PLCs for Beginners

Unleash the power of PLCs by understanding and applying Structured Text, programming logic, and technologies like ChatGPT and much moreKey FeaturesBuild a solid foundation of Structured Text by understanding its syntax, features, and applicationsLearn how to apply programming logic and design by taking a design-first approach to PLC programmingIntegrate advanced concepts and technologies such as cybersecurity and generative AI with PLCsPurchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionWith the rise of smart factories and advanced technology, the demand for PLC programmers with expertise beyond ladder logic is surging. Written by M.T. White, a seasoned DevOps engineer and adjunct CIS instructor, this guide offers insights from the author’s extensive experience in PLC and HMI programming across industries. This book introduces a fresh approach to PLC programming, preparing you for future automation challenges through computer science and text-based programming.Starting with the basic components of PLCs and their integration with other modules, this book gives you a clear understanding of system functionality and helps you master PLC program execution by learning about flow and essential components for effective programming. You'll understand program design with pseudocode and flowcharts, vital for planning programs, and cover Boolean logic intricacies, harnessing logical functions and truth tables for precise control statements. The book gives you a comprehensive grasp of Structured Text, its syntax and features crucial for efficient programming. The book also focuses on advanced topics like cybersecurity in PLC systems and leveraging generative AI (GenAI), such as ChatGPT, to enhance productivity.By the end of this book, you’ll be able to design real-world projects using pseudocode and flowcharts, and implement those designs in Structured Text.What you will learnImplement PLC programs in Structured textExperiment with common functions in Structured TextControl the flow of a PLC program with loop and conditional statementsDesign a PLC program with pseudocode and flowchartsImplement common sorting algorithms such as bubble sort and insertion sort, and understand concepts such as Big OUnderstand the basics of cybersecurity to protect PLC-based systemsLeverage ChatGPT for PLC programmingGet to grips with troubleshooting hardware and fixing common problemsWho this book is forThis book is for automation engineering students and individuals who are aspiring to be software, electrical, mechanical, or automation engineers with an interest in reshaping the automation industry.

M. T. White has been programming since the age of 12. His fascination with robotics flourished when he was a child programming microcontrollers. He holds an undergraduate degree in mathematics, a master's degree in software engineering, and an MBA in IT management. He is currently working as a software developer for a major US defense contractor and is an adjunct CIS instructor, where he teaches Python, C, and an array of other courses. His background mostly stems from the automation industry where he programmed PLCs and HMIs for many different types of applications. He has programmed many different brands of PLCs over the years and has developed HMIs using many different tools. Other technologies that he is fluent in include Linux, Ansible, Docker, AWS, C#, Java, and Python. Be sure to check out his channel AlchemicalComputing on YouTube.

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