PLC

Learning Objectives:
After this course, the learner will be able to:

• Explain a Programmable Logic Controller’s basic operation.
• Compare and contrast a PLC and a computer.
• Describe three PLC size categories.

Lesson 2 - PLC Hardware

In this course, you will be introduced to the more common topics involving PLC hardware, including power supply, processor, and input/output.

Learning Objectives:
After this course, the learner will be able to:

• List and describe the three basic components in a PLC.
• List and describe two types of PLC enclosures.
• List and describe five types of specialty I/O modules and their applications.

Lesson 3 - PLC Numbering Systems

In this module, you will look at some of the numbering options used with PLCs, such as binary, hexadecimal, and ASCII codes. You will also learn about integers and floating-point numbers and how negative numbers are handled.

Learning Objectives:
After this course, the learner will be able to:

• List and describe four numbering systems.
• Express floating-point and negative numbers in a PLC.
• Translate a binary number to a decimal number.

Lesson 4 - How a PLC is Structured

Every PLC has an internal system that defines how the I/O is accessed, where the program is stored, what types of data are used, how faults are detected, and how the PLC coordinates use all this information. This module will provide you with a general understanding of these issues.

Learning Objectives:
After this course, the learner will be able to:

• List and describe the three PLC file register classifications.
• List and describe five types of PLC data files.
• Identify a file register address.

Lesson 5 - How to Program a PLC

This lesson will concentrate on the use of Ladder Logic language for programming a PLC.

Learning Objectives:
After this course, the learner will be able to:

• Explain how rails, rungs, and branches work in a ladder diagram.
• Describe the applications of different PLC relay instructions.
• Explain the process of transferring a PLC program between a PLC and a computer.
• Describe the two operating modes of a PLC processor.

Lesson 6 - Devices Connected to a PLC:

In this lesson, you will learn about various devices and how they are connected to a PLC. These devices include electromechanical relays, contactors, and starters. Some input switching devices will be discussed, both mechanical and electronic. A variety of sensors and transducers will also be introduced, such as temperature, pressure, and flow. By the end of this module, you will have a better understanding of input and output devices, how they work with a PLC, and how they integrate into a process control system.

Learning Objectives:
After this course, the learner will be able to:

• Explain how devices connect to a PLC.
• List and describe seven types of devices that can be controlled by a PLC.
• Identify schematic symbols for devices that can be controlled by a PLC.
• Compare and contrast control relays.

Lesson 7 - How to Use Timers

In this module, you will learn about mechanical timers, PLC timers, the basic timer commands, cascading timers, and typical PLC timing tasks. This lesson will give you the tools you need to be able to describe PLC timer instructions, understand timer bit controls, select timer lengths and accuracies, and write simple ladder programs with integrated timer instructions.

Learning Objectives:
After this course, the learner will be able to:

• Describe the function of PLC timers.
• Compare and contrast mechanical and PLC timers.
• Define five-timer identification variables.
• List and define four types of timer instructions.

Lesson 8 - How to Use Counters

In this module, we will focus on up-counters and how they are programmed.

Learning Objectives:
After this course, the learner will be able to:

• Compare and contrast electromechanical and PLC counters.
• List and describe four components of a PLC counter.
• Explain how to reset a PLC counter.