The book " Programmable Logic Controllers: Principles and Applications
" by John W. Webb and Ronald A. Reis is a staple resource for industrial electronics, designed to transition readers from basic relay logic to advanced PLC programming. Key Features
Comprehensive Progression: The text follows a logical path, beginning with basic system layouts and moving through fundamental, intermediate, and advanced functions.
Industry-Standard Programming: It reflects the programming manuals of eight major PLC manufacturers, ensuring the techniques learned are applicable across different platforms like those from Rockwell Automation or Siemens.
Practical Application Focus: Each PLC function discussed is paired with real-world industry examples and troubleshooting problems to help students gain hands-on experience.
Advanced Technical Topics: Newer editions include expanded coverage of:
Human-Machine Interfacing (HMI) and newer PLC control languages. PID programming methods and stacking functions. Jump and MCR instructions, as well as subroutine functions. The book " Programmable Logic Controllers: Principles and
Pedagogical Aids: Each chapter includes learning objectives, jargon-free narratives, and a matrix-type chart for cross-referencing major function designations across manufacturers.
Integrated Lab Material: The fifth edition often features a new lab manual with specific exercises intended for use with actual PLC hardware in a laboratory setting.
Programmable Logic Controllers - Principles and Applications
This report focuses on the core concepts that make the book a standard reference for technicians, engineers, and students.
Webb & Reis emphasize real-world industrial control problems:
Discrete Manufacturing Control:
Process Control (Continuous & Batch):
Safety & Interlocking Systems:
Traffic & Building Control:
While many textbooks get bogged down in heavy theory, Principles and Applications stays true to its subtitle. John W. Webb focuses heavily on applications.
Readers aren't just taught the instruction set; they are taught problem-solving. The text is filled with examples of real-world industrial scenarios—traffic light control, conveyor belt sequencing, and process tank filling. This context is vital. It moves the reader from "I know what this instruction does" to "I know how to use this instruction to fix a machine."
A classic example in the book is sorting packages on a conveyor. A PLC reads a photoelectric sensor (input). If the sensor is blocked, the PLC waits 0.5 seconds (Timer), then extends a pneumatic cylinder (Output) to divert the box. This simple application teaches I/O wiring, timing, and sequence logic. Discrete Manufacturing Control:
One of the most critical principles Webb explains is the scan cycle. Unlike a standard computer that runs processes asynchronously, a PLC runs in a deterministic loop:
Understanding this cycle is crucial for troubleshooting timing issues in automation.
A major strength of the book is its practical diagnostics:
In an era where software often overshadows hardware, this book ensures readers understand the physical components.
Understanding the hardware limitations is just as important as writing the code, and Webb covers this comprehensively.
Note: I cannot provide direct PDF links due to copyright restrictions. However, the book is often available through academic libraries, IEEE Xplore (for institutions), or for purchase from Pearson/Amazon. IEEE Xplore (for institutions)