In 1997, Rockwell Automation launched its current generation control platform, Logix. Logix represented decades of technical advancement in automationfor robust, large-scale solutions. The RSLogix 5000 programming software (from version 21 and above, it is referred to as Logix Designer within the Studio 5000 software package) provides a unified IEC61131-3 control platform featuring user-friendly interfaces and workflows. Ultimately, the Logix platform reduces programming complexity, eases troubleshooting, and increases plant reliability.
RSLogix 5000 provides intuitive access to real-time information, easy-to-follow runtime logic animations, and a comprehensive suite of online change capabilities. Rockwell's market share is second only to Emerson in North America. Moreover, due to Rockwell Automation's continued success and the glacial speed at which most plants switch platforms, it will be the market leader for the foreseeable future. Globally, Rockwell Automation is the fifth-largest automation manufacturer (behind Siemens, ABB, Emerson, and Schneider). Rockwell Automation's total global install base is well over 2 million programmable controllers. Needless to say, as an automation professional, learning the Logix platform suite is an excellent investment of your time.
Rockwell Automation has provided a wealth of knowledge in their web-based Literature Library, which is the ultimate source of all Logix platform knowledge. Rockwell has created a library of over 10,000 documents that are often difficult to navigate for beginners. Learning RSLogix 5000 Programming, Second Edition is in no way a replacement for this resource (this book would need to be 100,000 pages longer) but provides newcomers with a solid foundation in the Logix platform features and Rockwell Automation terminology. By the end of each chapter, links to the relevant Literature Library resources are provided to allow you to dive deeper into the topics covered. The final chapter of this book crystalizes what has been learned in a working control-system example that you can build at home. The final project of this book details all the steps required to create a Rockwell-powered robot bartender from the ground up. By the end of this book, you will have a clear understanding of the capabilities of the Logix platform and be able to quickly navigate the Rockwell Automation Literature Library resources. Moreover, you will have the unique experience of purchasing, building, wiring, and programming a control system from end to end.
Learning RSLogix 5000, Second Edition provides a gentle introduction to RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000 and the Logix platform. If you are new to Programming Logic Controller (PLC) programming or have experience with programming other PLC platforms, then this book will provide you with the knowledge of the Rockwell family of controllers and teach you how to become proficient at implementing Logix solutions from the ground up.
