How to Program an Allen Bradley PLC

        Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are used extensively for industrial automation purposes. Allen Bradley is one of the more recognizable brands. Besides their demonstrated reliability, Allen Bradley PLCs are easy to program with Rockwell Automation software. The graphical user interface features rungs of ladder logic that are easily configurable, showcasing the flexibility of these PLCs for myriad applications. While there are multiple versions of the programming software and numerous models of PLCs available, the process is relatively universal.

Instructions

        1

        Load the software. This is typically your version of RSLogix or MicroLogix.
        2

        Create the ladder logic diagram. Review the documentation with your software and the Allen Bradley PLC you intend to program. Your program will be limited to your knowledge of the software and the capabilities of the specific model of PLC you are trying to program. Remember, you are creating a ladder logic diagram that will be translated into a program the PLC can understand.

        3

        Verify the program. Following the instructions for your programming software package; be sure that there are no issues with the program you have written as far as the software is concerned. Right now, you just want to be sure the program will download to the PLC.
       4

       Connect the PLC to the computer. Use the cable supplied with the PLC to make the connection.
       5

        Download the program to the PLC. Using a program such as RSLinx, follow the directions with your Rockwell Automation software package to properly write the program to the PLC's CPU. Once completed, disconnect the PLC from the computer and connect it to the other automation hardware for testing purposes. If you find an error, you can open the logic diagram you created and repeat the steps necessary to download the revised program to the PLC.