Instruction List vs Function Block Diagram

Developers should learn Instruction List when working with legacy PLC systems, embedded control applications, or scenarios requiring direct hardware manipulation and high performance in industrial automation meets developers should learn fbd when working on industrial automation projects, such as factory automation, building management systems, or process control in sectors like oil and gas, where plcs are standard. Here's our take.

Instruction List

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Instruction List when working with legacy PLC systems, embedded control applications, or scenarios requiring direct hardware manipulation and high performance in industrial automation

Pros

• It is particularly useful for implementing time-critical functions, debugging low-level code, or maintaining existing systems where IL is the primary language, such as in manufacturing, robotics, or process control industries
• Related to: programmable-logic-controllers, ladder-logic

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Function Block Diagram

Developers should learn FBD when working on industrial automation projects, such as factory automation, building management systems, or process control in sectors like oil and gas, where PLCs are standard

Pros

• It is essential because it provides an intuitive, standardized way to implement control logic that aligns with IEC 61131-3 standards, making it easier for engineers to collaborate and maintain systems over time
• Related to: programmable-logic-controller, ladder-logic

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Instruction List is a language while Function Block Diagram is a concept. We picked Instruction List based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Instruction List wins

Based on overall popularity. Instruction List is more widely used, but Function Block Diagram excels in its own space.