Suitable for an undergraduate-level course on PLCs or Electronic Controls. This practical and clearly written introduction provides both fundamental and cutting-edge coverage on programmable logic controllers; today a billion dollar industry. It combines comprehensive, accessible coverage with a wealth of industry examples that make intangible concepts come to life - offering students a broad-based foundation that will serve them well on the job. It examines every aspect of controller usage in an easy-to-understand, jargon-free narrative. Beginning with a basic layout the text goes right into programming techniques, it progresses through fundamental, intermediate, and advanced functions - and concludes with chapters on related topics. Applications are discussed for each PLC function, and a vast array of examples and problems help students achieve an understanding of PLCs, and the experience needed to use them.