Learning path · Free · No card
IEC 61131 and software PLCs
CODESYS, TwinCAT and Automation Builder: structured text, PC-based control and the IEC languages behind hundreds of PLC brands.
Step 1PLC programmingBeginnerCODESYS and IEC 61131-3 Programming
The vendor-neutral PLC platform: ladder, function blocks, structured text, CFC and SFC, with Factory I/O projects and a visualization at the end.
- Explain why CODESYS sits inside so many PLC brands
- Build ladder from NO/NC contacts to gates, latching and exercises
- Use the IEC timers and counters and read their pins
Step 2PLC programmingIntermediateBeckhoff TwinCAT 3 PLC Programming
PC-based control with TwinCAT 3 and EtherCAT: installation, tasks, structured text, function blocks and interfaces, I/O, libraries, version control, ADS, test-driven development, visualization and real machine applications.
- Explain why PC-based control and EtherCAT are used and install TwinCAT 3
- Structure a project into tasks, programs, GVLs, DUTs and libraries
- Use functions, function blocks, methods, properties and interfaces
Step 3PLC programmingBeginnerABB AC500 PLC with Automation Builder
The AC500 family and Automation Builder (CODESYS-based): first project, ladder, latching, interlocks, timers, counters, retentive data, PROFIBUS and PROFINET, visualization, CP600 HMI and platform features.
- Install Automation Builder and create an AC500 project
- Write ladder with contacts, coils, latching, interlocks and memory bits
- Use TON, TOF, TP, RTC, counters and retentive data
How the path works
Join the path and every course is added to your account at once, each with its own progress, notes, quizzes and final. Take them in the order shown: each assumes the one before. Module quizzes are five plain questions and the final is twenty, pass mark 50%, with unlimited retries, so the assessment checks that you followed the lessons rather than testing exam nerves.
Questions
- Is the IEC 61131 and software PLCs free?
- Yes. Every course in the path is free in full: lessons, notes, practice tasks and assessments. Joining the path adds all of them to your account in one step. The only paid item is the optional EDWartens Certificate of Completion for each course.
- In what order should I take the courses?
- In the order listed: each course assumes the one before it. Every course keeps its own progress, quizzes and certificate, so you can also take one on its own.
- Do I get one certificate for the whole path?
- Certificates are per course, issued when you pass that course's final assessment and bought only if you want them. Finishing every course in a path gives you one certificate per course.