This practical monograph gives a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and languages of the IEC 61131 standard used to program industrial control systems. The second edition of this established reference covers the latest developments of the IEC 61131 standard. The text and the numerous examples have been extensively updated and present the state of the art of program¬ming industrial automation systems. A summary of the special requirements in programming industrial automation systems and the corresponding features in the IEC 61131-3 standard makes the book suitable for students as well as PLC experts. The material is presented in an easy-to-understand form using numerous examples, illustrations and summary tables. The book also includes a purchaser's guide. Karl-Heinz John Degree in Com¬puter Science 1981, degree thesis on microprogramming. Since 1984 at infoteam Software GmbH, co-owner and chief executive officer (CEO), his areas of responsibility include the development of IEC 61131 programming systems, such as OpenPCS. He is also a founder member of PLCopen (www.plcopen.org) and vice-president of ASQF (www.asqf.de). Michael Tiegelkamp Degree in Computer Science 1988, degree thesis on PLC architectures. From 1988 to 1994 at infoteam Software GmbH, project manager and head of marketing, responsible for PLC programming systems. Since 1994 at SIEMENS AG, pro¬ject manager for development and later group manager for product definition in the field of SIMATIC, since 2004 various manager positions in the field of low-voltage energy distribution.

Zusammenfassung
The rapid advances in performance and miniaturisation in microtechnology are constantly opening up new markets for the programmable logic controller (PLC). Specially designed controller hardware or PC-based controllers, extended by hardware and software with real-time capability, now control highly complex automation processes. This has been extended by the new subject of safe- related controllers, aimed at preventing injury by machines during the production process. The different types of PLC cover a wide task spectrum - ranging from small network node computers and distributed compact units right up to modular, fau- tolerant, high-performance PLCs. They differ in performance characteristics such as processing speed, networking ability or the selection of I/O modules they support. Throughout this book, the term PLC is used to refer to the technology as a whole, both hardware and software, and not merely to the hardware architecture. The IEC61131 programming languages can be used for programming classical PLCs, embedded controllers, industrial PCs and even standard PCs, if suitable hardware (e.g. fieldbus board) for connecting sensors and actors is available.

Inhalt
Building Blocks of IEC 61131-3.- Variables, Data Types and Common Elements.- The Programming Languages of IEC 61131-3.- Standardised PLC Functionality.- State-of-the-Art PLC Configuration.- Innovative PLC Programming Systems.- Main Advantages of IEC 61131-3.- Programming by Configuring with IEC 61499.- of CD-ROM and DVD.