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The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a serial communications protocol which efficiently supports distributed realtime control with a very high level of security. Its domain of application ranges from high speed networks to low cost multiplex wiring. In automotive electronics, engine control units, sensors, anti-skid-systems, etc. are connected using CAN with bitrates up to 1 Mbit/s. At the same time it is cost effective to build into vehicle body electronics, e.g. lamp clusters, electric windows etc. to replace the wiring harness otherwise required.

The rapid advance in performance and miniaturisation in microtechnology are constantly opening up new markets for PLC. Specially designed controller  hardware or PC-based controller, extended by hardware and software with real-time capability, now control highly complex automation processes.

IEC 61131-3 is an international standard first published in December 1993 by the IEC. It is the third publication in the series IEC 61131. The current (second) edition was published in 2003.