PLC Visual Learning Studio vs PLC Simulator & Automation Lab

The complete PLC learning environment — built for engineers, technicians, and students. PLC Engineering Lab is a structured, hands-on reference app covering Programmable Logic Controllers from first principles through advanced industrial applications. Whether you're studying for a certification, transitioning into automation, or need a fast reference on the job, this app has you covered. LEARN — Structured Curriculum Six courses, multiple modules, and step-by-step lessons covering every major PLC topic: system architecture, hardware, I/O wiring, all five IEC 61131-3 programming languages (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block, Sequential Function Chart, and Instruction List), PID control, industrial networking, SCADA, safety systems, and Industry 4.0. • Progress tracking with completion badges • Bookmarks to save your place • Built-in quizzes to test your knowledge • Estimated read times per lesson CODE SANDBOX — Live Editor + Simulation Write and simulate PLC code directly on your device using a full CodeMirror syntax-highlighted editor. Switch between Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block, and Sequential Function Chart with one tap. • Live simulation panel shows real I/O logic in action • Motor Start/Stop latch with toggle inputs and LED outputs • Traffic light state machine with variable watch • SR flip-flop simulation for Function Block • Step-by-step SFC machine sequencer • Load built-in examples or write your own PROJECTS — Interactive Diagrams Five real-world engineering projects, each with an interactive SwiftUI system diagram, step-by-step build guide, and full code in all three text languages. • 3-Zone Conveyor Belt with zone interlocks • 4-Phase Traffic Light Controller • Tank Level PID Control Loop (with live slider) • Packaging Line Shift-Register Sorter • HVAC Air Handling Unit — 8-Zone Control ILLUSTRATIONS — Visual Reference Gallery 19 full-screen, pinch-to-zoom diagrams covering the entire PLC knowledge domain — organized in a logical learning sequence. • PLC control system architecture diagrams • Hardware block diagrams and I/O wiring • Ladder Logic and Structured Text code walkthroughs • P&ID schematics for conveyor, tank, HVAC, and traffic systems • SCADA architecture, network topologies, Modbus/Profinet • Safety circuit diagrams, SIL levels, IIoT, and digital twins REFERENCE — Searchable Quick-Look A filterable reference library covering contacts & coils, timers & counters, math & comparison, data & move, control flow, function blocks, and a full PLC glossary — across all four IEC languages. GUIDE — Language & Vendor Cheat Sheet Quick-reference cards for every IEC 61131-3 language with vendor notes for Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000), Siemens (TIA Portal), Codesys, Schneider, and Omron. Designed for iPhone and iPad. Optimized for portrait and landscape. No subscription. No ads.

Build real industrial automation circuits — on your iPhone or iPad. PLCForge is a complete automation lab: drag components, wire them up, run the simulation and watch motors spin, contactors latch and lamps light up. Tap the PLC and program it in ladder logic, just like the real thing. REALISTIC SIMULATION • 35+ industrial components: buttons, contactors, relays, timers, counters, three-phase motors, VFD, servo drives, conveyor, pneumatic cylinder, tank, stack light, industrial oven and more • Realistic power chain: motors need all three phases, contactor coils need A1+A2, DC polarity matters, and a short circuit trips the fuse, breaker or thermal relay • Fault injection: create shorts and open circuits on purpose and learn to diagnose like a professional LADDER PROGRAMMING • Full ladder editor inside the PLC: NO/NC contacts, coils, SET/RESET, TON/TOF timers, CTU/CTD counters, comparison, MOV and more • Real I/O: wire buttons and sensors to the inputs, drive contactors and motors from the outputs LEARN FROM SCRATCH • Training Center with 16 interactive lessons — from your first control circuit to servo motion control • Guided 24-step course: from the seal-in circuit all the way to ladder logic • 16 challenges of rising difficulty + 14 real-world problems • Built-in reference guide for every component, with every terminal explained SHARE YOUR WORK • Export and import projects (.plcforge) and share them with classmates • Export your panel as PNG or PDF Perfect for electrical and automation students, technicians, electricians and hobbyists. No hardware needed — learn PLC hands-on, anywhere. Works fully offline. The core components and lessons are free; a single one-time purchase unlocks everything.