Book Image

Mastering PLC Programming

By : Mason White
Book Image

Mastering PLC Programming

By: Mason White

Overview of this book

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a new feature of PLC programming that has taken the automation world by storm. This book provides you with the necessary skills to succeed in the modern automation programming environment. The book is designed in a way to take you through advanced topics such as OOP design, SOLID programming, the software development lifecycle (SDLC), library design, HMI development, general software engineering practices, and more. To hone your programming skills, each chapter has a simulated real-world project that’ll enable you to apply the skills you’ve learned. In all, this book not only covers complex PLC programming topics, but it also removes the financial barrier that comes with most books as all examples utilize free software. This means that to follow along, you DO NOT need to purchase any PLC hardware or software. By the end of this PLC book, you will have what it takes to create long-lasting codebases for any modern automation project.
Table of Contents (25 chapters)
1
Part 1 – An Introduction to Advanced PLC Programming
6
Part 2 – Modularity and Objects
10
Part 3 – Software Engineering for PLCs
14
Part 4 – HMIs and Alarms
19
Part 5 – Final Project and Thoughts

Understanding grouping/position

Another key aspect of HMI design is grouping. Controls and readouts need to be logically grouped so the operator can easily control the machine and take necessary readings. When it comes to grouping, I have heard two schools of thought. The first one is to stack the controls vertically, as in Figure 13.5.

Figure 13.5 – Vertical stacking

Figure 13.5 – Vertical stacking

With the controls laid out as they are in Figure 13.5, the operator scans the controls in a top-to-bottom motion. This configuration is known as side navigation. Normally the side navigation is on the left of the screen. Left navigation is considered more efficient and faster for the operator. The key to this layout is that each component gets equal weight. This means that, visually, the bottom switch is as important as the top switch.

Left-side layouts like these are common for things such as selecting submenus, homing different machine parts, and so on. This layout will free up...