scope:

Scope and object

The object of this Technical report is to introduce the end-users of Programmable Controller (PLC) to the IEC 61131 series, and to assist the end-users in their selection and specification of their PLC equipment according to the IEC 61131 series. This user guideline has as its main audience PLC endusers.

PLCs, their application program and their associated peripherals are considered as components of a control system. Therefore, PLC users should take note that this standard does not deal with the automated system in which the PLC and PLC system is but one component. However, when applying this user guideline, an overall system architecture evaluation is recommended. Functional safety of the overall automated system is beyond the scope of this standard.

An objective of this user guideline is to facilitate communication between the PLC user and PLC supplier according to the specifications of the IEC 61131 series that applies to PLCs and their associated peripherals. This information exchange is illustrated in Figure 1.

As depicted in Figure 1, the users consist of system integrators and end-users. The manufacturer of PLC is required by the IEC 61131 series to furnish appropriate product information to the user. Optionally, the user supplies operational requirements and specifications to the manufacturer in order to receive suitable products and services from the manufacturer. One objective of this Technical Report is therefore to assist in this communication, especially from the end-user's perspective. Accordingly, this Technical Report does not detail all the requirements of each and every part of the IEC 61131 series, such as conformance tests. The user should refer to the individual parts of the standard when needed.