ClassicLadder Alternative: Top Software for PLC Programming

ClassicLadder has been a valuable tool for many in automation programming, offering support for Ladder and Grafcet languages, real-time capabilities, and remote monitoring. Its interpreted nature, modular program structure, and hardware I/O support (including Modbus and Raspberry Pi GPIOs) have made it a go-to for many. However, for various reasons—perhaps a need for different features, broader platform compatibility, or simply exploring new options—users often seek a robust ClassicLadder alternative. This article delves into some of the best alternatives available today.

Top ClassicLadder Alternatives

Whether you're looking for commercial solutions with extensive support or open-source projects for community-driven development, these alternatives offer compelling features for your PLC and industrial control programming needs.

CODESYS

CODESYS is a leading hardware-independent programming system for PLCs and industrial controllers, compliant with IEC 61131-3. It's an excellent ClassicLadder alternative for those seeking a comprehensive and widely adopted solution. Available for Free Personal use on Windows, CODESYS is a robust choice for complex automation tasks.

LOGO! Soft Comfort

LOGO! Soft Comfort is specifically designed for programming Siemens LOGO! PLCs, utilizing graphical programming languages like FBD (Function Block Diagram). This commercial software is a good ClassicLadder alternative for users focused on Siemens hardware, offering compatibility across Mac, Windows, and Linux.

TIA Portal

TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation Portal) is Siemens' pioneering engineering framework designed to optimize planning and machine processes. As a commercial Windows-based software, TIA Portal serves as a powerful ClassicLadder alternative for engineers looking for an integrated environment for all their automation tasks, especially within the Siemens ecosystem.

4diac

Eclipse 4diac™ offers an open-source infrastructure for distributed industrial process measurement and control systems based on the IEC 61499 standard. For those seeking an open-source ClassicLadder alternative with broad platform support (Mac, Windows, Linux) and a focus on distributed control, 4diac is an excellent choice.

Automgen

Automgen is a universal automation workshop that facilitates the creation of automation programs, generation of PLC code, HMI development, and simulation of pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic diagrams. This commercial Windows-based software offers a comprehensive suite of tools, making it a strong ClassicLadder alternative for diverse automation projects.

Outseal

Outseal PLC provides an IDE in the form of Ladder Diagrams based on the Arduino Board, with open-source hardware designs. This free Windows-based IDE is a compelling ClassicLadder alternative for hobbyists, educators, or anyone looking to integrate PLC programming with Arduino, offering an accessible and transparent platform.

Choosing the best ClassicLadder alternative depends on your specific project requirements, budget, and preferred operating system. Evaluate these options based on their features, platform compatibility, and community support to find the perfect fit for your automation programming needs.