Programmable Logic Controllers author: Frank D. Petruzella rating: asin: 0078298520 binding: Hardcover amazon price: $121.00 USD

I really like this book.  The text discusses PLCs in a general sense even though the examples and exercises use the Allen Bradley line of PLC-5, SLC-500 and ControlLogix PLCs extensively.  So if you are student seeking to gain a good working knowledge of one of the most popular PLCs on the market then this is your book.  It deals very thoroughly in a basic and intermediate level, touching on some advanced concepts as well.  Some nice extra material not found in other books is chapter 13 on PLC Installation Practices, Editing and Troubleshooting.    The book is recent enough (2005, 3rd Edition) to be up to date and include such things as computers, process control and data acquisition (see chapters 14 and 15).

One of the reasons I really like the book is its visual presentation.  Most of the examples and diagrams are in color which is unusual for industrial books but it's very helpful for illustration purposes.  Color photos are included of PLC installations and the devices that interact with PLCs.  Beware that the excerpts on Amazon are still from the old 2nd edition.  Make sure to get the 3rd edition because it is improved.

Each section ends with some challenging questions and exercises.  In addition, there is also a student activities manual and a computer simulation package that can be purchased separately.  So this text is ideal for a class room. 

The Activities Manual contains chapter tests consisting of true/false, completion, matching, and multiple-choice questions related to the theory covered in the text. This is great since the best way to fully understand the operation of a given PLC system is by hands-on experimentation with the equipment. There's also a wide range of generic programming assignments and exercises designed to offer students real-world experience with their PLC installation.

The accompanying Computer Simulation Package includes state-of-the-art LogixPro simulation software as well as a printed lab manual with more than 250 programming assignments. The LogixPro simulation software converts the student's computer into a PLC and allows the student to write ladder logic programs and verify their real-world operation. LogixPro is an ideal tool to help students learn the fundamentals of Allen Bradley's RSLogix ladder logic software. The programming assignments provide students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with many different features associated with PLCs, including timers, counter sequencers, and math functions.  

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Table of Contents 

Chapter 1 - Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): An Overview

1-1    Programmable Logic Controllers

1-2    Parts of a PLC

1-3    Principles of Operation

1-4    Modifying the Operation

1-5    PLCs versus Computers

1-6    PLC Size and Application

Chapter 2 - PLC Hardware Components

2-1    The I/O Section

2-2    Discrete I/O Modules

2-3    Analog I/O Modules

2-4    Special I/O Modules

2-5    I/O Specifications

2-6    The CPU

2-7    Memory Design

2-8    Memory Types

2-9    Programming Devices

2-10    Recording and Retrieving Data

2-11    PLC Workstations

Chapter 3 - Number Systems and Codes

3-1    Decimal System

3-2    Binary System

3-3    Negative Numbers

3-4    Octal System

3-5    Hexadecimal System

3-6    BCD System

3-7    Gray Code

3-8    ASCII Code

3-9    Parity Bit

3-10    Binar Arithmetic

Chapter 4 - Fundamentals of Logic

4-1    The Binary Concept

4-2    AND, OR, and NOT Functions

4-3    Boolean Algebra

4-4    Developing Circuits from Boolean Expressions

4-5    Producing the Boolean Equation from a Given Circuit

4-6    Hardwired Logic versus Programmed Logic

4-7    Programming Word-Level Logic Instructions

Chapter 5 - Basics of PLC Programming

5-1    Processor Memory Organization

5-2    Program Scan

5-3    PLC Programming Languages

5-4    Relay-Type Instructions

5-5    Instruction Addressing

5-6    Branch Instructions

5-7    Internal Relay Instructions

5-8    Programming EXAMINE IF CLOSED and EXAMINE IF OPEN Instructions

5-9    Entering the Ladder Diagram

5-10    Modes of Operation

Chapter 6 - Developing Fundamental PLC Wiring Diagrams and Ladder Logic Programs

6-1    Electromagnetic Control Relays

6-2    Contactors

6-3    Motor Starters

6-4    Manually Operated Switches

6-5    Mechanically Operated Switches

6-6    Transducers and Sensors

6-7    Output Control Devices

6-8    Seal-In Circuits

6-9    Latching Relays

6-10    Converting Relay Schematics into PLC Ladder Programs

6-11    Writing a Ladder Logic Program Directly from a Narrative Description

Chapter 7 - Programming Timers

7-1    Mechanical Timing Relay

7-2    Timer Instructions

7-3    On-Delay Timer Instruction

7-4    Off-Delay Timer Instruction

7-5    Retentive Timer

7-6    Cascading Timers

Chapter 8 - Programming Counters

8-1    Counter Instructions

8-2    Up-Counter

8-3    Down-Counter

8-4    Cascading Counters

8-5    Incremental Encoder-Counter Applications

8-6    Combining Counter and Timer Functions

Chapter 9 - Program Control Instructions

9-1    Master Control Reset Instruction

9-2    Jump Instructions and Subroutines

9-3    Immediate Input and Immediate Output Instructions

9-4    Forcing External I/O Addresses

9-5    Safety Circuitry

9-6    Selectable Timed Interrupt

9-7    Fault Routine

9-8    Temporary End Instruction

Chapter 10 - Data Manipulation Instructions

10-1    Data Manipulation

10-2    Data Transfer Operations

10-3    Data Compare Instructions

10-4    Data Manipulation Programs

10-5    Numerical Data I/O Interfaces

10-6    Set-Point Control

Chapter 11 - Math Instructions

11-1    Math Instructions

11-2    Addition Instruction

11-3    Subtraction Instruction

11-4    Multiplication Instruction

11-5    Division Instruction

11-6    Other Word-Level Math Instructions

11-7    File Arithmetic Operations

Chapter 12 - Sequencer and Shift Register Instructions

12-1    Mechanical Sequencers

12-2    Sequencer Instructions

12-3    Sequencer Programs

12-4    Shift Registers

12-5    Word Shift Registers

Chapter 13 - PLC Installation Practices, Editing, and Troubleshooting

13-1    PLC Enclosures

13-2    Electrical Noise

13-3    Leaky Inputs and Outputs

13-4    Grounding

13-5    Voltage Variations and Surges

13-6    Program Editing

13-7    Programming and Monitoring

13-8    Preventive Maintenance

13-9    Troubleshooting

13-10    Connecting Your Personal Computer and Your Programmable Logic Controller

Chapter 14 - Process Control and Data Acquisition Systems

14-1    Types of Processes

14-2    Structure of Control Systems

14-3    Controllers

14-4    Data Acquisition Systems

Chapter 15 - Computer-Controlled Machines and Processes

15-1    Computer Fundamentals

15-2    Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

15-3    Data Communications

15-4    Computer Numerical Control

15-5    Robotics