This is a comprehensive hands-on program that features simulations, lab activities with hardware components and basic PLC programming activities.

The successful participant will receive rigorous training on the internal workings of a PLC including solid-state switching and opto-isolation, analog and digital signal processing, ladder logic control programs and memory allocations. The activities completed demystify the workings of PLCs and their related input and output processes. In addition, a PLC simulation software package will be used that closely mimics popular brands of PLC software while presenting a visual layout and animation of actual manufacturing and process machinery which trainees use to complete their application exercises.

The program concludes with comparisons of popular PLC’s such as Allen Bradley and Siemens. The concept of using the PLC’s software as a basic troubleshooting tool will be introduced.

• Interpret ladder diagrams and instructions expertly.
• Convert binary and hexadecimal values.
• Differentiate between data types and memory allocations.
• Explain basic analogue functions.
• Reload, upload and downlad PLC project files.
• Sort out I/O timing problems.
• Find the root cause of major faults.
• Use built-in troubleshooting functions within PLC software programs.

Topics:

PLC Programming

Objective: Demonstrate how to construct/interpret control programs

Activity: Program solutions to real plant automation problems

PLC Hardware

Objective: Describe common hardware configurations

Activity: Configure chassis, processors and I/O cards.

Troubleshooting

Objective: Isolate and solve system faults quickly, accurately and safely

Activity: Diagnosing problems on simulator.

System Maintenance

Objective: Describe PLC maintenance tasks and techniques

Activity: Check backup batteries, cable connections, power supply, chassis condition/cleanliness.

• Programmable Logic Control
• Logic and Numbering Systems
• Input and Output Modules

Objectives:

• Describe process control systems and the role filled by PLC’s
• Demonstrate the application of logic and numbering systems
• Describe the types and operation of different I/O modules