This document discusses modeling and controlling a variable frequency drive (VFD) system using a programmable logic controller (PLC) and MATLAB. A generic VFD-motor system model is proposed. The plant model is developed in MATLAB/Simulink. The aim is to simulate and analyze appropriate control techniques for real-time PLC implementation of variable speed drive control. A PLC-based controller controls motor speed in the presence of variable load through image acquisition. The PLC program is translated to MATLAB/Simulink for testing. Results show the induction motor's temperature, actual speed and torque values, and energy balance at different operating conditions when controlled by the PLC and drive.