Programming devices

We can enter program into PLC by one of  two basic types of programming devices
• Personal computers (PC).
• Mini programmers.
1- Personal computer
Due to the general-purpose architecture of personal computers, most PLC manufacturers and provide the necessary PC software to implement ladder program entry, editing, and real-time monitoring of the PLC’s program. The figure blow show PC software for PLC

 PLC software

2-Mini programmers
Mini programmers known as handheld programmers are a cheap and portable way to program small PLCs Mini programmers like handheld calculators, but they have a larger display and a different keyboard. Its display can be LED (light-emitting diode) or dot matrix LCD (liquid crystal display), keyboard consists of numeric keys, programming instruction keys, and special function keys. Instead of handheld units, some controllers have built-in Mini programmers. In some instances, these built-in programmers are
detachable from the PLC. They are used for editing and inputting control programs, Mini programmers can also be useful tools for starting up, changing, and monitoring the control logic. The Figure blow shows a Mini programmers connected to a small PLC

Mini programmer

 Reference : PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLERS THEORY AND IMPLEMENTATION (L. A. Bryan & E. A. Bryan)