Learn Abb-control-builder - 10 Code Examples & CST Typing Practice Test
ABB Control Builder is an engineering and programming environment for ABB 800xA and AC800M PLCs, enabling development, configuration, testing, and deployment of industrial control applications using IEC 61131-3 languages within ABB’s integrated automation ecosystem.
Learn ABB-CONTROL-BUILDER with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 27, 2025
Explain
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.
Core Features
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
Basic Concepts Overview
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
Project Structure
Application - overall project
Tasks - scheduled execution units
Programs - IEC logic modules
Libraries - reusable logic components
Hardware - CPU, I/O modules, fieldbus
Building Workflow
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
Difficulty Use Cases
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
Comparisons
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.
Versioning Timeline
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
Glossary
Task - Scheduled execution cycle
Program - Main logic container
Function Block - Reusable logic unit
AC800M - ABB modular PLC hardware
Modulebus - ABB local I/O network
Frequently Asked Questions about Abb-control-builder
What is Abb-control-builder?
ABB Control Builder is an engineering and programming environment for ABB 800xA and AC800M PLCs, enabling development, configuration, testing, and deployment of industrial control applications using IEC 61131-3 languages within ABB’s integrated automation ecosystem.
What are the primary use cases for Abb-control-builder?
Industrial process automation logic design. Hardware configuration for AC800M controllers. Integration with 800xA SCADA/HMI. Communication setup (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP). High-reliability safety and redundancy configurations
What are the strengths of Abb-control-builder?
Very stable for long-running industrial processes. Large library of ABB-specific function blocks. Strong integration with 800xA. Supports redundancy and high-availability systems. Complies with industrial standards (IEC 61131-3)
What are the limitations of Abb-control-builder?
Primarily optimized for ABB hardware only. UI feels dated compared to modern IDEs. Complex for beginners due to system depth. Project compile times can be long in large systems. Limited cross-platform support (Windows-focused)
How can I practice Abb-control-builder typing speed?
CodeSpeedTest offers 10+ real Abb-control-builder code examples for typing practice. You can measure your WPM, track accuracy, and improve your coding speed with guided exercises.