Control System Programming Languages
Abstract
The intrinsic responsibility of any control system is to control a target. This target could be a palletizer, welding cell, paintbooth, coking oven, or tube bender. These targets typically can be divided into two very different categories: discrete control and process control. The control program's function is to tell a story using the instruction set available in an organized and functional manner. Most industrial control program languages are symbolic or graphical. All programming languages are composed of things to do or commands and/or instructions. One of the major concerns in the automation industry is the learning curve associated with various vendors' programming software environments. The following are supported and defined to some degree by the IEC 61131-3 programming language standard: ladder logic or diagram, function block, sequential function chart, structured text, and instruction list.
Recommended Citation
J. Pollard and K. T. Erickson, "Control System Programming Languages," A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge, pp. 189 - 215, International Society of Automation, Jan 2026.
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-139440217-5;978-139440218-2;978-139440219-9
Document Type
Book - Chapter
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 International Society of Automation, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2026
