RLL: Relay Ladder Logic

CONTENTS

1. PLC operation
2. PLC programming
3. Ladder logic
4. Memory and gates

1
PLC operation
A PLC has 2 modes of operation

Programming mode: translate engineering

language (control logic) to machine language
(binary code)
Running (or scanning) mode: Relating the program
to inputs and outputs

2
Programming through standard computer

Most PLC manufacturers offer software packages
that allow a standard computer to be used as a
programming terminal

3
PLC running or scanning mode

Relating the program to inputs and outputs


The CPU reads the data from the inputs

The program in the CPU uses the inputs to
evaluate the control logic. As the program runs,
the CPU updates the data

The CPU writes the data to the output

4
Relating the program to inputs and outputs

5
PLC programming

One of the advantages of PLC is that it can be programmed by
non-specialists

Program can be written in the form of a relay ladder diagram
represented in terms of contacts and coils.
 Contact: A simple input switch.
 Coil: An output load, e.g., a relay or motor.

current Switch/contact coil

6
Ladder logic

current Switch/contact coil


Power supply rails drawn as parallel vertical lines on
left and right

Connection of rails implies current will flow

An output is “on” when a connection is completed and
current flows through the load’s coil
 Illustration of ladder logic

Power
circuit

Control
Switch
circuit Relay
Coil

Simple control circuit of a bell Associated Relay Ladder

8
 Ladder logic: basic notations


Simple “always on” load:

[Always_On = 1] note: sometimes illegal


Load controlled by a single contact:

[Switch_Con = Switch]
 Ladder logic: AND gate, OR gate


Boolean logic

C = A and B also noted C = A.B

C = A or B also noted C = A+B

 Ladder logic: NOT gate


C = (not A) also noted Ā

A contact with a slash through it is “normally
closed.”

This indicates a connection when A is NOT
triggered.

So when sensor/input A is activated, there is an
open circuit
 Ladder logic: basic operations

Each rung of the ladder is a statement that is
asynchronous when implemented in relay logic,
but evaluated sequentially by the PLC.


X = (A+B).(C+D),
Y = Ā.[B+(C.D)]
Ladder logic: examples

Lamp = SW1 + SW2

13
 Ladder logic: setting a memory

S1 Q1.1

1 Relay Coil “R1” Motor

Current flow (Scan 1)

S1 Q1.1 Motor starter

2
Current flow (Scan 1)
Output
Q1.1

Current flow (Scan 2)

S1 Q1.1 PLC
3
Input

Q1.1
Switch
Current flow (Scan 2) “S1” to start 14
Setting memory elements
using AND and OR gates

S1 S2 S3 R1 Memory Unit
AND Gate for
setting

R1

S1 S3 R1 Memory Unit
OR Gate for
setting

S2

R1

15
 Ladder logic: resetting a memory
S1 S2 Q1.1

1 Relay Coil “R1” Motor

Q1.1

S1 S2 Q1.1
Motor starter

2
Q1.1 Output

Q1.1
S1 S2 PLC
3
Input
Q1.1
Switches
“S1” to start 16
“S2” to stop
Resetting memory elements
using AND and OR gates
S1 S2 S3 R1

R1

S2 S3 S2+S3 NOT(S2+S3)
0 0 0 1 The only case for
current ON is
0 1 1 0 when (S2 is NOT
1 0 1 0 switched ON)
AND (S3 is NOT
1 1 1 0
switched ON)
17
Resetting memory elements
using AND and OR gates

S1 S2 R1

S3
R1

S2 S3 S2.S3 NOT(S2.S3)
0 0 0 1 The only case for
current OFF is
0 1 0 1 when (S2 is
1 0 0 1 switched ON)
AND (S3 is
1 1 1 0
switched ON)
18
Ladder logic: adding indicators as outputs

S1 S2 R1

R1

R1 Q1.1

R1 R

19
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