PLC Programming for Beginners – TIA Portal Step by Step

Name: PLC Programming for Beginners – TIA Portal Step by Step
Rating: 4.7 (20 reviews)

Understand PLC fundamentals, logic, timers, counters, and program structure using TIA Portal

Created byFlorian Stöger

Last updated 2/2026

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Understand the fundamentals of PLC systems, including PLC hardware, software, and basic automation concepts
Install and work with Siemens TIA Portal, create a new PLC project, and configure PLC tags
Write, download, test, and simulate PLC programs using standard programming workflows
Apply bit logic operations such as AND, OR, Set/Reset, edge detection, and signal inversion
Use timers and counters (TON, TOF, TP, TONR, CTU, CTD, CTUD) in real PLC applications
Implement math, comparison, move, and conversion operations in PLC programs
Structure PLC programs professionally using Functions (FCs) and Function Blocks (FBs)
Understand the difference between FC and FB and know when to use each one
Test and validate PLC programs using simulation and Factory I/O

Course content

7 sections • 45 lectures • 6h 56m total length

What is a PLC?7:55
Learn what a PLC is, how sensors and actuators connect through inputs and outputs, and how the TIA Portal enables programming and control of machines.
PLC Hardware22:21
PLC Software10:03
TIA Portal V16
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109772803/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-and-wincc-v16-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

TIA Portal V17
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109784440/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v17-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

TIA Portal V18
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109807109/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v18-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

TIA Portal V19
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109820994/simatic-step-7-inkl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v19-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

TIA Portal V20
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109963850/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v20-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-D
Installation TIA Portal8:28
TIA Portal V16
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109772803/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-and-wincc-v16-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

TIA Portal V17
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109784440/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v17-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

TIA Portal V18
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109807109/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v18-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

TIA Portal V19
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109820994/simatic-step-7-inkl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v19-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

TIA Portal V20
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109963850/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v20-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-D

Introduction6:02
discover the simplest plc program: press a pushbutton to light a lamp, wired on Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU 1212C AC-DC relay with I0.0 input and Q0.0 output, using TIA Portal.
Create project7:57
PLC tags10:04
Programming languages14:18
Write program10:47
Write your first PLC program in the TIA Portal by editing organization block 1 with ladder logic, then explore FBD and SCL using drag-and-drop instructions to control I0.0 and Q0.0.
Download program12:41
Test program10:05
Simulate program12:41
PLCSIM V16
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109772803/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-and-wincc-v16-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

PLCSIM V17
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109784440/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v17-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

PLCSIM V18
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109807109/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v18-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

PLCSIM V19
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109820994/simatic-step-7-inkl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v19-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE

PLCSIM V20
Link to free Trial Version.
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109963850/simatic-step-7-incl-safety-s7-plcsim-and-wincc-v20-trial-download?dti=0&lc=en-DE
Factory I/O12:40
FactoryIO Full Version
Buy full version of FactoryIO in my online shop.
https://www.plc-coach.com/collections/factoryio

FactoryIO Trial Version
Use FactoryIO 30 days for free.
https://factoryio.com/start-trial

Basics2:48
AND Logic9:25
Learn to implement and logic in ladder, FPD, and SCL for a PLC, using inputs from sensors and outputs to control a valve and lamp.
OR Logic11:14
Exercise15:37
Complete the first practice exercise to expand a tank filling system using AND and OR logic, with TA portal, PLC sim, and factory AO simulations.
Set Reset14:33
Learn the set-reset instruction (SR flip-flop) and implement it in ladder, FBD, and SCL to control conveyor motors with start and stop buttons, including priority rules when both inputs activate.
Invert Signal11:55
Global data block5:37
Edge detection12:16
Exercise8:48

Basics1:56
Learn to use IEC counters (CTU, CTD, CTUD) in TIA Portal across S7-1200/1500, and legacy S7-300/400, via the Instructions tab and Counter operations, avoiding legacy counters in modern projects.
CTU Counter8:39
Learn to use CTU counter in the TIA portal to count up on rising CU edges, with PV thresholds, a reset input, Q activates, and memory in a data block.
CTD Counter6:57
CTUD Counter6:28
Exercise8:55
Apply a practice challenge to program a labeling conveyor using an encoder to count 26 signals, synchronizing the labeler and end sensor with the TIA Portal, PLCsim, and ladder logic.

Basics5:35
Comparator operations9:07
Math functions9:50
Move operations7:42
Master the move instruction in TIA Portal, transferring values from one location to another in LAD, FBD, and SEL with a timer-based valve example.
Conversion operations6:19
Exercise15:16
Program and simulate a buffer section with two conveyors to evenly distribute packages, using an encoder for positioning, sensors, a switch to set spacing, and calculate weight.

Basics7:53
Learn to structure PLC programs beyond OB1 by using functions and function blocks, organize projects with folders, and leverage global and instance data blocks for reusable, readable code.
Function FC15:51
Learn to structure a PLC program using FC and FB, create reusable FC with clear interfaces, and wire inputs and outputs without absolute addresses to improve readability and reuse.
Function block FB11:10
FC vs. FB4:42
Exercise11:17

Requirements

No prior PLC or automation experience is required – this course is designed for complete beginners
Basic computer skills (using Windows, installing software, working with files)
A Windows PC or laptop capable of running Siemens TIA Portal
Motivation to learn industrial automation and PLC programming

Description

How this course is structured

The course is divided into clear, logical sections:

PLC fundamentals – understand the basics without unnecessary theory
Your first PLC project – build and run your first program step by step
Logic, timers, and counters – core PLC programming skills
Advanced operations – data handling and calculations
Program structure – clean, professional PLC code
Each section includes practical examples and exercises to help you apply what you learn immediately.

Who this course is for

Complete beginners who want to learn PLC programming from scratch
Students in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or automation
Technicians and electricians who want to understand PLC logic
Engineers new to Siemens PLCs and TIA Portal

Why take this course?

Beginner-friendly, step-by-step explanations
Focus on practical PLC programming, not just theory
Learn using simulation – no PLC hardware required
Solid foundation for advanced PLC and HMI projects
By the end of this course, you will have a strong foundation in PLC programming and the confidence to continue with more advanced automation projects.

Why take this course?

Beginner-friendly, step-by-step explanations
Focus on practical PLC programming, not just theory
Learn using simulation – no PLC hardware required
Solid foundation for advanced PLC and HMI projects

By the end of this course, you will have a strong foundation in PLC programming and the confidence to continue with more advanced automation projects.

Who this course is for:

Complete beginners who want to start learning PLC programming from scratch
Students and trainees in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or industrial automation
Maintenance technicians and electricians who want to understand PLC programs and automation systems
Engineers and technicians who are new to Siemens PLCs and TIA Portal
Anyone who wants a practical, step-by-step introduction to industrial PLC programming

PLC Programming for Beginners – TIA Portal Step by Step

What you'll learn

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Course content

PLC Fundamentals4 lectures • 49min

Our first project9 lectures • 1hr 37min

Bit logic operations9 lectures • 1hr 32min

Timer operations7 lectures • 41min

Counter operations5 lectures • 33min

Advanced operations6 lectures • 54min

Program structure5 lectures • 51min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: