What is PLC programming software?

A PLC programming software is used to create a program or instructions for a PLC. The created program will be loaded to the PLC program memory, this program would contain certain instructions to implement functions such as timing, counting, etc. By using a PLC, we can control a lot of processes in an industry, we can do on/off control, sequential control, motion control, and a lot more with the help of a PLC.

What is the best PLC programming software?

Top PLC programming software

1. Simatic step7
2. Tia portal
3. Machine expert basic
4. Twido suite
5. Ladder editor
6. HX CODESYS
7. Pro-H
8. RSLogix 5000
9. SILworX
10. SX programmer Expert (D300win)
11. RSLogix 500
12. TPDS32
13. GX-developer FX
14. Unity pro
15. CX programmer
16. Automation builder
17. Softmaster
18. Eaton easysoft
19. ISP soft
20. Widefield3
21. Codesys control Linux SL
22. OpenPLC editor

Comparison of Leading PLC Programming Software With Download link

1. Simatic step 7

This software is used to do the PLC programming of the Siemens PLC. By using this software, we would be able to do direct online diagnosis and also it would be useful to do the automation process. With the help of this software, we can test, program, and configure all the generations of the Simatic PLC. This software can be operated in windows. The programming languages supported by Simatic step 7 are ladder diagram, functional block diagram, statement list, and structured text.

Hardware requirements

• Processor – intel core i5 6440eq, 3.4 Ghz
• RAM – 16GB
• HDD – SSD with 50GB disk space
• Network – 1 Gb for multiuser
• Screen resolution – 1920 × 1080 px

2. Tia portal

This is another PLC programming software by siemens PLC and this programming software is used to program the S7 300 and S7 1200. This software would provide better automation services. The plant operation can be improved by this programming software, this software would increase the flexibility and the energy management in a plant process.

Hardware requirements

• Processor – intel 2.2GHz
• RAM – 4GB
• HDD – 5GB

Simulation supported

We can simulate the entire plant by using the Tia portal, evaluation can be done according to it. Easy plant modeling can be done and also, we can create complex models in high-level languages. By using the PLCSIM advanced simulation of automation can be done in the context of a machine or plant.

3. Machine Expert-Basic

This is a PLC programming software for the Schneider PLCs. This PLC software is used to program the ModiconM221. This software can be used with windows. The major programming languages which can be used to do the PLC programs are ladder logic, structured text, and instruction list.

Simulation supported

The simulation command is available in the online mode, in the simulation mode we can run and debug the application on a simulation target that is available within the programming system.

4. Twido suite

Twido suite is a programming language that is used to create programs for Twido PLC. The major feature of this software is that it has a really simple interface and due to this we can locate the information that we need very easily. Twido suite is very user-friendly and can be used with windows, mostly we can program this software by using the ladder logic programming language.

5. Ladder editor

The ladder editor is a PLC programming software for Hitachi and this software can be used with the Eh 150 series and H series of the Hitachi PLC. This software can be operated with Windows, 7,8, and 10.

6. HXcodesys

This is also a PLC programming software for Hitachi PLC, this software tool display supports eight languages. The major feature of this software is that with the help of a project tree we could manage the device task and also the program application. This software also has certain functions such as automatic input completion and syntax error check and this would help us to create the program efficiently.

7. ProH

This is a 32-bit PLC programming software for Hitachi, this software is mostly used with the H series of Hitachi PLC. This software supports all of the PLC programming languages, this software is composed of many online functions. Because of its user-friendly configuration, we can easily do the programming.

8 Rslogix5000

The RSlogix5000 is used to program the Allen Bradley PLC, by using this software we can program the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix. The user interface of this software is really good, we can use structures and matrix, to do the symbolic programming. We can create PLC programs by using the programming languages such as ladder logic, structured text, sequential and functional diagram.

9. SILworx

This is a PLC programming software that is used to program the HIMA PLCs. We can check for errors with the help of an intuitive user interface. The new version of the SiLworx is in the market which is a 64-bt version and due to this, it would use the full performance of the modern PC. Also, there are many safety tests available and this would improve the quality.

Hardware requirements

• Processor- Intel 15 -2400
• RAM – 4GB
• HDD – 10GB space
• Monitor resolution -1368 ×768

Simulation supported

• Automated tests and acceptance
• Automated checks for any changes
• Smart safety test of PLC

10. SX programmer Expert (D300win)

The SX programmer is a PLC programming software for the fuji PLC. This programming software can be used with most of the fuji PLCs from old to new. This software would support five types of PLC programming languages.

Simulation supported

Program test runs can be done by using the simulation feature without using the actual unit.

11. RSlogix 500

The Rslogix software is used to create programs for the Allen Bradley PLC. This programming software can be used with windows. The programming language which is used to do the PLC program is the ladder logic.

Hardware requirements

Intel core 2 duo processor 2.8 GHz RAM

Hard disk – 2.5GB

12. TPDS32

By using this software, we can program the TOSHIBA PLCs, this software is windows compatible. We can use the programming languages such as ladder diagrams and sequential functional charts to do the PLC programming. This software supports the PROSEC-T series programmable controllers. With the help of this software, we can create and load the program into the PLC and also, we can check the execution status too.

13. GX developer FX

This is a PLC programming software for the Mitsubishi PLCs. This software can be used with Mitsubishi’s MELSEC PLC series. There is also a built-in simulator for this software and by using this we can check the key functions of our program in offline mode. By using this simulator, we can also simulate all the devices and application responses for realistic testing. The major feature of this software is that it would do preventive maintenance and thus protects the program from tampering.

Simulation supported

By using this software, we can do the ladder logic simulation and due to this we can simulate the program operation without using a PLC.

14. Unity pro

This programming software is used to create programs for Schneiders PLC. The programming languages which are supported by this software are functional block diagram, ladder logic, instruction list, structured text, and sequential control. The unity pro software can be operated in windows.

Hardware requirements

• RAM – 2 GB
• HDD – 20 GB space
• System processor – 3 GHz

Simulation supported

This simulation feature would give us the ability to simulate the input and this will be useful during the debug and commissioning. Discrete input operation can be simulated by unity pro.

15. CX programmer

The CX programmer is a PLC software for the Omron PLCs. The programming language which can be used with this software is structured text, Sequential functional block, and ladder logic. The major feature of this software is that we can use data blocks of arrays and structures to create advanced programs. So due to this feature, we can easily create an easily readable program and this program can be easily maintained too.

Hardware requirements

• HDD- 4GB
• Communication Port – Rs232 port, USB port Ethernet port
• CPU – Microsoft processor

16. Automation builder

This is a PLC software that is used with all the ABB PLCs and the operating system which is compatible with this software is windows. There is no complexity for this software and due to this, the program can be easily developed. By using this software, we can automate the machines and systems according to our requirements. We can use the programming languages such as ladder logic, functional block diagram, structured text, and sequential block diagram.

Hardware requirements

• Processor – 1Ghz
• Ram – 4 Gb
• HDD – 18 GB space

Simulation supported

An advanced type of simulation supported including virtual PLCs

17. Softmaster

This is the major programming software for all the Honeywell PLCs. the major feature of this PLC software is that it is capable to do multiple scans and task programs. We can also edit the program very easily by using this software. We can operate this software in windows. We can do the PLC programs by using the programming languages such as ladder logic, structured text, and also by using the sequential functional chart.

Hardware requirements

• PC – Pentium computer 128MB memory
• COM port – RS232 serial port or USB port
• HDD – more than 100MB space will be required
• Monitor – Resolution should be 1024 × 768 or higher

18. Eaton easy soft

Easysoft is a programming software to program the Eaton PLCs by using this PLC software we can easily create and edit the PLC program. We can do the program by using programming languages like structured text, functional block diagram, ladder diagram, and easy programming language. An easy programming language is event-driven programming. This software has another feature called the interrupt function block. We can use Easysoft PLC software with windows.

Simulation supported

This software has an integrated offline simulation tool and by using this we can do the simulation before commissioning.

19. ISP soft

This is a PLC programming software for the delta PLCs and it can be used with Windows operating system. The major feature of this software is that it can integrate multiple tasks. There is a PLC open function block that can be utilized to attain different control requirements. This software also has a motion programming feature. We can do the PLC programming by using five programming languages, such as ladder diagram, functional block diagram, structured text, sequential functional chart, and instruction list.

Hardware requirements

• CPU – Pentium 1.5 GHz or above
• Memory – 256 MB or above
• HDD – 1 GB or above

20. Widefield

This is a PLC programming software for Yokogawa PLC, this software can be used with windows. This software can be used to create programs for FA-M3 and FA-M3 R PLCs. The major feature of this software is that it has a customized program design feature and reusability. Due to the reusability of the user program, the efficiency and quality of the program will be improved.

What is the PLC programming software that supports Linux operating system?

21. Codesys control Linux SL

This is a Linux-based PLC programming software, by using this software we can change the industrial PC into a better performing PLC. The programming system which is required for this will be the Codesys development system V3. There should be an SSH server on the Linux server to install the Codesys

22. OpenPLC editor

This software can be used for Linux and we would be able to create PLC programs for the open PLC runtime. The PLC programming languages which are supported for this software are sequential functional chart, instruction list, structured text, functional block diagram, and ladder logic.

Additional PLC Programming Software Options: Expanding Flexibility and OS Compatibility

The below  additional software options provide more variety and flexibility, especially for users working with different PLC brands or looking for solutions that support multiple operating systems, including Linux.

23. Zenon Logic

• PLC Models Supported: Various PLCs, primarily used in combination with SCADA systems.
• Brand: COPA-DATA
• OS Supported: Windows, Linux
• Programming Language Supported: Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram
• Description: Zenon Logic is a programming environment integrated into the Zenon SCADA system. It offers a complete automation solution where both PLC programming and SCADA configuration can be handled within the same environment.
• Download Link: Zenon Logic Download

24. Do-more Designer

• PLC Models Supported: BRX, H2, T1H Series
• Brand: AutomationDirect
• OS Supported: Windows
• Programming Language Supported: Ladder Logic, Functional Block Diagram, Structured Text
• Description: Do-more Designer is a flexible PLC programming software designed specifically for AutomationDirect’s Do-more PLCs. It offers advanced features like data logging, simulation, and remote programming.
• Download Link: Do-more Designer Download

25. WPLSoft

• PLC Models Supported: Delta PLCs (DVP Series)
• Brand: Delta Electronics
• OS Supported: Windows
• Programming Language Supported: Ladder Logic, Instruction List
• Description: WPLSoft is a simple yet powerful PLC programming software for Delta’s DVP series PLCs. It includes tools for program simulation and debugging, as well as an intuitive interface for easy program creation.
• Download Link: WPLSoft Download

26. QElectroTech

• PLC Models Supported: Generic (supports custom configuration)
• Brand: Community-driven open-source project
• OS Supported: Windows, Linux, macOS
• Programming Language Supported: Ladder Logic (through plugins and customization)
• Description: QElectroTech is an open-source tool primarily designed for creating electrical diagrams but can be configured to support PLC programming, especially in an educational context. It is highly flexible due to its open-source nature.
• Download Link: QElectroTech Download

27. ICPDAS WinProladder

• PLC Models Supported: ICPDAS’s I-7000, I-8000 series
• Brand: ICPDAS
• OS Supported: Windows
• Programming Language Supported: Ladder Logic
• Description: WinProladder is a dedicated PLC programming software for ICPDAS’s series of PLCs. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports various PLC features, including communication protocols and I/O configuration.
• Download Link: WinProladder Download

FAQ:

Which is the best software for PLC programming?

The best PLC programming software depends on your specific needs, including the PLC brand you’re working with, the complexity of your project, and your preferred programming languages. However, some of the most widely recognized and versatile PLC programming software includes:

• Siemens TIA Portal: Ideal for Siemens PLCs, it integrates automation and programming in a single environment, supporting multiple programming languages like Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and more.
• Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000: Known for its robust features, it’s the go-to software for programming Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs.
• Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Control Expert (formerly Unity Pro): This software is highly regarded for Schneider PLCs, offering extensive simulation and debugging tools.
• CODESYS: An open platform that supports a wide range of PLCs from various manufacturers, making it a flexible choice for different automation projects.

Which is the best PLC in the market?

The best PLC on the market depends on the specific application, industry, and requirements. However, the following PLCs are considered top-tier for their reliability, performance, and widespread use:

• Siemens S7-1500: Known for its high performance, scalability, and integration with TIA Portal, it’s widely used in complex industrial automation.
• Allen-Bradley ControlLogix: A favorite in North America, it offers robust features, high processing power, and is ideal for large-scale applications.
• Schneider Electric Modicon M580: Known for its Ethernet-based architecture and strong cybersecurity features, it’s popular in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R: This PLC is valued for its speed, flexibility, and robust safety features, making it suitable for high-demand manufacturing environments.
• Omron Sysmac NJ Series: This PLC is well-regarded for its real-time control capabilities and integration with robotics, motion, and vision systems.

What are the 5 most popular types of PLC programming languages?

The most popular PLC programming languages, standardized by the IEC 61131-3, are:

1. Ladder Logic (Ladder Diagram – LD): The most widely used language, especially in the U.S., due to its visual representation of relay logic circuits.
2. Structured Text (ST): A high-level programming language similar to Pascal, ideal for complex mathematical functions and algorithms.
3. Function Block Diagram (FBD): A graphical language used to program complex functions by connecting blocks representing different functions.
4. Instruction List (IL): A low-level, assembly-like language that is compact and efficient, but less intuitive compared to graphical languages.
5. Sequential Function Chart (SFC): Used to program processes with a series of steps, making it ideal for applications requiring sequential control.

Which PLC is mostly used in the industry?

The most commonly used PLC in the industry varies by region and application, but globally, the Siemens S7 Series is one of the most widely used. Specifically, the Siemens S7-1500 and S7-1200 models are popular due to their reliability, scalability, and integration with the TIA Portal software, which simplifies automation processes.

In North America, the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix series is also highly prevalent, particularly in manufacturing and processing industries, due to its robust features and extensive support network.

Both Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs are known for their versatility and are trusted in various industrial sectors, including automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and energy.