CANO, DAN MITCHELLE B.

EE501

Ladder logic is a programming language that is used to program a PLC (Programmable

Logic Controller). It is a graphical PLC programming language which expresses logic operations
with symbolic notation using ladder diagrams, much like the rails and rungs of a traditional
relay logic circuit. It is used by engineers and electricians to execute logical, sequential,
counting, timing and arithmetic tasks in order to carry industrial automation applications.

Ladder logic is definitely still being used in PLC programming. It is the most common method
for programming a PLC. Ladder logic programming is still used today because the core
fundamental logic principles for machine and process control are still the same.

In PLC programming, ladder logic is a programming language that is used for

developing logic expressions in order to automate tasks. Recent advancements in software
technology means that PLC programming using ladder logic has been extended into counting,
timing, arithmetic, sequencers, PID control, data manipulation functions and more. Over the
years ladder logic has developed into the powerful PLC programming language that it is today.

Ladder Logic Basic Symbols & Descriptions:

Rules for Ladder Diagram Programming

1.) Signals, Decisions and Actions.

 Signal section: Starts or stops current flow to the circuit. Allows circuit to operate.
 Decision section: Uses logic from multiple devices to determine what work is to be done.
Decision is used to control a load device.
 Action section: Work to be performed based upon decision. (I.e. turn a load device on or
off.).
2.) Input devices (Control devices) can be connected Parallel or Series:
 Control systems are connected to the load unit (working coil) between L1.
 In order to regulate a load (working coil), two or more input systems can be linked in
series or parallel.
 In ladder logic the input can be arranged in either series or parallel.

3.) Output or Load device connection:

 Load devices (lights, solenoid, relay coil, etc) must be powered by full (rated) voltage to
operate correctly.
 Multiple loads must be placed in parallel.
 Multiple loads must be placed in parallel to achieve full-voltage.
 One side of a load is always connected to L2 (0V).

4.) Line number & Numerical Cross-Reference:

 A row number is allocated for each horizontal rung. The number of the line is situated on
each horizontal ring’s left side. Displayed three row numbers
 A single input can be used to repeatedly in the different rungs.
 Using this feature we can trigger different output with single switch simultaneously.

5.) Same input can use in multiple times in a program:

 A single input can be used to repeatedly in the different rungs.

 Using this feature we can trigger different output with single switch simultaneously.

6.) Output cannot be used multiple times in one program, except in set/reset and latch/
unlatch functions.

 Same output cannot be used for different inputs in one program.

 In the function set/reset, the same output address is used.
7.) Outputs address can be used as inputs address:
 The output coil works as the input coil with the use of latch/unlatch function. As shown in
above example.
8.) Input address cannot be used as an output address:

References:
https://automationforum.co/plc-learning-series-8-rules-for-ladder-diagram-programming/
https://ladderlogicworld.com/ladder-logic-symbols/