What software is used for PLC programming?
The software used for PLC programming at Mect is Mect Suite, a complete and free development environment. This toolkit includes all the tools needed to design and implement applications for both HMI (Human Machine Interface) and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).
The main components of the Mect Suite are QtCreator and ATCMcontrol Engineering.
Qt Creator:
It allows you to create intuitive user interfaces through "drag & drop" programming, without the need to write code, thanks to ATCMplugins. However, for more advanced users, it is also possible to use standard Qt graphical elements, writing code in C++, if necessary.
ATCMcontrol Engineering:
This program is specifically designed for PLC programming. It supports all 5 IEC 61131-3 languages.
Main Features
- Interactive Debugging: Allows you to debug HMI and PLC applications directly from your PC, while they are running on the panel.
- Communication Protocol Management: Supports protocols such as Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, CANopen, etc., to ensure efficient communication between devices.
- Real-Time Control: Real-time management capabilities for mission-critical applications.
- Integration with I/O Modules: Easy integration with remote I/O modules and other field devices.
- Alarm and Data Management: Includes features for managing alarms, data logging, and viewing graphs and trends.
Example of Use:
An engineer programming a PLC to control an industrial production line can use ATCMcontrol Engineering to create a Structured Text program to control air velocity sensors and temperature controllers, ensuring that temperature and airflow remain within specified parameters. At the same time, he can use Qt Creator to create an HMI that displays real-time temperature and airflow data, allowing the operator to monitor and take action if necessary.
Mect Suite is therefore a complete and versatile solution for the development of industrial automation systems, which combines power and ease of use.
