Inst ToolsInst ToolsInst Tools
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
Search
  • Books
  • Software
  • Projects
  • Process
  • Tools
  • Basics
  • Formula
  • Power Plant
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Electrical Basics
  • Animation
  • Standards
  • 4-20 mA Course
  • Siemens PLC Course
Reading: Ladder Logic Vs. Other Programming Languages – PLC Basics
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Inst ToolsInst Tools
Font ResizerAa
  • Courses
  • Design
  • PLC
  • Interview
  • Control System
Search
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Inst Tools > Blog > PLC Tutorials > Ladder Logic Vs. Other Programming Languages – PLC Basics

Ladder Logic Vs. Other Programming Languages – PLC Basics

One of the oldest PLC languages is ladder logic. Here we will learn differences between ladder logic with other programming languages.

Last updated: September 30, 2023 9:30 am
Viral Nagda
PLC Tutorials
No Comments
Share
11 Min Read
SHARE

PLC programming has five types of languages in it. They are ladder logic, structured text, functional block diagram, sequential flow chart, and instruction list. Every programmer designs the logic according to its need and comfort level in understanding.

Contents
PLC BasicsLadder LogicLadder Logic vs. Structured TextLadder Logic vs. Functional Block DiagramLadder Logic vs Sequential Flow ChartLadder Logic vs. Instruction List

PLC Basics

One of the oldest PLC languages is ladder logic. When electrical relay controls were started to be replaced with PLC panels, it was found that the ladder logic resemblance was very similar to an electrical drawing.

Ladder Logic Vs. Other Programming Languages - PLC Basics

This helped the PLC programmers in easily interpreting them. Ladder logic is still used by many programmers for logic development. In this post, we will compare ladder logic with other PLC programming languages.

Ladder Logic

Ladder logic is one of the most common and used languages in the PLC program. As the name defines, this language is written in a ladder-type way. Refer to the below image for understanding. As you can see, it is a series of rungs, numbered from one to n number. You can write logic in each of these rungs.

When the PLC program is executed in the CPU, the flow starts from top to bottom. This means the first rung is executed first and then the last rung, and then the cycle repeats. In each rung, the left-hand part is the input side and the right-hand part is the output side. When you see the logic online in animation, you will find that each element in the rung gets colored as on or off, or the numeric value is shown.

This helps the programmer easily identify the logic. So, you can see that ladder logic is quite a simple way to write the program. But, you can write this same program in other languages too. It depends on the programmer and his understanding. Let us have a look at each of them and understand what the difference between them is.

Ladder Logic vs. Structured Text

Structured text is a language in which the logic is written in text format, similar to software languages used in IT. The logic flow is the same as written in ladder logic, but the style of writing is different. Structured text (ST) language directly uses mnemonics, like AND, OR, NOT, IF, ELSE, etc. This means the way we write the logic in NO and NC format in either series or parallel way; the same is denoted in text format way.

Refer to the below figure for an example. Let us interpret the first rung written in ladder logic with that written in ST. If IP_AM_SEL is off, and IP_OP_ON is on and IP_A_SLOW_IP is off, then IP_A_SV value will be moved to OP_SV. This interpretation is written in ST as shown in the figure. The meaning is the same, only the way of conveying is different.

ST language is useful when you have complex mathematical calculations and this makes programming look very easy. Structured Text is also better for looping over sections of logic since it has built-in instructions like FOR and WHILE which are designed for looping.

In the Ladder Diagram, you have to build loop constructs yourself. But, in terms of simplicity, ladder logic is far easier; because it is visually easy to look in online mode and also makes debugging comfortable. In ST, you have to scan and understand lining properly for debugging.

Ladder Logic vs. Functional Block Diagram

The functional block diagram is a language in which the logic is written in block format. The logic flow is the same as written in ladder logic, but the style of writing is different. The functional block diagram (FBD) language directly uses blocks, like AND, OR, NOT, MOVE, etc. The blocks are connected with each other via links. This means the way we write the logic in NO and NC format in either series or parallel way; the same is denoted in block format way.

Refer to the below figure for an example. Let us interpret the first rung written in ladder logic with that written in FBD. If IP_AM_SEL is off, and IP_OP_ON is on and IP_A_SLOW_IP is off, then IP_A_SV value will be moved to OP_SV. This interpretation is written in FBD as shown in the figure. The meaning is the same, only the way of conveying is different.

FBD language is the easiest language to use for troubleshooting. This is because in one window only, you get to see many elements for visualization, as compared to ladder logic where you need to scroll up and down every time for debugging. FBD is commonly used in the process industry because its appearance is similar to P&IDs that define how process equipment is laid out.

Ladder Logic vs Sequential Flow Chart

The sequential flow chart is a language in which the logic is written in flowchart format. The logic flow is the same as written in ladder logic, but the style of writing is different. The sequential flow chart (SFC) language directly uses actions, transitions, steps, conditions, branches, and macros. The blocks are connected with each other via a flow chart way. This means the way we write the logic in NO and NC format in either series or parallel way; the same is denoted in flow chart way.

Refer to the below figure for an example. Let us interpret the first rung written in ladder logic with that written in SFC. If IN 1 is on, then OUT1 turns on. In the next step, if OUT 1 is on and if IN 2 is on, then OUT2 turns on. This interpretation is written in SFC as shown in the figure with the way of steps. The meaning is the same, only the way of conveying is different.

SFC language is not possible for smaller applications. For that, ladder logic is the best one used. Because you need to carefully design actions and processes in a proper flow chart way, using it for smaller control logic will waste time as well as make the logic more difficult to look at. Also, a large amount of space is consumed in making the logic. So, SFC must be used for complex and bigger applications and not smaller ones.

Ladder Logic vs. Instruction List

Instruction List is a language in which the logic is written in text format, but similar to assembly-type languages. The logic flow is the same as written in ladder logic, but the style of writing is different. Instruction List (IL) language directly uses assembly language texts, like AND, ANDN, LDN, etc. The language is a mix of ladder logic and structured text. This means the way we write the logic in NO and NC format in either series or parallel way; the same is denoted in assembly text format way.

Refer to the below figure for an example. Let us interpret the first rung written in ladder logic with that written in IL. If %M0 is off, and %M1 is on and %M2 is off, then the 2 value will be moved to %MW0. This interpretation is written in IL as shown in the figure. The meaning is the same, only the way of conveying is different.

Usually, it is the least used language, due to it’s complex writing methods and interpretations. So, the preferred language is ladder logic in this case.

Comparison

DescriptionLadder LogicStructured TextFunctional Block DiagramSequential Flow ChartInstruction List
StandardizationIEC 61131-3IEC 61131-3IEC 61131-3IEC 61131-3IEC 61131-3
ComplexityLow to MediumMedium to HighLow to MediumMedium to HighMedium to High
Learning CurveEasyModerateEasyModerateDifficult
RepresentationGraphicalText-basedGraphicalGraphicalText-based
Best Suited ForRelay Logic Circuits and Process ControlComplex AlgorithmsProcess ControlComplex SequencingLow-level Operations
Code ReusabilityModerateHighHighHighLow
FlexibilityModerateHighHighHighLow
DebuggingEasier due to graphical natureRequires syntax knowledgeEasier due to graphical natureRequires logical flow analysisDifficult due to text-based nature
Execution SpeedModerateFastModerateModerateFast

In this way, we saw the comparison of ladder logic and other programming languages.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Instrumentation, Electrical, PLC, and SCADA video tutorials.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive daily updates.

Read Next:

  • Faceplate Design in PLC HMI
  • PLC Memory Organization
  • DCS, RTU, SCADA, and PAC
  • Counters in PLC Programming
  • PLC Product Sorting Machine
Don't Miss Our Updates
Be the first to get exclusive content straight to your email.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
You've successfully subscribed !

Continue Reading

Basics of Ladder Diagram in PLC Programming
What is Complementary Split Range Control (CSRC)?
How to Run Multiple Motors with a Single VFD?
PLC Electric Motor Interlocks
Advanced PLC Programming for Defective Parts Sorting
Free Download Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Book
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link
Share
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

128.3kFollowersLike
69.1kFollowersFollow
208kSubscribersSubscribe
38kFollowersFollow

Categories

Explore More

Example of Flip-Flop PLC Program for Lamps Application
PLC Ladder Logic for Sensor Scaling with Offset
#12 PLC Best Practices – Validate Inputs based on Physical Plausibility
Configuration of Profibus Network in Siemens PLC
Door Locking System – PLC Applications Examples
Move, Move Bit, Move Digit – Examples of Omron PLC Programs
What are AI, AO, DI, and DO? – Definition, Examples, Purpose
PLC Program for Ceramic Burning Oven Conveyor System

Keep Learning

PLC Program Example on Multiple LEDs using Set Coil

PLC Program Example on Multiple LEDs using Set Coil

How to Safely Design Automation System for Hazardous Environments?

Automation System for Hazardous Environments

plc-analog-signals-wiring-techniques

PLC Analog Signals Wiring Techniques

Energy Meter Data in PLC using Modbus Communication

Modbus Communication between PLC and Energy Meter

Industrial motor control using PLC instruction list programming

PLC Instruction List for Motor Reverse and Forward Direction

Communication between Factory IO and Siemens Tia Portal

Communication between Factory IO and Siemens Tia Portal

Simatic Prosave HMI

How to Backup and Restore from Simatic Prosave HMI?

Difference between Signal Cables and Control Cables

Difference between Signal Cables and Control Cables

Learn More

Ultrasonic Flow meters Working Animation

Ultrasonic Flow Meters Animation

level of liquid inside a vessel

Concept of Redundancy in Control Systems

Voltage Drop in a Series Circuit

Series Resistance

Automotive Rail Rapid Transit

Automotive Rail Rapid Transit

Ethernet IP Preferred in Large Networking Systems

Why is Ethernet IP Preferred in Large Networking Systems?

Limit Switch Working

Limit Switch Animation

Automatic Lamp Control in Storage Facility

PLC Program for Automatic Lamp Control in Storage Facility

VFD Commissioning and Testing Procedure

VFD Commissioning and Testing Procedure (Variable Frequency Drive)

Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?