The Yaskawa MP2300S controller  can be loaded with software developed in MotionWorks IEC 61131-3-compliant software to execute synchronized sequences and motion control in one integrated platform.

Benefits aside, the IEC standard does have limitations: For example, code written for one vendor's hardware platform often must be significantly modified to run on another vendor's hardware. Even so, IEC 61131-3 has laid the foundation for more efficient engineering.

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The standards champion: PLCopen

Any standard is worthless unless adopted by the community it serves. Fortunately, PLCopen is making sure that the IEC 61131-3 standard is used widely and correctly.

PLCopen members consist of global automation suppliers and learning institutions that aim to reduce variation in industrial controller programming techniques. PLCopen is completely separate from IEC — allowing it to independently disseminate and promote IEC 61131-3 and other standards throughout the global automation community.

When a standard is created, suppliers often claim adherence or conformity without any independent third party verification. This leaves the user to determine if the product conforms — often a difficult if not impossible task. To address this issue, PLCopen independently tests programming software. Vendors submit products to PLCopen, and the organization verifies compatibility. Once verified, the vendor is permitted to label its software with the PLCopen logo and promote the tested level of verification.

PLCopen also provides a resource for plain-language information about IEC 61131-3 and other automation standards at www.plcopen.org. The site outlines standards from the user's point of view and lists answers to FAQs, to familiarize users with the standard's main concepts.

PLCopen also extends the IEC 61131-3 standard to encompass certain specialty areas of industrial automation: For example, the PLCopen Motion Control Specification provides a standard for motion control behavior and functionality. Motion control function blocks created with conformance to this standard have the same look and feel, and can therefore be reused and integrated into a variety of applications with little or no modification.

Together, IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen increase commonality from vendor to vendor — but allow each vendor to customize performance and capabilities.