How to Use Memory in Fatek PLC Software Winproladder

Advanced ladder logic functions allow controllers to perform calculations, make decisions and do other complex tasks. Timers and counters are examples of ladder logic functions. They are more complex than basic input contacts and output coils and they rely upon data stored in the memory of the PLC. The memory of the PLC is organized to hold different types of programs and data.

Program and data memory in a PLC is contained in “RAM” (Random Access Memory). This type of memory may be volatile or non-volatile, and it can (and will) be overwritten often. The program itself is in one area of RAM and must be kept in memory even when the PLC is powered off.  Older PLC systems required a battery or a “super-capacitor” to back up the program when power was removed for long periods of time, newer platforms can save the program to non-volatile memory such as Compact Flash and Secure Digital (SD) RAM. On these older battery-backed platforms, if the battery died, the program was lost.

The memory in a PLC is organized by data type. There are two fundamental types of memory used in Fatek PLC Program and Data memory. Memory is organized into blocks of up to 1000 elements in an array called a file. The Program file holds programs, such as ladder logic. There are eight Data files defined by default, but additional data files can be added if they are needed.

Memory function in the PLC is like internal relay or internally coils. For example, we want to control multiple outputs by one input. We will connect input to the memory "M0", then will connect the outputs of "M0" to operate and control every new outputs. This is how we can use memory in our PLC program

How Many Memories We Can Use In Winproladder?

There is an option in WinProladder by which we can know how many memories we can use in WinProladder software. From the above menus, click on "Project" and then click on "Memory Allocation", a pop up box will appear on the screen, then click on "OK" button, a new pop up will open as like below.

There different memories we have in WinProladder as shown in above picture. Memory is represent by “M”. Memory is also known as internal relays. There are two types of relays, Retentive and non-retentive. In the next step, we will be discussing about what retentive and non-retentive are.