ASCII Communications

ASCII Communications – do your systems use this?

Whenever external components such as barcode label readers, barcode label printers, text-based operator displays, some types of weigh scales, and so on are interfaced with a PLC system, ASCII communications are frequently involved. The name ASCII (pronounced ASK-key) stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It’s been around since about 1960 and basically allows computing devices to “talk” with each other by transmitting letters and numbers through a system which resembles Morse code.

Most PLC technicians work through their entire careers and never require these types of skills – but if you are faced with working with ASCII communications, we have hands-on exercises available to bring you up to speed.

Reference material on Allen-Bradley’s website – Page 713