Engineering English
Programmable Logic Controller
Mechatronics & Robotics · Manufacturing Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A programmable logic controller is an industrial digital computer designed for the control of manufacturing processes or machinery. It uses a programmable memory to store instructions and implement logic functions.
Example in context
“The engineer configured the programmable logic controller to sequence the conveyor belt operation after the sensor was triggered.”
“Mühendis, sensör tetiklendikten sonra konveyör bant operasyonunu sıralamak için programlanabilir mantık denetleyicisini yapılandırdı.”
Where engineers use it
In industrial automation, the programmable logic controller is used to automate manufacturing processes by executing ladder logic or other IEC 61131-3 programs. An engineer needs it for reliable, real-time control of machinery and process sequencing.
Synonyms: PLC, programmable controller, industrial controller
Antonyms: hardwired relay logic
In Manufacturing Engineering
A ruggedised industrial computer that reads sensor inputs, executes a stored control program in a repeating scan cycle, and switches outputs such as motors and valves. It is designed to work reliably in electrically noisy factory environments.
“The maintenance technician connected a laptop to the programmable logic controller to trace why the clamping cylinder never received its extend signal.”
Practice: can you use “Programmable Logic Controller” at work?
A conveyor system sensor fails and the programmable logic controller does not start the motor. Identify the root cause and correct the control program logic.
Show a model answer
“Configure the programmable logic controller to handle the sensor input and actuator output sequence.”
“Programmable Logic Controller” in 21 languages
| English | Programmable Logic Controller |
|---|---|
| Turkish | programlanabilir mantık denetleyicisi |
| French | automate programmable industriel |
| German | speicherprogrammierbare Steuerung |
| Spanish | controlador lógico programable |
| Chinese | 可编程逻辑控制器 |
| Arabic | وحدة تحكم منطقية قابلة للبرمجة |
| Portuguese | controlador lógico programável |
| Russian | программируемый логический контроллер |
| Japanese | プログラマブルロジックコントローラ |
| Italian | controllore logico programmabile |
| Vietnamese | bộ điều khiển logic khả trình |
| Hindi | प्रोग्रामेबल लॉजिक कंट्रोलर |
| Thai | ตัวควบคุมแบบโปรแกรมได้ |
| Indonesian | pengontrol logika terprogram |
| Korean | 프로그래머블 로직 컨트롤러 |
| Bengali | প্রোগ্রামেবল লজিক কন্ট্রোলার |
| Dutch | programmeerbare logische controller |
| Swedish | programmerbar logisk styrenhet |
| Finnish | ohjelmoitava logiikkaohjain |
| Ukrainian | програмований логічний контролер |
Frequently asked questions
What does Programmable Logic Controller mean in engineering?
A programmable logic controller is an industrial digital computer designed for the control of manufacturing processes or machinery. It uses a programmable memory to store instructions and implement logic functions. In Mechatronics & Robotics, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Programmable Logic Controller?
Programmable Logic Controller is pronounced /ˈproʊˌɡræməbəl ˈlɒdʒɪk kənˈtroʊlər/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Programmable Logic Controller used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The engineer configured the programmable logic controller to sequence the conveyor belt operation after the sensor was triggered.”
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