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A Framework for Modular PLC Programming Based on Object Oriented Design

Edenburg, Jonathan LU and Simonsson, Oliver LU (2026) In CODEN:LUTEDX/TEIE EIEL05 20261
Division for Industrial Electrical Engineering and Automation
Abstract
This thesis investigates the development of an object-oriented modular framework for PLC systems, intended for use at Etteplan, an international engineering consultancy. The thesis was motivated by recurring challenges in PLC projects, including unclear program flows, low code reusability, and limited scalability. These issues justify the need for a standardized framework grounded in the IEC 61131-3 standard, fourth edition. Using design science research as the overarching methodology, the thesis combines a literature review and source code review with semi-structured interviews with practicing automation engineers.
The result is a platform-independent framework design based on modular architecture and object-oriented constructs,... (More)
This thesis investigates the development of an object-oriented modular framework for PLC systems, intended for use at Etteplan, an international engineering consultancy. The thesis was motivated by recurring challenges in PLC projects, including unclear program flows, low code reusability, and limited scalability. These issues justify the need for a standardized framework grounded in the IEC 61131-3 standard, fourth edition. Using design science research as the overarching methodology, the thesis combines a literature review and source code review with semi-structured interviews with practicing automation engineers.
The result is a platform-independent framework design based on modular architecture and object-oriented constructs, accompanied by development guidelines. The framework template was partially implemented in Beckhoff’s development platform TwinCAT 3. The framework aims to improve code reuse, maintainability, and knowledge transfer within Etteplan’s projects. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Edenburg, Jonathan LU and Simonsson, Oliver LU
supervisor
organization
course
EIEL05 20261
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
IEC 61131-3, PLC programming, modular architecture, object-oriented programming, industrial automation, Design Science Research
publication/series
CODEN:LUTEDX/TEIE
report number
3158
language
English
id
9235412
date added to LUP
2026-07-08 10:38:31
date last changed
2026-07-08 10:38:31
@misc{9235412,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates the development of an object-oriented modular framework for PLC systems, intended for use at Etteplan, an international engineering consultancy. The thesis was motivated by recurring challenges in PLC projects, including unclear program flows, low code reusability, and limited scalability. These issues justify the need for a standardized framework grounded in the IEC 61131-3 standard, fourth edition. Using design science research as the overarching methodology, the thesis combines a literature review and source code review with semi-structured interviews with practicing automation engineers.
The result is a platform-independent framework design based on modular architecture and object-oriented constructs, accompanied by development guidelines. The framework template was partially implemented in Beckhoff’s development platform TwinCAT 3. The framework aims to improve code reuse, maintainability, and knowledge transfer within Etteplan’s projects.}},
  author       = {{Edenburg, Jonathan and Simonsson, Oliver}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{CODEN:LUTEDX/TEIE}},
  title        = {{A Framework for Modular PLC Programming Based on Object Oriented Design}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}