Introduction:
When it comes to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Allen-Bradley's RSLogix software suite is widely recognized and used by professionals in the industrial automation industry. Within the RSLogix family, two popular software platforms stand out: RSLogix 500 and RSLogix 5000. Although they share similarities, they differ significantly in terms of architecture, programming languages, and supported PLC models. This article aims to shed light on the differences between RSLogix 500 and RSLogix 5000 to help users understand their unique characteristics.
Architecture:
RSLogix 500: RSLogix 500 is designed to program Allen-Bradley's SLC 500 series of PLCs. It follows a ladder logic programming paradigm and utilizes a single programming environment. The ladder logic diagrams represent the control circuits, and users can easily create and edit ladder logic programs using RSLogix 500.
RSLogix 5000: RSLogix 5000, also known as Studio 5000, is the successor to RSLogix 500 and is used for programming Allen-Bradley's ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and SoftLogix PLCs. RSLogix 5000 employs a tag-based programming structure, which provides a more flexible and modular approach to programming. It supports multiple programming languages, including ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, and sequential function charts.
Programming Languages:
RSLogix 500: As mentioned earlier, RSLogix 500 primarily utilizes ladder logic programming. Ladder logic is a graphical representation of electrical control circuits and is well-suited for discrete control applications. It allows users to create programs by arranging ladder diagram rungs with various ladder elements such as contacts, coils, timers, and counters.
RSLogix 5000: RSLogix 5000 expands the programming options by supporting multiple languages. In addition to ladder logic, programmers can use structured text, a high-level text-based language similar to programming languages like C. It allows for more complex calculations, mathematical operations, and the use of user-defined functions. Function block diagrams and sequential function charts are also available, enabling a more modular and visual programming approach for certain applications.
PLC Support:
RSLogix 500: RSLogix 500 is specifically designed for programming Allen-Bradley's SLC 500 series of PLCs. These PLCs are widely used in various industries and are known for their reliability and simplicity. RSLogix 500 provides comprehensive support for the SLC 500 family, ensuring efficient programming and configuration of these PLCs.
RSLogix 5000: RSLogix 5000 is the software platform used for programming Allen-Bradley's ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and SoftLogix PLCs. These PLCs offer advanced features, increased performance, and a wide range of communication options. RSLogix 5000 is tailored to meet the programming requirements of these PLCs, allowing users to take advantage of their capabilities.
Conclusion:
RSLogix 500 and RSLogix 5000 are powerful software platforms used for programming Allen-Bradley PLCs. While RSLogix 500 is dedicated to the SLC 500 series and employs ladder logic as the primary programming language, RSLogix 5000 supports a wider range of PLC models and offers various programming languages, including ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, and sequential function charts. Understanding the architectural and programming differences between these two platforms is crucial for professionals working in the industrial automation field, enabling them to select the appropriate software for their specific PLC and programming requirements.