Programmable Logic Controllers – PLC

Programmable Logic Controllers – PLC

Prepares technicians to take full advantage of vendor training on specific equipment. Covers the basic operating principles of all PLCs, their inputs and outputs, programming, maintenance, and networking. This course has no prerequisites. PLC is available in online technical training and course manual formats.

TPC Training is authorized by IACET to offer 0.7 CEUs for this program.

Review a full course list for Instrumentation & Control Systems Technician

Select Format

  • Online Course & Test $85.00

Please select a format.

TPC Training is authorized by IACET to offer 0.7 CEUs for Programmable Logic Controllers online training.

Lesson 1 - Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers

Topics:

The Electromagnetic Relay; Characteristics of Programmable Controllers; Applications of Programmable Controllers; Limitations of Programmable Controllers; Parts of a Programmable Logic Controller System; The Input Side; The Processor; The Output Side; Programming Devices; Power Supplies

Learning Objectives:
– Describe an electromagnetic relay and define the terms control circuit, power circuit, NO and NC.
– Define programmable logic controller.
– Describe the general type of application in which a programmable logic controller would best be used, and give examples.
– Define scan time.
– Name each of the blocks in a block diagram of a programmable logic controller system and explain how each functions within the system as a whole.
– Define memory and explain the different types.

Lesson 2 - Number Systems and Logic

Topics:

Number Systems; Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD); ASCII; Gray Code; Boolean Logic; Ladder Logic

Learning Objectives:
– Compare the decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal number systems.
– Explain the purpose for using each of the following: BCD, Gray code, and ASCII.
– Explain what AND, OR, and NOT mean in Boolean logic, and identify the symbols for each.
– Identify AND and OR logic circuits in a relay ladder diagram, and construct a truth table for each.
– Explain the basic concepts of ladder logic.

Lesson 3 - Programming the System

Topics:

PLC Programming; Ladder Logic Programming; Boolean Programming; The AND Instruction; The OR Instruction; The Stack Register

Learning Objectives:
– Explain the relationship between a programmable logic controller processor and program.
– Define the term scan and explain the basic steps involved in a scan.
– Explain the basic concepts of ladder logic programming.
– Explain the purpose of a parallel branch in a ladder logic program.
– Explain the basic concepts of Boolean programming.
– Define stack register and state the stack rule.

Lesson 4 - Input/Output Devices and Modules

Topics:

Definition of I/O Devices; Discrete Input Devices; Analog Input Devices; Digital Input Devices; Discrete Output Devices; Analog Output Devices; Digital Output Devices; Sourcing and Sinking; Definition of I/O Modules; Input Modules; Output Modules

Learning Objectives:
– Explain the operation of common input and output devices and identify their symbols.
– Describe the relationship of an input/output device to a terminal on an input/output module.
– Contrast the basic concepts of a sourcing device and a sinking device.
– Explain the operation of various input and output modules.

Lesson 5 - Developing a Programmable Logic Controller System

Topics:

Before You Begin; Equipment Operation Specifications; Sizing the System; Program Development; Assembling the Documentation Package; Functional Model; Startup and Debugging

Learning Objectives:
– Explain the importance of working with accurate information from a specification.
– Demonstrate how to size a system.
– List the elements in a good documentation package.
– Name the steps involved in specifying the hardware and developing the program for a simple control system.
– Describe system startup and debugging procedures.

Lesson 6 - Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Topics:

The Importance of Documentation in Maintenance Troubleshooting; Using the Hardware Documentation; The Maintenance Log; Using the Program Documentation; Operational Documentation; Routine Maintenance; Batteries; Troubleshooting; Problems in Troubleshooting; Troubleshooting in Practice

Learning Objectives:
– Explain the importance of good documentation.
– Tell what type of information can be found in user’s manuals and operations manuals.
– Tell what types of logs are kept and why they are necessary.
– Explain the major concepts of troubleshooting, including problems sometimes encountered.
– Describe routine maintenance procedures required by a programmable controller system.

Lesson 7 - System Expansion and Data Networks

Topics:

I/O Expansion; Configuring the System; Math and Data Handling Instructions; Timers and Counters; The Shift Register; Spray Booth Retrofit; Indexing Table Retrofit; Local Area Networks; Uses for LANs; Transmission Media; Transmission Schemes; Vendor Offerings

Learning Objectives:
– Compare the procedures involved in local and remote I/O expansion.
– Explain what is meant by configuring a system.
– Describe the operation of the shift register instruction.
– Explain how math and data-handling instructions work and why they are added to PLC systems.
– List important items to consider in I/O expansion and retrofitting.
– Define the terms local area network, baud rate, and throughput.
– List and explain the contents of a data packet used in LAN data transmission.
– Name and define the three main applications of LANs.
– List advantages and disadvantages of the three common transmission media used with LANs.