A multi-stage speed control system was designed based on PLC and frequency converter.On the basis of analyzing the control requirement of the multi-stage speed control system,hardware wiring between PLC and frequency converter was carried out.The input and output addresses of PLC were assigned,and the parameter of frequency converter was configured.The timing diagram and sequence function diagram of multi-stage speed control system were designed,and timer instruction was employed as the main text to write the ladder diagram.Through debugging and confirmation,the designed multi-stage speed control system can satisfy the control requirement,and the operation is stable and reliable.