PLCLogix

PLCLogix is a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) software simulation education package that helps users to understand the operation of the Rockwell Logix 5000 PLC and its predecessor, the Logix 500. These two systems represent over 70% of the PLCs used in industry in North America. Each has a different method of I/O addressing, with the 500-series using a simple, basic method and the 5000-series using tags, which is a more complex but powerful programming method.

PLCLogix 5000 is ideal for learning more advanced ladder logic programming using tag-based addressing. PLCLogix 5000 will allow you to practice and develop your programming skills, and provides the ability to write, edit and debug ladder logic programs based on RSLogix 5000 PLC software. Unlike other PLCs, Logix 5000 uses tags, which are a far more powerful method of programming PLCs but also more complex. PLCLogix 5000 provides a method of learning and understanding the operation of a sophisticated tag-based PLC system by using simulation to demonstrate the operation of ladder logic programs. The look, feel and operation of the PLCLogix ladder rung editor closely mimics Rockwell's renowned PLC editing software. By combining ladder logic programming with state-of-the-art 3D simulation, users gain tremendous insight into the operation of real-world PLC systems. The interactive 3D-Worlds replicate the operation of 10 typical PLC environments ranging from car washes to elevators to conveyor systems.

PLCLogix also has import/export capabilities that allow you to import program files from actual PLCs such as Rockwell's Logix 5000 and older PLC simulators such as LogixPro. This allows for a seamless transition from older PLC systems to the industry standard Logix 5000 platform. Educators will find this feature particularly helpful since they can easily transfer their existing ladder logic programs into PLCLogix programs without having to spend hours creating new programs. Industry users will also benefit since they can design, test and debug programs offline and import/export programs between the simulation software and real-world PLCs.

PLCLogix 500 is an excellent starting point for learning introductory ladder logic. Like PLCLogix 5000, it will allow you to practice and develop your programming skills, and it provides the ability to write, edit and debug ladder logic programs based on RSLogix 500 PLC software. Like PLCLogix 5000, PLCLogix 500 combines ladder logic programming with state-of-the-art 3D simulation, with 10 interactive 3D-Worlds controlled by a simulated PLC, including traffic control and a bottling factory.

An ideal supplemental learning resource for PLCLogix is the PLC Computer Based Training (CBT) package, which consists of 19 modules of interactive curriculum using text, video, audio, 2D and 3D animations. It also includes PLCLogix with over 200 PLC programming exercises and lab projects. This Downloaded or USB-based multimedia program includes pre-tests, interactive exercises and practice exams. The PLC CBT presents an in-depth, interactive coverage of essential concepts of advanced PLCs, built within an innovative state-of-the-art computer-based training and simulation environment. The tutorial learning package provides both theoretical and laboratory support through a combination of multimedia learning resources and PLCLogix simulation software to allow for the programming, testing, and debugging of PLC programs.