What this book covers

Chapter 1, ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware, introduces the ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms by exploring the evolution of the Allen Bradley controllers. It provides details of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture and then discusses the important role that firmware plays in the Logix5000 platform.

Chapter 2, Industrial Network Communications, details the various communication technologies available for the Logix platform. The focus of this book is on the current state of Rockwell Automation's ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers, however, this chapter discusses some legacy communications protocols, which you may still find running in the field today.

Chapter 3, Configuring Logix Modules, looks at the available modules for the Logix platform, how to configure them, and their usage in a Logix project. It also includes methods for identifying module features by their Logix Module Catalog numbers and the address tree that a typical I/O module creates.

Chapter 4, SoftLogix, introduces the Rockwell Automation SoftLogix 5800 Controller and Virtual Chassis. It guides you through the setup of the SoftLogix chassis monitor and configuration of your SoftLogix controller within Logix. Finally, this chapter investigates the techniques for simulating I/O using the 1784 SIM module.

Chapter 5, Writing Ladder Logic, looks at the history of ladder logic and the development of the IEC standard programming languages. Then, it lets you jump into ladder logic programming by creating a simple pump control program. It demonstrates how to buffer inputs and outputs in our ladder logic code and discusses the importance of this process. Finally, it explores the buffering capabilities of the new Program Parameter features in Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

Chapter 6, Writing Function Block, explores the merits of function block programming by building a small sample application. It also provides instructions for modifying the function block properties and performing online edits.

Chapter 7, Writing Structured Text, explores the strengths and weaknesses of structured text programming by exploring the typical uses of this language and demonstrates several sample applications.

Chapter 8, Building Sequential Function Charts, implements a sequential function chart routine and breaks down the steps, actions, transitions and branches that are used to construct it. Finally, it lets you work with the online editing capabilities of sequential function chart routines.

Chapter 9, Using Tasks and Programs for Project Organization, looks at the ways to structure a Logix project using the basic organization units—tasks, programs, and routines. It also looks at the ways in which task scheduling and prioritization can be used to balance the processing time of a controller.

Chapter 10, Faults and Troubleshooting in Logix, teaches you how to identify and troubleshoot faults in a Logix controller. It details a list of fault codes that provide insights into the problems encountered by the platform. It introduces the process of fault recovery, which allows a program to resume its execution after encountering a specific fault type. Finally, it brings you the convenient troubleshooting applications available for your iPhone and iPad.

Appendix, Rockwell Automation Literature Library Resource, gives you topic-specific documentation links.