In today's electrical control field, PLCs , frequency converters , and soft starters are known as the three giants of industrial control. Nowadays, if you don't know some PLC knowledge, you're considered out of touch! In fact, PLC learning can be roughly summarized into three levels of mastery: the entry level, the intermediate level, and the ultimate level. I'll humbly offer a brief explanation of these three levels.
For electricians with extensive experience in traditional electrical control, learning PLC is quite easy. PLC basics mainly involve understanding the number of input and output terminals, output methods, and whether the PLC is powered by DC or AC. Then, you need to understand the general process and steps of PLC programming, as well as some precautions. For learning PLC, a computer along with corresponding PLC programming and simulation software is essential. Programming and simulation software can be downloaded from the PLC brand's official website, and often come with basic materials such as programming manuals and user manuals. With careful study and diligent practice, you can quickly become proficient. When learning PLC, it's often based on existing electrical control circuits, edited using the PLC's own programming language. If you have a real PLC machine, you can also learn practical wiring techniques, achieving two goals at once and making the process much more efficient.
If you feel you've mastered the basics, don't be arrogant. Many others in the industry know just this much; you're merely a novice. But don't be discouraged, there's more advanced knowledge waiting for you. Advanced PLC knowledge involves learning and applying a wide variety of function instructions. These instructions are simplified versions of tasks that previously required basic instructions. For example, the ALT instruction in the Mitsubishi FX2NPLC can cycle-start and stop industrial control equipment with a single button, saving a significant amount of writing basic contact instructions—saving time and effort while remaining reliable and practical. When learning function instructions, pay close attention to communication instructions, data type conversion instructions, and data transmission instructions. These are the foundation for learning PLC communication and are essential skills for becoming an expert.
If you diligently overcome the initial and advanced stages, and actually complete some small engineering designs, it will be like opening up your Ren and Du meridians—becoming a martial arts master is just around the corner. At this point, the content of the Supreme Stage will definitely be the knowledge you urgently need to learn. This stage involves PLC-to-PLC communication, PLC-to-inverter communication control, PLC PID control, and PLC-to-host computer communication control. This knowledge is mostly based on various communication protocols and programs written according to the PLC's specified format. It sounds very simple, but it contains a wide range of content, such as PID control knowledge and numerical value selection. Without a solid foundation from the previous two stages, learning it well will be extremely difficult. Of course, if you persevere and master this knowledge, you will definitely shine and reap both fame and fortune.
The above is a simple overview of the three key aspects of PLC mastery. It's easier said than done. You can use books, online video materials, etc. to learn and master it. Knowledge is fair to everyone; it just depends on how much effort you put in!
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