Learn ABB-CONTROL-BUILDER with Real Code Examples

Control Builder provides an integrated environment for creating PLC logic for ABB AC800M controllers.

Supports IEC 61131-3 languages such as Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, Sequential Function Charts, and Ladder Diagram.

Deeply integrated with ABB System 800xA for control, visualization, and asset management.

Allows configuration of hardware modules, communication protocols, tasks, and execution cycles.

Used across power, chemical, oil & gas, mining, and discrete manufacturing industries.

Project Explorer for tasks, programs, hardware, and libraries

Function block and data type editors

Hardware topology builder

Online monitoring and forcing tools

Real-time task scheduling

Tasks - Execution cycles for programs

Programs - Main execution blocks in IEC languages

Function Blocks - Predefined or custom logic units

Variables - Global, local, I/O bound

Hardware - AC800M CPU, power supply, I/O modules

Application - overall project

Tasks - scheduled execution units

Programs - IEC logic modules

Libraries - reusable logic components

Hardware - CPU, I/O modules, fieldbus

Create an application project

Configure hardware modules and network settings

Develop logic using ST, FBD, SFC, or Ladder

Assign tasks to programs

Download to controller and test online

Beginner: simple digital I/O control

Intermediate: PID and analog control

Advanced: communication protocols and diagnostics

Expert: redundancy configuration

Architect: full multi-controller 800xA integration

ABB Control Builder vs Siemens TIA Portal: ABB stronger in process automation; TIA more modern UI.

ABB vs Schneider EcoStruxure Control Expert: ABB has deep 800xA integration; Schneider better for standalone PLCs.

ABB vs Mitsubishi GX Works: ABB better for process plants; Mitsubishi strong in manufacturing automation.

ABB vs Rockwell Studio 5000: ABB excels in redundant systems; Rockwell excels in discrete automation.

ABB vs Beckhoff TwinCAT: TwinCAT is PC-based; ABB focuses on robust industrial controllers.

Early 2000s - Initial Control Builder release for AC800M

2005 - Integration with 800xA expands

2010 - Improved fieldbus & redundancy

2015 - Enhanced diagnostics & firmware tools

2020 - Updated IEC editors and libraries

2023 - Expanded digitalization support

2025 - Current platform optimizations

Task - Scheduled execution cycle

Program - Main logic container

Function Block - Reusable logic unit

AC800M - ABB modular PLC hardware

Modulebus - ABB local I/O network