(John Winter Webb, 1926–2019) was affiliated with North Central Technical College, bringing extensive academic and practical experience in industrial electronics to the work. Ronald A. Reis was affiliated with Los Angeles Valley College, contributing equally to the book's accessible and structured approach. Together, they created a resource that reflects the latest programming manuals for eight major PLC manufacturers.
This guide provides an overview of the book's contents, highlighting key concepts, and chapter summaries. It can be used as a study guide or reference for individuals interested in learning about Programmable Logic Controllers.
Despite being published over two decades ago, "Programmable Logic Controllers: Principles and Applications" remains for PLC education. Its strength lies in its manufacturer-agnostic approach, clear exposition of fundamental concepts, and extensive practical examples that remain applicable to modern PLC systems. While specific programming software and advanced networking protocols have evolved, the core principles of ladder logic, timers, counters, PID control, and sequential programming have remained remarkably stable.
Addresses hardware, software, and troubleshooting. Core Principles Covered (John Winter Webb, 1926–2019) was affiliated with North
Webb recognized that most textbooks and manufacturer manuals were either too technical for beginners or too narrowly focused on a single brand. His solution was a that explains PLC principles in plain language, with plenty of real‑world examples and exercises. That decision helped the book stand out and remain relevant across multiple generations of PLC technology.
Several legitimate avenues exist for accessing this textbook:
The latter part of the book shifts to application-driven topics, detailing how to program PLCs for specific tasks. 1. Ladder Logic Programming Together, they created a resource that reflects the
The fundamentals have not changed.
In the world of industrial automation, few textbooks have achieved the legendary status of Programmable Logic Controllers: Principles and Applications by John W. Webb and Ronald A. Reis. For decades, this book has served as the cornerstone for technicians, engineers, and students transitioning from relay-based control systems to the digital era of PLCs.
Despite newer editions incorporating ControlLogix and RSLogix 5000, the core principles in Webb’s PDF remain timeless. Why? Despite being published over two decades ago, "Programmable
John W. Webb (with Ronald A. Reis in later editions) Publisher: Pearson / Prentice Hall Subject: Industrial Automation, Control Systems, and PLC Programming
—a gray, unassuming box that promised to replace miles of copper wiring with a few lines of code.
" Programmable Logic Controllers: Principles and Applications " by John W. Webb and Ronald A. Reis is a foundational textbook covering PLC hardware, ladder logic programming, and industrial applications [1]. It details the transition from hardwired relay systems to computerized control, providing in-depth knowledge on PLC components, programming instructions, and practical integration in automation [1]. Share public link