LEARN / BUILD / TEST
PLC programming tutorials with simulator exercises
Start with one contact and one coil. Progress through Boolean logic, memory and timers, using real workstations in Virtual PLC Sim.
All five tutorials are free to read. Two link to free exercises; three introduce course exercises that require eligible access. You can practice the basic principles in the free sandbox.
Your First PLC Program: Conveyor Start/Stop
Use a maintained switch to control a conveyor. Learn the difference between starting the CPU and switching on a machine input.
Read tutorial · 8 min ↗02 / COURSE EXERCISEPLC NOT Logic: Detecting an Empty Station
A presence sensor is TRUE when a carton is present. Learn how to derive the opposite condition without confusing electrical contacts with ladder instructions.
Read tutorial · 9 min ↗03 / FREE EXERCISEPLC AND Logic: Conveyor with a Collection Bin
Combine an operator request with a sensor permissive. Use series contacts and test every combination, including removing the bin during movement.
Read tutorial · 10 min ↗04 / COURSE EXERCISEPLC Motor Start/Stop with Seal-In Logic
Move from a maintained selector to momentary START and STOP buttons. Understand the holding branch, STOP priority and restart tests.
Read tutorial · 12 min ↗05 / COURSE EXERCISEPLC Timer Tutorial: Delayed Conveyor Start with TON
Make an output wait for a continuous TRUE condition. Learn TON reset behavior, then apply it to a warning period before a conveyor starts.
Read tutorial · 12 min ↗How to use this learning path
- Read the signal meanings before choosing instructions.
- Predict the output, then build your own program.
- Change the inputs and check transitions as well as steady states.
- Use the linked task's automatic checks to verify your implementation.
The screenshots show actual EN workstations. Addresses vary with the selected PLC profile; use the existing tag names in your exercise. For a broader study plan, read the ControlByte PLC programmer roadmap.