Abstract:The paper analyzes,with bridgetype grab ship unloader in a power plant dock as case sample, characteristics and practical advantages of ROCKWELL programmable logic controller (PLC).During the designing, adopted NetLinx open network structure, created 3layer network structure—information, control, equipment for control system, to fulfill the functions of control and management; meanwhile, according to the functional requirements of the controlled object, formulated overall outline and detailed design for module of PLC software structure, data files and professional control.