Discover the Legacy: Evolution of Key PLC Brands Through History

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have been pivotal in industrial control since their inception in the late 1960s, providing flexibility and reliability as replacements for complex relay control systems. Here is an overview of the development history of some of the major PLC brands :

Siemens

Siemens is Europe's largest manufacturer of electronic and electrical equipment, with its programmable controllers holding a leading position in Europe. The first generation of Siemens PLC products was introduced in 1975 with the SIMATIC S3, which was essentially a binary controller with a simple user interface. In 1979, microprocessor technology was integrated into programmable controllers, leading to the development of the Siemens PLC S5, which replaced the S3 series. This system extensively utilized microprocessors. 

SIMATIC is the umbrella brand for Siemens' automation product series, derived from 'SIEMENS + Automatic' (Siemens + Automation). Launched in 1958, it has a history spanning 50 years, encompassing everything from Siemens PLCs, industrial software, to Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems, establishing itself as a global leader in automation. Over these 50 years, SIMATIC controllers have evolved from the S3 series to the S7 series, becoming the most trusted and recognized brand among automation users.

Name	Event	Year
Siemens	Simatic S3	1976
	Simatic S5	1979
	Simatic TI305	1982
	S5-135U	1984
	Simatic S7	1994
	PCS7	1997
	S7-1200,1500	2009

AB

AB's PLCs are mainly divided into five categories. The low-end product, MicroLogix1500, uses RSLogix500 as its programming software, with the latest version being V6.0. The mid-range small controller, SLC500, also supports RSLogix500 programming, with version V6.0, which can support multiple networks with a maximum I/O point count that can reach 4096. The mid-range CompactLogix has been upgraded to RSLogix5000 programming software, with the latest version being V13.0. AB PLCs have certain advantages in the industrial control sector, with high performance and reliability, using high-performance processors, stable operation under high loads and harsh environments, ensuring production continuity and safety; modularity and scalability, where parts can be independently replaced or upgraded, facilitating free combinations, easy to maintain and upgrade; rich I/O interfaces and compatibility, adapting to various industrial field signals, supporting multiple communication protocols, enhancing system compatibility and integration.

Name	Event	Year
AB	PDQ II	1970
	PMC	1971
	1774 PLC	1974
	PLC2	1977
	PLC3	1980
	PLC5	1985
	SLC500	1991
	MicroLogix1000	1995
	ControlLogix L1	1997
	ControlLogix L55	2000
	MicroLogix1500	2001
	ControlLogix L60	2002
	MicroLogix1100	2005
	MicroLogix1400	2008
	ControlLogix L80	2016

Schneider

Schneider Electric produces PLC products that include the ZelioLogic products, Twido series PLCs, Compact, Premium, Micro series PLCs, PLCs supported by the SoMachine and EcoStruXure Expert control platforms, as well as the Quantum series PLCs. The PLC products Schneider Electric has introduced in China mainly include the Quantum, Compact (discontinued), and Momentum series from the original Modicon brand.

Name	Event	Year
Schneider	Modicon   0084	1968
	Unity Pro	2005
	NEZA	2000
	Twido	2002
	M238	2010
	M218	2020

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is one of Japan's well-known trademarks. As a leader in the field of industrial automation, it has secured a significant position in the global market due to its outstanding performance and stability. It employs advanced programming technologies and design concepts, offering robust data processing capabilities and flexible scalability. Whether it's simple logic control or complex motion control, Mitsubishi PLCs can handle these tasks with ease, meeting various industrial application needs. Its stable and reliable performance has earned the trust and high praise from a wide user base.

Name	Event	Year
Mitsubishi	MELSEC FSeries	1978
	F Series Small PLC	1980
	FX Series	1990
	Q Series	2002
	L Series	2010
	FX3U Series	2012

Omron

Omron (Omron) is a Japanese manufacturer of automation control equipment, and its PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) products are widely used in the field of industrial automation. Combining efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, they can meet various complex control requirements.

Name	Event	Year
Omron	SCY-0 Series	1970年
	SCY-022 Series	1972年
	C Series（C200、C1000、C500...）	1980s
	H Series（C2000H/C1000H、C200H..）	late 1980s
	Small machine CQM1	1990s

B&R

B&R PLCs are efficient and reliable industrial automation control devices, composed of processors, I/O modules, communication modules, and more. They support various international standard programming languages, have powerful expandable functionality, strong anti-interference capabilities, and support fault diagnostics, making them key equipment for enhancing production efficiency.

Name	Event	Year
B&R	Introduced PLC with Advanced Language Programming (Black Column Controller)	1970
	2000 Series, 2003 Series, 2005 Series	1990