What is this standard about?
This is a key international IT programming language standard. It helps create a common programming language with which to improve the software lifecycle and increase productivity.
Who is this standard for?
Anyone involved with the programming languages used in IT
Why should you use this standard?
This part of IEC 61131 specifies syntax and semantics of programming languages for programmable controllers as defined in Part 1 of IEC 61131.
The functions of program entry, testing, monitoring, operating system, etc., are specified in this standard. It also specifies the syntax and semantics of a unified suite of programming languages for programmable controllers (PCs).
This suite consists of two textual language: Instruction List (IL) and Structured Text (ST), and two graphical languages: Ladder Diagram (LD) and Function Block Diagram (FBD).
An additional set of graphical and equivalent textual elements named Sequential Function Chart (SFC) is defined for structuring the internal organization of programmable controller programs and function blocks. Also, configuration elements are defined which support the installation of programmable controller programs into programmable controller systems.
Features are also defined which facilitate communication among programmable controllers and other components of automated systems.
What’s changed since the last update?
This standard replaces BS EN 61131-3:2003, which was withdrawn in March 2016. It is a compatible extension of that standard. The main extensions are new data types and conversion functions, references, name spaces and the object oriented features of classes and function blocks.
