PLCs have become part of the backbone of industrial automation. The International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) has developed a standard set of programming languages for industrial PLCs. The success of these languages can be measured by the large number of major PLC manufacturers who are developing products that are 61131-3 compliant.

IEC 61131-3 is becoming the standard of choice in many industries, and will boost productivity and enhance software quality. If you master the subject today your programming knowledge will be applicable across brands well into the future. This knowledge is vital for personal career development. The aim of this manual is to go beyond the basic concepts and introduce you to the practical techniques and applications of 61131-3. It cuts across apparent differences wherever PLCs are used and introduces standards that are widely applicable.

If you ever need to program PLCs or just understand more about their capabilities, then this manual is for you. It is pitched at an intermediate level suitable for anyone with some experience with PLCs. If you are a trainee engineer, graduate, control systems engineer, technician, or senior operator you will gain essential knowledge that will significantly enhance existing knowledge of PLCs.