Allen-Bradley software: Studio 5000, RSLogix 500 and CCW
Allen-Bradley PLCs from Rockwell Automation dominate North American industry. Three different programming tools cover their PLC families, and RSLinx (or FactoryTalk Linx) handles the communication between the PC and the PLC.
Which software for which PLC?
| Software | PLCs | Addressing |
|---|---|---|
| Studio 5000 Logix Designer (formerly RSLogix 5000) | ControlLogix, CompactLogix, GuardLogix | tags |
| RSLogix 500 | SLC 500, MicroLogix 1000–1500 | data files: I:0/0, B3:0/0, T4:0 |
| RSLogix 5 | PLC-5 (legacy) | data files |
| Connected Components Workbench (CCW) | Micro800 (Micro820/850/870) | variables; free |
A free "Micro Starter Lite" edition of RSLogix 500 covers MicroLogix 1000 and 1100, which makes these popular training PLCs.
Studio 5000: tags, tasks, programs, routines
- Tags replace fixed addresses. A tag like
Conveyor_Run(BOOL) orFill_Timer(TIMER) can be controller-scoped (global) or program-scoped (local). - Physical I/O appears as module tags such as
Local:1:I.Data.0; you create alias tags with readable names. - Tasks (continuous, periodic, event) contain programs, which contain routines. The MainRoutine calls the others with JSR.
- Add-On Instructions (AOI) are your own reusable blocks, like a motor or valve.
Languages: ladder (RLL), function block, structured text and SFC.
Ladder instructions you will see
| Instruction | Meaning |
|---|---|
| XIC / XIO | examine if closed / open (NO / NC contact) |
| OTE | output energize (coil) |
| OTL / OTU | latch / unlatch (set / reset) |
| ONS / OSR | one-shot (rising edge) |
| TON / TOF / RTO | timers with .EN, .TT, .DN |
| CTU / CTD / RES | counters and reset |
Going online
- Configure the driver in RSLinx Classic / FactoryTalk Linx (Ethernet/IP or USB) and browse to the PLC.
- Choose Download (send your project) or Upload (read the PLC's program).
- Switch to Remote Run.
- Monitor live; for running machines use online edits (start pending edits, accept, test, assemble).
Simulation: FactoryTalk Logix Echo (or the older Studio 5000 Logix Emulate) runs a virtual ControlLogix on the PC.
Switch the PLC Sim Lab Playground to Allen-Bradley to practise with I:0/0 style addresses for free.
Try it yourself. Wire sensors, contactors and a PLC, write ladder logic and press RUN in the free PLC Sim Lab Playground. Nothing to install.
Open the Playground →Guided lessons →