PLCs for Beginners: An introductory guide to building robust PLC programs with Structured Text

Unleash the power of PLCs by understanding and applying essential programming concepts such as structured text, programming logic, and technologies like ChatGPTKey FeaturesUnleash the power of structured text by understanding its syntax, features, and applicationsHarness the power of programming logic and design by taking a design-first approach to PLC programmingLeverage advanced concepts and technologies such as cybersecurity and generative AI with PLCPurchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionAs smart factories and advanced technology become more prevalent, the demand for PLC programmers with expertise beyond ladder logic is growing. This book introduces a new approach to PLC programming, preparing you for future challenges by exploring automation programming through computer science and text-based programming.The book begins by exploring the basic components of PLCs and how they integrate with other modules, giving you a clear understanding of system functionality. As you progress, you'll delve into PLC program execution, learning about flow and essential components for effective programming. Next, you'll understand program design with pseudocode and flowcharts, vital for planning programs. You'll then explore Boolean logic intricacies, harnessing logical functions and truth tables for precise control statements. Later, you'll delve into structured text, gaining a comprehensive grasp of syntax and features crucial for efficient programming. The journey continues with a focus on advanced topics like cybersecurity in PLC systems and leveraging generative AI (GenAI), such as ChatGPT, to enhance productivity.By the end of this book, you’ll be able to design real-world projects using pseudocode and flowcharts, and implement those designs in structured text.What you will learnExplore and understand how to implement PLC programs in structured textExperiment with common functions in structured textControl the flow of a PLC program with loop and conditional statementsDiscover how to design a PLC program with pseudocode and flowchartsImplement common sorting algorithms such as bubble sort and insertion sort, and understand concepts such as Big OUnderstand the basics of cybersecurity to protect PLC-based systemsLeverage ChatGPT for PLC programmingUnderstand the basics of troubleshooting hardware and fixing common problemsWho this book is forThis book is for automation engineering students and individuals seeking entry-level knowledge of PLC programming with structured text and other modern computer science concepts to excel in the advanced automation landscape. No prior knowledge of PLC programming is required.Table of ContentsComputer Science Versus Automation ProgrammingPLC Components – Integrating PLCs with Other ModulesThe Basics of ProgrammingUnleashing Computer MemoryDesigning Programs – Unleashing Pseudocode and FlowchartsBoolean AlgebraUnlocking the Power of STExploring Variables and TagsPerforming Calculations in Structured TextUnleashing Built-In Function BlocksUnlocking the Power of Flow ControlUnlocking Advanced Control StatementsImplementing Tight LoopsSorting with LoopsSecure PLC Programming – Stopping CyberthreatsTroubleshooting PLCs – Fixing IssuesLeveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI)The Final Project – Programming a Simulated Robot Read more