is built with two vertical lines called power rails(left
for positive, right for negative or neutral)and horizontal lines called rungs, which
makes it look like a perfect ladder.
Inputs are placed as contacts on the left of a rung, while outputs (coils) are on the
right.
Each rung of the ladder diagram consists of a series of contacts and coils. The
contacts determine the conditions under which the coils are energized or de-
energized.
The commonly used contacts are: Normally Open (NO) and Normally closed (NC)
contacts.
Normally Open
A normally open switch or contact is open when not actuated.
It closes the circuit when pressed or activated, allowing current flow.
In ladder logic diagrams, a normally open contact is shown as an open gap and
becomes a solid line when activated.
Normally Closed
Normally closed switch/contact is closed when not actuated.
Activation of the switch opens the circuit, stopping current flow.
In ladder logic diagrams, it's represented as a solid line, becoming an open gap
when activated
Output/Coil
Output devices are such as motor, valve, indicator, lights etc.
A ladder logic diagram is executed from left to right and top to bottom. When all
the condition of a rung are met, the connected output coil get energized.
A ladder program can be constructed by following certain rules:
1. Inputs can be used in Series as well as Parallel to form a connection
Here, the three Inputs (I1, I2, and I3) are connected in series with the Single output Q1
and four Inputs (I1, I2, I3 and I4) are connecting in parallel with the Single output Q2.
Note: In the program, AND gate follows the series connections and OR gate follows
the parallel connection.
2. Outputs (or coil) can be used only in Parallel
Here ,If the single input (I1) is activated then all outputs Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 will be
activated (On).
3. One Input can be used in multiple times in one program
Here, a single input, I1 is used repeatedly in the different rungs.
4. One Output cannot be used multiple times in one program, except in
Set/Reset and Latch/ Unlatch functions
Here different inputs (I1 and I2) are linked with the single output (Q1) using
the set and reset function. When the Input (I1) is pressed, the output coil
will be set ( i.e. Q1 on activate mode). And when the input (I2) is pressed,
the output coil will be reset ( i.e. Q1 on deactivate mode).
Latch Coil or Unlatch Coil (Same Output Address)
5. Input Address cannot be used as an Output Address
The same input address can be used as multiple inputs. And it cannot be
used as output.
6. Outputs Address can be used as Inputs Address
Here , the output coil works as the input coil with the use of latch/unlatch
function.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ladder Logic
Advantages
A graphical diagram of electrical relay diagram, which makes it easy to
understand.
The visual representation of rungs reduces maintenance.
LLD allow real time monitoring of the system status, which makes it more reliable.
LLDs are modular and can be easily modified or expanded to accommodate
changes in the control process.
LLD is widely accepted as so many engineers and technicians are already familiar
to this
Disadvantages
LLD can face problem in complex control system as the lack in sophistication of
high level programming language.
it is not suitable for time based operation or sequential problem.
Proper documentation and version control can be challenging.
It is not suitable for data processing task.