1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

Foreword: Background and Functions of PLC

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is an electronic device, previously called “sequence controller”. In 1978, NEMA
(National Electrical Manufacture Association) in the United States officially named it as “programmable logic
controller”. PLC reads the status of the external input devices, e.g. keypad, sensor, switch and pulses, and execute by
the microprocessor logic, sequential, timing, counting and arithmetic operations according the status of the input
signals as well as the pre-written program stored in the PLC. The generated output signals are sent to output devices
as the switch of a relay, electromagnetic valve, motor drive, control of a machine or operation of a procedure for the
purpose of machine automation or processing procedure. The peripheral devices (e.g. personal computer/handheld
programming panel) can easily edit or modify the program and monitor the device and conduct on-site program
maintenance and adjustment. The widely used language in designing a PLC program is the ladder diagram.
With the development of the electronic technology and wider applications of PLC in the industry, for example in
position control and the network function of PLC, the input/output signals of PLC include DI (digital input), AI (analog
input), PI (pulse input), NI (numeric input), DO (digital output), AO (analog output), and PO (pulse output). Therefore,
PLC will still stand important in the industrial automation field in the future.

1.1 The Working Principles of Ladder Diagram

The ladder diagram was a diagram language for automation developed in the WWII period, which is the oldest and
most widely adopted language in automation. In the initial stage, there were only A (normally open) contact, B
(normally closed) contact, output coil, timer and counter…the sort of basic devices on the ladder diagram (see the
power panel that is still used today). After the invention of programmable logic controllers (PLC), the devices
displayable on the ladder diagram are added with differential contact, latched coil and the application commands
which were not in a traditional power panel, for example the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
operations.
The working principles of the traditional ladder diagram and PLC ladder diagram are basically the same. The only
difference is that the symbols on the traditional ladder diagram are more similar to its original form, and PLC ladder
diagram adopts the symbols that are easy to recognize and shown on computer or data sheets. In terms of the logic
of the ladder diagram, there are combination logic and sequential logic.
1. Combination Logic
Examples of traditional ladder diagram and PLC ladder diagram for combination logic:
Traditional Ladder Diagram PLC Ladder Diagram

X0 Y0
X0
Y0
X1 Y1 X1
Y1
X2 X4 Y2 X2 X4
Y2
X3
X3

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

Row 1: Using a normally open (NO) switch X0 (“A” switch or “A" contact). When X0 is not pressed, the contact
will be open loop (Off), so Y0 will be Off. When X0 is pressed, the contact will be On, so Y0 will be On.
Row 2: Using a normally closed (NC) switch X1 (“B” switch or “B” contact). When X1 is not pressed, the contact
will be On, so Y1 will be On. When X1 is pressed, the contact will be open loop (Off), so Y1 will be Off.
Row 3: The combination logic of more than one input devices. Output Y2 will be On when X2 is not pressed or
X3 and X4 are pressed.
2. Sequential Logic
Sequential logic is a circuit with "draw back” structure, i.e. the output result of the circuit will be drawn back as an
input criterion. Therefore, under the same input criteria, different previous status or action sequence will follow by
different output results.
Examples of traditional ladder diagram and PLC ladder diagram for sequential logic:
Traditional Ladder Diagram PLC Ladder Diagram
X5 X6 Y3 X5 X6
Y3
Y3 Y3

When the circuit is first connected to the power, though X6 is On, X5 is Off, so Y3 will be Off. After X5 is pressed,
Y3 will be On. Once Y3 is On, even X5 is released (Off), Y3 can still keep its action because of the draw back (i.e.
the self-retained circuit). The actions are illustrated in the table below.
Device status
X5 X6 Y3
Action sequence
1 No action No action Off
2 Action No action On
3 No action No action On
4 No action Action Off
5 No action No action Off

From the table above, we can see that in different sequence, the same input status can result in different output
results. For example, switch X5 and X6 of action sequence 1 and 3 do not act, but Y3 is Off in sequence 1 and
On in sequence 3. Y3 output status will then be drawn back as input (the so-called “draw back”), making the
circuit being able to perform sequential control, which is the main feature of the ladder diagram circuit. Here we
only explain contact A, contact B and the output coil. Other devices are applicable to the same method. See
Chapter 3 “Basic instructions” for more details.

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

1.2 Differences Between Traditional Ladder Diagram and PLC Ladder Diagram

Though the principles of traditional ladder diagram and PLC ladder diagram are the same, in fact, PLC adopts
microcomputer to simulate the motions of the traditional ladder diagram, i.e. scan-check status of all the input devices
and output coil and calculate to generate the same output results as those from the traditional ladder diagram based
on the logics of the ladder diagram. Due to that there is only one microcomputer, we can only check the program of
the ladder diagram one by one and calculate the output results according to the program and the I/O status before the
cyclic process of sending the results to the output interface  re-reading of the input status  calculation  output.
The time spent in the cyclic process is called the “scan time” and the time can be longer with the expansion of the
program. The scan time can cause delay from the input detection to output response of the PLC. The longer the delay,
the bigger the error is to the control. The control may even be out of control. In this case, you have to choose a PLC
with faster scan speed. Therefore, the scan speed is an important specification requirement in a PLC. Owing to the
advancement in microcomputer and ASIC (IC for special purpose), there has been great improvement in the scan
speed of PLC nowadays. See the figure below for the scan of the PLC ladder diagram program.

Read input status from outside

X0 X1
The output result is calculated
Start Y0
based on the ladder diagram. Y0

(The result has not yet sent to the M100 X3 X10

Y1
Executing in cycles
external output point, but the
:
internal device will perform an :
X100 M505
immediate output.) Y126
End

Send the result to the output point

Besides the difference in the scan time, PLC ladder and traditional ladder diagram also differ in “reverse current”. For
example, in the traditional ladder diagram illustrated below, when X0, X1, X4 and X6 are On and others are Off, Y0
output on the circuit will be On as the dotted line goes. However, the PLC ladder diagram program is scanned from up
to down and left to right. Under the same input circumstances, the PLC ladder diagram editing tool WPLSoft will be
able to detect the errors occurring in the ladder diagram.
Reverse current of traditional ladder diagram Reverse current of PLC ladder diagram

X0 X1 X2 Y0 X0 X1 X2 Y0
Y0
X3 a X4 X5 X3 a X4 X5
b b

X6 X6

Error detected in the third row

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

1.3 How to Edit Ladder Diagram

Ladder diagram is a diagram language frequently applied in automation. The ladder diagram is composed of the
symbols of electric control circuit. The completion of the ladder diagram by the ladder diagram editor is the completion
of the PLC program design. The control flow illustrated by diagram makes the flow more straightforward and
acceptable for the technicians of who are familiar with the electric control circuit. Many basic symbols and actions in
the ladder diagram come from the frequently-seen electromechanical devices, e.g. buttons, switches, relay, timer and
counter, etc. in the traditional power panel for automation control.
Internal devices in the PLC: The types and quantity of the devices in the PLC vary in different brand names. Though
the internal devices in the PLC adopt the names, e.g. transistor, coil, contact and so on, in the traditional electric
control circuit, these physical devices do not actually exist inside the PLC. There are only the corresponding basic
units (1 bit) inside the memory of the PLC. When the bit is “1”, the coil will be On, and when the bit is “0”, the coil will
be Off. The normally open contact (NO or contact A) directly reads the value of the corresponding bit. The normally
close contact (NC or contact B) reads the opposite state of the value of the corresponding bit. Many relays will occupy
many bits. 8 bits equal a “byte”. 2 bytes construct a “word” and 2 words combined is “double word”. Byte, word or
double words are used when many relays are processed (e.g. addition/subtraction, displacement) at the same time.
The other two devices, timer and counter, in the PLC have coil, timer value and counter value and they have to
process some values in byte, word or double word.
All kinds of internal devices in the value storage area in the PLC occupy their fixed amount of storage units. When you
use these devices, you are actually read the contents stored in the form of bit, byte or word.
Introductions on the basic internal devices in the PLC (See Ch 2. Functions of Devices in DVP-PLC for more details.)
Device Functions
The input relay is an internal memory (storage) unit in the PLC corresponding to an external
input point and is used for connecting to the external input switches and receiving external
input signals. The input relay will be driven by the external input signals which make it “0” or
“1". Program designing cannot modify the status of the relay, i.e. it cannot re-write the basic
unit of a relay, nor can it force On/Off of the relay by HPP/WPLSoft.
SA/SX/SC/EH2/SV/EH3/SV2 series MPU can simulate input relay X and force On/Off of the

Input relay relay. But the status of the external input points will be updated and disabled, i.e. the external
input signals will not be read into their corresponding memories inside PLC, but only the input
points on the MPU. The input points on the extension modules will still operate normally. There
are no limitations on the times of using contact A and contact B of the input relay. The input
relays without corresponding input signals can only be left unused and cannot be used for
other purposes.
 Device indication: X0, X1, …X7, X10, X11, … are indicated as X and numbered in octal
form. The numbers of input points are marked on MPU and extension modules.
The output relay is an internal memory (storage) unit in the PLC corresponding to an external
output point and is used for connecting to the external load. The output relay will be driven by
Output relay
the contact of an input relay, contacts of other internal devices and the contacts on itself. A
normally open contact of the output relay is connected to the external load. Same as the input

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

Device Functions
contacts, there are no limitations on the times of using other contacts of the output relay. The
output relay without corresponding output signals can only be left unused and can be used as
input relay if necessary.
 Device indication: Y0, Y1, …Y7, Y10, Y11, …are indicated as Y and numbered in octal
form. The No. of output points are marked on MPU and extension modules.
The internal relay does not have connection with the external. It is an auxiliary relay inside the
PLC with the functions same as those of the auxiliary (middle) relay in the electric control
circuit. Every internal relay corresponds to a basic internal storage unit and can be driven by
Internal relay the contacts of the input relay, contacts of the output relay and the contacts of other internal
devices. There are no limitations on the times of using the contacts of the internal relay and
there will be no output from the internal relay, but from the output point.
 Device indication: M0, M1, …, M4095 are indicated as M and numbered in decimal form.
DVP series PLC offers a step-type control program input method. STL instruction controls the
transfer of step S, which makes it easy for the writing of the control program. If you do not use
Step any step program in the control program, step S can be used as an internal relay M as well as
an alarm point.
 Device indication: S0, S1, …S1023 are indicated as S and numbered in decimal form.
The timer is used for timing and has coil, contact and register in it. When the coil is On and the
estimated time is reached, its contact will be enabled (contact A closed, contact B open). Every
timer has its fixed timing period (unit: 1ms/10ms/100ms). Once the coil is Off, the contact iwlwl
Timer
be disabled (contact A open, contact B closed) and the present value on the timer will become
“0”.
 Device indication: T0, T1, …, T255 are indicated as T and numbered in decimal form.
Different No. refers to different timing period.
The counter is used for counting. Before using the counter, you have to give the counter a set
value (i.e. the number of pulses for counting). There are coil, contact and registers in the
counter. When the coil goes from Off to On, the counter will regard it as an input of 1 pulse and
Counter
the present value on the counter will plus “1”. We offer 16-bit and 32-bit high-speed counters
for our users.
 Device indication: C0, C1, …, C255 are indicated as C and numbered in decimal form.
Data processing and value operations always occur when the PLC conducts all kinds of
sequential control, timing and counting. The data register is used for storing the values or all
Data register kinds of parameters. Every register is able to store a word (16-bit binary value). Double words
will occupy 2 adjacent data registers.
 Device indication: D0, D1, …, D11999 are indicated as D and numbered in decimal form.
The file register is used for storing the data or all kinds of parameters when the data registers
required for processing the data and value operations are insufficient. Every file register is able
to store a 16-bit word. Double words will occupy 2 adjacent file registers. In SA/SX/SC series
File register
MPU, there are 1,600 file registers. In EH2/SV/EH3/SV2 series MPU, there are 10,000 file
registers. There is not an actual device No. for a file register. The reading and writing of file
registers should be executed by instructions API 148 MEMR, API 149 MEMW, or through the

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

Device Functions
peripheral device HPP02 and WPLSoft.
 Device indication: K0 ~ K9,999, numbered in decimal form.

E and F index registers are 16-bit data registers as other data registers. They can be read and

Index register written and can be used in word devices, bit devices or as a constant for index indication.
 Device indication: E0 ~ E7, F0 ~ F7 are indicated as E and F and numbered in decimal
form.

The structure of a ladder diagram:

Structure Explanation Instruction Devices Used

Normally open, contact A LD X, Y, M, S, T, C

Normally closed, contact B LDI X, Y, M, S, T, C

Normally open in series

AND X, Y, M, S, T, C
connection
Normally closed in series
ANI X, Y, M, S, T, C
connection
Normally open in parallel
OR X, Y, M, S, T, C
connection
Normally closed in parallel
ORI X, Y, M, S, T, C
connection

Rising-edge trigger switch LDP X, Y, M, S, T, C

Falling-edge trigger switch LDF X, Y, M, S, T, C

Rising-edge trigger in series

ANDP X, Y, M, S, T, C
connection
Falling-edge trigger in series
ANDF X, Y, M, S, T, C
connection
Rising-edge trigger in parallel
ORP X, Y, M, S, T, C
connection
Falling-edge trigger in parallel
ORF X, Y, M, S, T, C
connection

Block in series connection ANB -

Block in parallel connection ORB -

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

Structure Explanation Instruction Devices Used

MPS
Multiple output MRD -
MPP

Coil driven output instruction OUT Y, M, S

S Step ladder STL S

See Ch.3 for basic instructions

Basic instruction Application
(RST/SET and CNT/TMR) and Ch.5 ~
Application instruction instructions
10 for application instructions

Inverse logic INV -

Block:
A block is a series or parallel operation composed of more than 2 devices. There are series block and parallel block.

Series block

Parallel block

Separation line and combination line:

The vertical line is used for separating the devices. For the devices on the left, the vertical line is a combination line,
indicating that there are at least 2 rows of circuits on the left connected with the vertical line. For the devices on the
right, the vertical line is a separation line, indicating that there are at least 2 rows of circuits interconnected on the right
side of the vertical line).

1 2

Combination line for block 1 Combination line for block 2

Separation line for block 2

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

Network:
A complete block network is composed of devices and all kinds of blocks. The blocks or devices connectable by a
vertical line or continuous line belong to the same network.

Network 1

An independent network

Network 2

An incomplete network

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

1.4 How to Edit a PLC Ladder Diagram

The editing of the program should start from the left power line and ends at the right power line, a row after another.
The drawing of the right power line will be omitted if edited from WPLSoft. A row can have maximum 11 contacts on it.
If 11 is not enough, you can continuously connect more devices and the continuous number will be generated
automatically. The same input points can be used repeatedly. See the figure below:
X0 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X10 C0 C1
00000
X11 X12 X13
00000 Y0

Continuous number

The operation of the ladder diagram program is scanning from top left to bottom right. The coil and the operation
frame of the application instruction belong to the output side in the program and are placed in the right if the ladder
diagram. Take the figure below for example, we will step by step explain the process of a ladder diagram. The
numbers in the black circles indicate the order.

X0 X1 Y1 X4
Y1
M0 T0 M3
TMR T0 K10
X3 M1

The order of the instructions:

1 LD X0
2 OR M0
3 AND X1
4 LD X3
AND M1
ORB
5 LD Y1
AND X4
6 LD T0
AND M3
ORB
7 ANB
8 OUT Y1
TMR T0 K10

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

Explanations on the basic structures in the ladder diagram:

1. LD (LDI) instruction: Given in the start of a block.
LD instruction LD instruction

AND block OR block

The structure of LDP and LDF instructions are the same as that of LD instruction, and the two only differ in their
actions. LDP and LDF instructions only act at the rising edge or falling edge when the contact is On, as shown in
the figure below.

Rising edge
Falling edge
X0 X0
Time Time
OFF ON OFF OFF ON OFF

2. AND (ANI) instruction: A single device connects to another single device or a block in series
AND instruction AND instruction

The structure of ANDP and ANDF instructions are the same. ANDP and ANDF instructions only act at the rising
edge or falling edge.

3. OR (ORI) instruction: A single device connects to another single device or a block

OR instruction OR instruction OR instruction

The structure of ORP and ORF instructions are the same. ORP and ORF instructions only act at the rising edge or
falling edge.

4. ANB instruction: A block connects to a device or another block in series

ANB instruction

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

5. ORB instruction: A block connects to a device or another block in parallel

ORB instruction

If the ANB and ORB operations are with several blocks, the operation should be performed from up to down or left
to right, combining into a block or network.

6. MPS, MRD, MPP instructions: Bifurcation point of multiple outputs, for generating many and diverse outputs.
MPS instruction is the start of the bifurcation point. The bifurcation point is the intersection of the horizontal line and
vertical line. We will have to determine whether to give a contact memory instruction by the contact status of the
same vertical line. Basically, every contact can be given a memory instruction, but considering the convenience of
operating the PLC and the limitation on its capacity, some parts in the ladder diagram will be omitted during the
conversion. We can determine the type of contact memory instruction by the structure of the ladder diagram. MPS
is recognized as “┬” and the instruction can be given continuously for 8 times.
MRD instruction is used for reading the memory of the bifurcation point. Due to that the same vertical line is of the
same logic status, in order to continue analyzing other ladder diagrams, we have to read the status of the original
contact again. MRD is recognized as “├”.
MPP instruction is used for reading the start status of the top bifurcation point and popping it out from the stack.
Since MPP is the last item on the vertical line, the vertical line ends at this point.
MPP is recognized as “└”. Using the method given MPS
above for the analysis cannot be wrong. However,
sometimes the compiling program will ignore the same
MPS
output status, as shown in the figure.

MRD

MPP
MPP

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

7. STL instruction: Used for designing the syntax of the sequential function chart (SFC).
STL instruction allows the program designer a clearer and readable picture of the sequence of the program as
when they draw a sequence chart. From the figure below, we can see clearly the sequence to be planned. When
the step S moves to the next step, the original S will be “Off". Such a sequence can then be converted into a PLC
ladder diagram and called “step ladder diagram”.
M1002 M1002
SET S0
S0
S SET S21
S21
S SET S22
S22
S S0

RET

8. RET instruction: Placed after the completed step ladder diagram.

RET also has be placed after STL instruction. See the example below.
S20 X1
S

RET

S20 X1
S

RET

See step ladder instructions [STL], [RET] in Ch. 4 for the structure of the ladder diagram.

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1.5 The Conversion of PLC Command and Each Diagram Structure

Ladder Diagram LD X0 OR
OR X1 block
LD X2 OR
X0 X2 X1 OR M0 block
Y0
ORI M1
X1 M0 C0 Series
SET S0
ANB connection blcok
M1 LD M2 AND
AND Y0 block
M2 Y0 Parallel
ORB connection block
AN I X1 ANI
The output will continue
OUT Y0 following the status of
AND C0 Multiple
S0 X10 outputs
S Y10 SET S0
STL S0 Step ladder Start
SET S10
LD X10 Status S0 and X10 operation
OUT Y10 Status working item and
SET S10 step point transfer
S10 X11
S Y11 STL S10 Withdraw S10 status
LD X11 Withdraw X11 status
SET S11
OUT Y11
SET S12 SET S11 Status working item and
SET S12 step point transfer
SET S13 SET S13
STL S11 Withdraw S11 status

S11 X12
LD X12 Withdraw X12 status
S Y12 OUT Y12 Status working item and
SET S20 step point transfer
SET S20
STL S20
Bifurcation
STL S12 convergence
S20 S12 S13 X13
S S S S0 STL S13
LD X13 Status working item End of step ladder
RET OUT S0 and step point transfer
RET Return
X0 LD X0
CNT C0 K10
CNT C0 K10
LD C0 Read C0
C0 X1
M0 MPS
X1 AND X1
M1
M2
OUT M0
M2 MRD
Multiple
AN I X1 outputs
RST C0 OUT M1
MPP
END
AN I M2
OUT M2
RST C0
END End of program

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

 Fuzzy Syntax
The correct ladder diagram analysis and combination should be conducted from up to down and left to right. However,
without adopting this principle, some instructions can make the same ladder diagram.
Example Program 1
See the ladder diagram below. There are 2 ways to indicate the ladder by instruction programs with the same result.
X0 X2 X4 Ideal way Less ideal way

X1 X3 X5 LD X0 LD X0
OR X1 OR X1
LD X2 LD X2
OR X3 OR X3
ANB LD X4
LD X4 OR X5
OR X5 ANB
ANB ANB

The two instruction programs will be converted into the same ladder diagram. The difference between the ideal one
and less ideal one is the operation done by the MPU. For the ideal way, the combination is done block by block
whereas the less idea way combines all the blocks combine with one another in the last step. Though the length of
the program codes of the two ways are equal, the combination done in the last step (by ANB instruction, but ANB
cannot be used continuously for more than 8 times) will have to store up the previous calculation results in advance.
In our case, there are only two blocks combined and the MPU allows such kind of combination. However, once the
number of blocks exceeds the range that the MPU allows, problems will occur. Therefore, the best way is to execute
the block combination instruction after a block is made, which will also make the logic sequence planned by the
programmer more in order.
Example Program 2
See the ladder diagram below. There are 2 ways to indicate the ladder by instruction programs with the same result.

X0 Ideal way Less ideal way

LD X0 LD X0
X1
OR X1 LD X1
X2 OR X2 LD X2

X3 OR X3 LD X3
ORB
ORB
ORB

In this example, the program codes and the operation memory in the MPU increase in the less ideal way. Therefore, it
is better that you edit the program following the defined sequence.

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 Incorrect Ladder Diagram

PLC processes the diagram program from up to down and left to right. Though we can use all kinds of ladder symbols
to combine into various ladder diagrams, when we draw a ladder diagram, we will have to start the diagram from the
left power line and end it at the right power line (In WPLSoft ladder diagram editing area, the right power line is
omitted), from left to right horizontally, one row after another from up to down. See bellows for the frequently seen
incorrect diagrams:

OR operation upward is not allowed.

“Reverse flow” exists in the signal circuit from the beginning of input to output.

Re ver se fl ow

The up-right corner should output first.

Combining or editing should be done from the up-left to the bottom-right. The
dotted-lined area should be moved up.

Parallel operation with empty device is not allowed.

Empty device cannot do operations with other devices.

No device in the middle block.

Devices and blocks in series should be horizontally aligned.

Label P0 should be in the first row of a complete network.

Blocks connected in series should be aligned with the upmost horizontal line.

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

1.6 Simplified Ladder Diagram

 When a series block is connected to a parallel block in series, place the block in the front to omit ANB instruction.
X0 X1 Ladder diagram complied into instruction

X2
LD X0
LD X1
 OR X2
ANB
Ladder diagram complied into instruction
X1 X0
LD X1
X2
OR X2
AND X0

 When a single device is connected to a block in parallel, place the block on top to omit ORB instruction.

T0
Ladder diagram complied into instruction
LD T0
X1 X2
LD X1
AND X2
 ORB
X1 X2 Ladder diagram complied into instruction
LD X1
T0 AND X2
OR T0

 In diagram (a), the block on top is shorter than the block in the bottom, we can switch the position of the two
blocks to achieve the same logic. Due to that diagram (a) is illegal, there is a “reverse flow” in it.
Ladder diagram complied into instruction
X0
LD X0
X1 X2 OR X1

X3 X4
AND X2
LD X3
(a)
AND X4

ORB
Ladder diagram complied into instruction
X3 X4 LD X3
AND X4
X1 X2
LD X1
X0
OR X0
(b) AND X2
ORB

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 MPS and MPP instruction can be omitted when the multiple outputs in the same horizontal line do not need to
operate with other input devices.

X0 Ladder diagram complied into instruction

Y1 MPS
AND X0
Y0
OUT Y1
 MPP
OUT Y0

Y0 Ladder diagram complied into instruction

X0 OUT Y0
Y1 AND X0
OUT Y1
 Correct the circuit of reverse flow
In the following two examples, the diagram in the left hand side is the ladder diagram we desire. However, the illegal
“reverse flow” in it is incorrect according to our definition on the ladder diagram. We modify the diagram into the
diagram in the right hand side.
Example 1
X0 X1 X2

X0 X1 X2 X3 X4 X5

X3 X4 X5 X10


X6 X7 X1 0 LO OP 1
X6 X7 X5

re ver se fl ow X10 LOOP1

Example 2
X0 X1 X2
X0 X1 X2
X3 X4 X5
X3 X4 X5
X6 X7 X1 0 LO OP 1
X6

re ver se fl ow
X3 X7 X10
Re ver se fl ow 
X6
X0 X1 X2
LOOP1
X3 X4 X5 X0 X1 X4 X7 X10

X6 X7 X 10
LOOP 2
L OO P2

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1.7 Basic Program Designing Examples

 Start, Stop and Latched

In some application occasions, we need to use the transient close/open buttons for the start and stop of equipment.
To maintain its continuous action, you have to design latched circuits.

Example 1: Stop first latched circuit

When the normally open contact X1 = On and the normally Y1 X2
Y1
closed contact X2 = Off, Y1 will be On. If you make X2 = On at
X1
this time, Y1 will be Off. It is the reason why this is called “stop
first”.

Example 2: Start first latched circuit

When the normally open contact X1 = On and the normally X1 X2
Y1
closed contact X2 = Off, Y1 will be On and latched. If you make
Y1
X2 = On at this time, Y1 will continue to be On because of the
latched contact. It is the reason why this is called “start first”.

Example 3: Latched circuit for SET and RST instructions

See the diagram in the right hand side for the latched circuit Stop first
X1
consist of RST and SET instructions. SET Y1
In the stop first diagram, RST is placed after SET. PLC X2
RST Y1
executes the program from up to down, so the On/Off of Y1 will
Start first
be determined upon its status in the end of the program.
X2
Therefore, when X1 and X2 are enabled at the same time, Y1 RST Y1
will be Off. It is the reason why this is called “stop first”. X1
SET Y1
In the start first diagram, SET is placed after RST. When X1
and X2 are enabled at the same time, Y1 will be On. It is the
reason why this is called “start first”.

Example 4: Power shutdown latched

The auxiliary relay M512 is latched (see instruction sheets for X1
SET M512
DVP series PLC MPU). The circuit can not only be latched
X2
when the power is on, but also keep the continuity of the RST M512

original control when the power is shut down and switched on M512
Y1
again.

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

 Frequently Used Control Circuit

Example 5: Conditional control
X1 X3
Y1 X1

Y1 X3

X2
X2 X4 Y1
Y2 X4
Y2
Y1

Y2

X1 and X3 enables and disables Y1; X2 and X4 enables and disables Y2, and all are latched. Due to that the
normally open contact of Y1 is connected to the circuit of Y2 in series, Y1 becomes an AND condition for Y2.
Therefore, only when Y1 is enabled can Y2 be enabled.

Example 6: Interlock control

X1 X3 Y2
Y1 X1

Y1 X3

X2

X2 X4 Y1 X4
Y2
Y1
Y2
Y2

Which of the X1 and X2 is first enabled decides either the corresponding output Y1 or Y2 will be enabled first. Either
Y1 or Y2 will be enabled at a time, i.e. Y1 and Y2 will not be enabled at the same time (the interlock). Even X1 and
X2 are enabled at the same time, Y1 and Y2 will not be enabled at the same time due to that the ladder diagram
program is scanned from up to down. In this ladder diagram, Y1 will be enabled first.

Example 7: Sequential control

X1 X3 Y2 If we serially connect the normally closed contact of Y2
Y1
Y1 in example 5 to the circuit of Y1 as an AND condition for
Y1 (as the diagram in the left hand side), the circuit can
X2 X4 Y1
Y2 not only make Y1 as the condition for Y2, but also allow
Y2 the stop of Y1 after Y2 is enabled. Therefore, we can
make Y1 and Y2 execute exactly the sequential control.

Example 8: Oscillating circuit

An oscillating circuit with cycle ΔT+ΔT
Y1
Y1 Y1

T T

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

The ladder diagram above is a very simple one. When the program starts to scan the normally closed contact Y1, Y1
will be closed because coil Y1 is Off. When the program then scan to coil Y1 and make it On, the output will be 1.
When the program scans to the normally closed contact Y1 again in the next scan cycle, because coil Y1 is On, Y1
will be open and make coil Y1 Off and output 0. The repeated scans will result in coil Y1 outputs oscillating pulses by
the cycle ΔT(On)+ΔT(Off).

An oscillating circuit with cycle nT+ΔT

X0 Y1
X0
TMR T0 Kn
T0
Y1
Y1

nT T

The ladder diagram program controls the On time of coil Y1 by timer T0 and disable timer T0 in the next scan cycle,
resulting in the oscillating pulses in the output of Y1. n refers to the decimal set value in the timer and T is the cycle
of the clock.

Example 9: Flashing circuit

X0 T2
TMR T1 Kn1 X0
n2 *T
T1
TMR T2 Kn2
Y1
X0 T1
Y1 n1 * T

The ladder diagram is an oscillating circuit which makes the indicator flash or enables the buzzer alarms. It uses two
timers to control the On/Off time of coil Y1. n1 and n2 refer to the set values in T1 and T2 and T is the cycle of the
clock.

Example 10: Trigger circuit

X0
M0 X0

M0 Y1 T
Y1 M0
M0 Y1
Y1

The rising-edge differential instruction of X0 makes coil M0 generate a single pulse of ΔT (one scan cycle). Coil Y1
will be On during this scan period. In the next scan period, coil M0 will be Off and the normally closed contact M0
and Y1 will all be closed, making coil Y1 continue to be On until another rising-edge arrives in input X0, making coil
M0 On for another scan period and Y1 Off. Such kind of circuit relies on an input to make two actions execute
interchangeably. Also from the timing diagram on the last page, we can see that input X0 are square pulse signals of
the cycle T and coil Y1 output are square pulse signals of the cycle 2T.

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

Example 11: Delay circuit

X0
TMR T10 K1000 X0
T10
Y1 Y1

100 seconds
Time base: T = 0.1 sec
When input X0 is On, due to that its corresponding normally closed contact is Off, time T10 will be Off and the
output coil Y1 will be On. T10 will be On and start to count until input X0 is Off. Output coil Y1 will be delayed for
100 seconds (K1,000 × 0.1 sec = 100 secs) and be Off. See the timing diagram above.

Example 12: Output delay circuit

The output delay circuit is the circuit composed of two timers. When input X0 is On and Off, output Y4 will be delayed.

X0
TMR T5 K50
5 secs
T5 T6
Y4 T5

Y4

Y4 X0 T
TMR T6 K30 T6
3 secs

Example13: Timing extension circuit

X0 The total delay time from input X0 is closed to output
TMR T11 Kn1
Y1 is On = (n1+n2)* T. T refers to the clock cycle.
T11
TMR T12 Kn2
X0
T12
n1* T
Y1
T11

Timer = T11, T12 n2* T

Clock cycle: T T12

Y1
(n1+n2)* T

Example 14: How to enlarge the counting range

X13 The counting range of a 16-bit counter is 0 ~ 32,767. As

CNT C5 Kn1 the circuit in the left hand side, using two counters can
C5
CNT C6 Kn2 increase the counting range to n1*n2. When the counting
of counter C5 reaches n1, C6 will start to count for one
RST C5
X14 time and reset for counting the pulses from X13. When
RST C6 the counting of counter C6 reaches n2, the pulses from
C6
Y1 input X13 will be n1*n2.

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

Example 15: Traffic light control (by using step ladder instruction)
Traffic light control
Green
Yellow Green
Vertical Red light light
Light light light
flashes
Vertical
Y0 Y1 Y2 Y2
light
Horizontal
Light Horizontal
Y10 Y11 Y12 Y12
light
On time 35 secs 5 secs 25 secs 5 secs
Timing Diagram:
Vertical
Light

Red Y0

Yellow Y1

Green Y2 25 secs

5 secs 5 secs
Horizontal
Light
Red Y10

Yellow Y11

Green Y12 25 secs

5 secs 5 secs

SFC Figure: Ladder Diagram:

M1002
S0

S20 Y0 S30 Y12

TMR T0 K350 TMR T10 K250

T0 T10
S21 Y2 S31 TMR T11 K50
M1013
TMR T1 K250 Y12
T1 T11
S22 TMR T2 K50 S32 Y11
M1013
Y2 TMR T12 K50
T2 T12
S23 Y1 S33 Y10

TMR T13 K350

T13

S0

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

M1002
ZRST S0 S127

SET S0
S0
S SET S20

SET S30
S20
S Y0

TMR T0 K350
T0
SET S21
S21
S Y2

TMR T1 K250
T1
SET S22
S22
S TMR T2 K50
M1013
Y2
T2
SET S23
S23
S Y1
S30
S Y12

TMR T10 K250

T10
SET S31
S31
S TMR T11 K50
M1013
Y12
T11
SET S32
S32
S Y11

TMR T12 K50

T12
SET S33
S33
S Y10

TMR T13 K350

S23 S33 T13
S S S0

RET

END

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 1 Basic Principles of PLC Ladder Diagram

 Drawing by SFC Editor (WPLSoft )

Drawn by SFC Internal Ladder Diagram

 LAD-0

M1002
ZRST S0 S127
LAD-0
SET S0
S0

 Transferring Condition 1
0
T0
TRANS*
S20 S30

 S22
1 5

S21 S31
TMR T2 K50
M1013
2 6 Y2
S22 S32
 Transferring Condition 4

3 7 T13
TRANS*
S23 S33

 Transferring Condition 7

4 T12
TRANS*
S0

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