Gary L. Pratt, P.E.

Gary L. Pratt, P.E., is president of ControlSphere LLC.

Articles

PLCs, PACs July 30, 2020

Which IEC 61131-3 Programming Language is best? Part 2

With many programmable logic controller (PLC) programming languages and standards from which to choose, select the best language for specific automation and controls applications. Part 2 focuses on function block diagram (FBD), continuous function chart (CFC) and structured text (ST).

By Gary L. Pratt, P.E.
PLCs, PACs June 29, 2020

Which IEC 61131-3 programming language is best? Part 1

With so many programmable logic controller (PLC) programming languages and standards from which to choose, what is the right choice for automation and controls applications? Part 1 provides an overview and focuses on Ladder Diagram (LD) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC).

By Gary L. Pratt, P.E.
PID, APC September 18, 2019

OOIP Part 3: interfaces and methods

Interfaces and methods used in object-oriented industrial programming (OOIP) help deliver productivity of object-oriented programming (OOP) without the complexity. Because plants and equipment are assembled from objects, it’s logical that their control programming should be, too.

By Gary L. Pratt, P.E.
PID, APC August 4, 2019

Leveraging OOIP, Part 2: Abstraction, nesting and interfaces

Part 2: Plants and equipment are assembled from objects, and controls architecture should be too. Industrial programmers can realize the productivity of object-oriented programming (OOP) without the complexity by using object-oriented industrial programming (OOIP). See nine ways to determine if a development system supports OOIP.

By Gary L. Pratt, P.E.
Diagnostics, Asset Management April 19, 2019

Using IEC 61131-3 programming languages for simulation

See five paybacks of simulation. Use IEC 61131-3 programming languages and modern programming tools to easily integrate simulation to development workflow.

By Gary L. Pratt, P.E.
Diagnostics, Asset Management April 5, 2019

Leverage object-oriented industrial programming

Plants and equipment are assembled from objects, so controls architecture should be too. New tools help industrial programmers deliver the productivity of object-oriented programming (OOP) without the complexity.

By Gary L. Pratt, P.E.
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