PLC
11 articles tagged "PLC" on the Voltrus PLC blog.
This collection brings together every PLC article published on the Voltrus PLC blog. "PLC vs Microcontroller: When to Use Each in Industrial Projects", "Voltrus PLC v1.0 — The First Native macOS PLC IDE Ships Today", "CODESYS Alternative for macOS (2026): Native PLC IDE Without Windows" — each one is a practical, hands-on guide written for engineers and system integrators who work with Voltrus PLC in real industrial deployments. Whether you are choosing between protocols, troubleshooting a connection, or planning an integration, these articles cover the concepts, the trade-offs, and the step-by-step details you need.
PLC vs Microcontroller: When to Use Each in Industrial Projects
A PLC is rugged, deterministic, and supported for a decade. An Arduino is cheap and flexible. Why hobbyist microcontroller builds fail on the factory floor — and when each wins.
Read articleVoltrus PLC v1.0 — The First Native macOS PLC IDE Ships Today
Voltrus PLC v1.0 is available now: IEC 61131-3 Structured Text editor, built-in softPLC runtime, AI-assisted programming, and multi-driver I/O (Modbus, OPC-UA, S7, EtherNet/IP, MQTT).
Read articleCODESYS Alternative for macOS (2026): Native PLC IDE Without Windows
CODESYS doesn't run on macOS. The best CODESYS alternative for Mac is native, costs under $30, and includes a full softPLC runtime. Compare features, pricing, and workflow.
Read articlePLC Programming Languages: The 5 IEC 61131-3 Languages Explained
The 5 IEC 61131-3 PLC programming languages explained: Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart, and Instruction List.
Read articleIEC 61131-3 Structured Text: A Practical Guide for Modern PLC Programming
Learn IEC 61131-3 Structured Text (ST) — the modern way to program PLCs. Syntax, data types, function blocks, timers, counters, and real examples.
Read articlePLC Programming on Mac (2026): Write, Run, and Test Without Windows
Write and run PLC programs on your MacBook — no Windows VM, no CODESYS, no TIA Portal. IEC 61131-3 Structured Text editor with built-in softPLC runtime. Native Apple Silicon.
Read articlePLC Simulator for macOS: Write, Compile, and Test Without Hardware (2026)
PLC simulator for macOS. Write IEC 61131-3 Structured Text, compile, and run on a built-in softPLC runtime — no hardware needed. Breakpoints, watch tables, and real I/O drivers.
Read articleWhat Is a SoftPLC? Run PLC Programs on Your Mac Without Hardware
A SoftPLC lets you write, compile, and run IEC 61131-3 programs entirely in software on your Mac — no PLC hardware needed. Learn how softPLCs work and what they can do.
Read articleStructured Text vs Ladder Logic: Which PLC Language Should You Learn?
Structured Text vs Ladder Logic — honest comparison for 2026. ST is better for complex logic, math, and modern workflows. LD is better for maintenance and troubleshooting simple circuits.
Read articleTwinCAT Alternative: PLC Development Without Beckhoff Lock-In (2026)
TwinCAT locks you into Beckhoff hardware and Windows. Compare alternatives: Voltrus PLC (macOS native, IEC 61131-3 ST, multi-vendor I/O), CODESYS, and OpenPLC.
Read articleDo You Need to Know PLC Programming to Use SCADA?
No, you don't need ladder logic to set up SCADA monitoring. Here's why SCADA and PLC programming are separate skills — and what you actually need to know.
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