Print this page Structured Text Programming
Anthony K. Ho, P.E.
Course Outline
This course will provide you with the basic knowledge and advance syntax and functionality of the programming language. Examples will be used throughout the course to help you understand and master ST programming. Throughout the course, you will be able to learn different aspects of the language, such as conditional statement, loop structure, and subroutine usage. At the end of the course, best practice of the language will be provided as a valuable tool for programmer to develop programs in ST.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will acquire the following specific knowledge and skills:
- History and Background of Structured Text;
- Basic Language Structure and Syntax;
- Program Flow and Structure;
- Local and Global Variable Declaration;
- Conditional Statement;
- Programming Loop;
- Writing Subroutine / Parameters Passing;
- I/O Control; and
- Best Practice for the Language.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for control systems, electrical, and industrial engineers.
Benefit for Attendee
Attendee of this course will be able to learn the syntax and skills necessary to develop programs using the Structured Text programming language which is designed to run on PLC and understand the best practice when using the language.
Course Introduction
In recent years, an increasing number of industrial users are requesting the use of ST over other programming languages for their industrial process needs. The reason is simple: most manufacturing companies prefer vendor independent platform in their plants. When circumstances arise, a control system can be switched from one vendor to another with minimal effort. It is because most common PLC manufacturers have already adopted ST. Programs can be created in any text editor and they resemble sentences, making it easy to program, debug, test, and understand. Due to its highly-structured nature, ST is ideal for tasks requiring complex math, algorithms, or decision-making. ST can also be written to run on hardware and software PLC platforms, making it one of the most universal text based languages.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
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Course Summary
Structured Text causes PLC manufacturers and users to give up old habits for a new, state-of-the-art programming technology. A comprehensive standard like ST was necessary to achieve a uniform environment for configuration and programming of PLC systems. This vendor-independent standard reduces the training and familiarization time for PLC programmers. ST programs are more reliable, and the functionality of PLC systems has caught up with the powerful software development environments available for PCs today. Compliance with language such as ST within the IEC 61131-3 standard and the migration paths from legacy systems to the new architectures are the most important criteria for a wide acceptance of the new generation of PLC programming systems. As a result, today’s complex requirements and economic constraints lead to open, flexible, and vendor-independent PLC programming systems.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
Introduction to Structured Text
Structured Text Lab
Structured Text Tutorial
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
