The syntax of Structured Text is developed to look like the syntax of a high-level programming language with loops, variables, conditions, and operators.īut on the other hand, if you have never seen a high-level programming language, Structured Text can be a great introduction to those languages and the syntax used. If you are already familiar with high-level programming languages like PHP, Python, and C, Structured Text will seem familiar to you. It’s a great way to learn the how-to program different types of PLC’s.
They can be programmed with Structured Text and you can start already now with the Siemens S7-1200 Starter Kit, which is also a great kit to get you introduced to the Siemens PLC environment.ĭon’t forget to check out my reviews of the best PLC programming courses. Probably the most common PLC (in Europe at least) is the Siemens S7 PLC’s. The fact that this is a standardized programming language also gives us the option to program different PLC brands with Structured Text. You can even have function blocks containing functions written in Structured Text.
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You can, for example, scale a PLC analog input or output with just one line of code or set an alarm for your SCADA system solution.Īnother advantage is that you can combine different programming languages. By using a text-based PLC programming language, your program will take up much smaller space, and the flow/logic will be easier to read and understand. But in my opinion, that is only true for smaller PLC programs. The programming language is text-based, compared to the graphics-based ladder diagram or Function Block Diagram.Īt first, it may seem better to use a graphical programming language for PLC programming. Structured Text is PLC programming language defined by PLCOpen in IEC 61131-3. Conclusion What is Structured Text Programming?.Luckily for us, there’s a better PLC programming language available. Take a look at one of these ladder logic examples, and see how long it takes to understand it. How can I be sure about that? Try it yourself. Your ladder diagram will be hard to understand for others than yourself. So, what might seem easy to learn (especially for technicians and electricians) is not always the best thing to program in. It can be almost impossible to find head and tail in a larger PLC program written in ladder logic.
That’s why some consider Structured Text to be a better PLC programming language – and you can learn all about it in this tutorial. The truth is, that even though ladder logic is an easy programming language for beginners, it can be very hard to read and understand. Do you also struggle reading your own and other huge ladder diagrams?