The PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) controller platform is a core component of the industrial automation field, providing engineers with tools for programming, monitoring, and maintaining automation systems. There are many mainstream PLC controller platforms in the current market, which will be introduced in detail from two categories: international brands and domestic brands:
International brand PLC controller platform
Siemens
Platform Name: TIA Portal (Completely Integrated Automation Portal)
Features: Siemens TIA Portal is an integrated automation tool that supports programming, monitoring, diagnosis, and other functions for Siemens automation hardware. It provides an integrated automation solution that not only supports programming of PLCs such as S7-1200 and S7-1500, but also enables configuration of human-machine interfaces and drivers. TIA Portal has a graphical programming environment, a rich instruction library, and powerful debugging tools, greatly reducing development difficulty and accelerating project implementation.
Market position: Siemens holds a leading position in the global PLC market, and its TIA Portal platform is favored by many engineers due to its efficient integration environment and extensive hardware support.
Rockwell
Platform Name: Studio 5000
Features: Studio 5000 is Rockwell Automation's flagship PLC programming software, primarily designed for its ControlLogix and CompactLogix series PLCs. It provides a complete set of engineering development tools, including programming, simulation testing, project management, etc. Its unique modular design and intuitive user interface make PLC programming simple and efficient. Studio 5000 supports multiple programming languages to meet the needs of different engineers.
Market position: Rockwell Automation holds an important position in the global PLC market, with its Studio 5000 platform receiving widespread praise for its powerful performance and flexibility.
Schneider
Platform Name: EcoStruxure Machine Expert/Unity Pro
Features: EcoStruxure Machine Expert is an integrated engineering software provided by Schneider Electric for machine manufacturers, which integrates programming, debugging, and maintenance functions. It supports the full range of hardware such as Schneider PLC, servo drive, and frequency converter, and is committed to simplifying engineering processes. Unity Pro is a unified platform for Schneider Electric's high-end PLCs, providing an intuitive programming environment and powerful debugging tools.
Market position: Schneider Electric has a strong market influence in power and automation solutions, and its PLC platform is widely used in multiple industries.
Mitsubishi
Platform Name: GX Works
Features: GX Works is a PLC programming software launched by Mitsubishi Electric, supporting Mitsubishi series PLCs (such as FX series, Q series, etc.). It provides comprehensive programming, monitoring, and maintenance functions, with a user-friendly software interface, intuitive operation, and support for multiple programming languages. Some advanced features in GX Works, such as online editing and program simulation, greatly improve development efficiency and program quality.
Market position: Mitsubishi Electric holds a certain share in the PLC market, and its GX Works platform is favored by engineers for its powerful functionality and ease of use.
Omron
Platform Name: CX One
Features: CX One is Omron's comprehensive automation software suite, providing functions such as PLC programming, human-machine interface development, and network configuration. It supports all Omron PLC series and features high integration. Users can complete all steps from programming to system debugging in one software.
Market position: Omron has a deep accumulation in the field of automation control, and its CX One platform provides engineers with an efficient and convenient engineering design experience.
ABB
Platform name: AC800F, AC800M and other series controller supporting software
Features: ABB's PLC platform provides rich fieldbus interfaces, supporting functions such as controller redundancy, communication redundancy, and power redundancy, ensuring high reliability and stability of the system.
Market position: ABB is at the forefront of power and automation technology, and its PLC platform is widely used in multiple key industries.
Domestic brand PLC controller platform
Xinje
Platform Name: Xinjie PLC Programming Software
Features: The Xinjie PLC product line covers small to medium to large controllers, and is widely praised for its high integration, flexible configuration, and powerful functionality. Its programming software supports multiple programming languages and provides a rich instruction library and debugging tools.
Market position: Xinjie has performed well in the small PLC market, and with the increase of localization rate, its market share is gradually expanding.
Inovance
Platform Name: Huichuan PLC Programming Software
Features: Huichuan PLC focuses on M-series small PLCs and L-series medium to large PLCs, integrating motion control functions and supporting real-time communication protocols such as EtherCAT. Its programming software provides an intuitive programming interface and powerful debugging capabilities.
Market position: Huichuan Technology helps upgrade and transform China's manufacturing industry, and its PLC platform is widely used in multiple industries.
Hollysys
Platform name: Hollysys PLC programming software
Features: The Hollysys PLC series includes LM small PLCs, LK medium and large PLCs, etc., emphasizing reliability, stability, and safety. Among them, LK large PLC is the only large PLC in China with independent intellectual property rights. Its programming software provides comprehensive programming, debugging, and maintenance functions.
Market position: Hollysys is in a leading position in the field of automation control system platforms and industry solutions in China.
Delta
Platform Name: Delta PLC Programming Software
Features: Delta PLC has a rich product line, high cost-effectiveness, and supports multiple communication protocols. Its programming software provides an intuitive programming interface and powerful communication functions, which can integrate industrial automatic control systems into a whole.
Market position: Delta has a high reputation in the field of industrial automation, and its PLC platform is widely used in multiple industries.
Yonghong (FATEK)
Platform Name: Yonghong PLC Programming Software
Features: Yonghong FBS series micro PLCs have super strong functions and super stable performance, and are widely used in the field of industrial automation. Its UniMAT series PLC products have attracted much attention for their high performance, high integration, and high cost-effectiveness.
Market position: Yonghong holds a certain market share in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, and its PLC platform is known for its stability and reliability.
Central control (Supcon)
Platform Name: Central Control PLC Programming Software
Features: The central control technology provides a comprehensive solution for process industry automation, digitization, and intelligence. Its PLC products are known for their high reliability, high performance, and excellent data processing capabilities, and are in a leading position in the field of process control.
Market position: Central control technology has a deep accumulation in the field of process industry automation, and its PLC platform has been widely used in multiple key industries.
With the continuous development of technology, PLC controller platforms are moving towards software definition, cognitive decision-making, and integration with the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. For example, the "Large Model Full Scene Intelligent Edge Controller" jointly launched by Turing Technology and Dongtu Technology in 2025 integrates visual language action models with industry expert knowledge bases, achieving the transition of PLC from "hardware defined, program driven" to "software defined, cognitive decision-making". This trend will make PLC controller platforms more intelligent, flexible, and efficient, injecting new vitality into the development of industrial automation.