ETS 1542C - Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Engineering and Building Arts Department

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 77
Effective Term Fall 2019 (565)

Requisites

Pre- or Co-requisite EET 1084C with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This course covers fundamental ladder logic, programmable controller theory, application techniques, and design and troubleshooting of PLC-based (programmable logic controller) systems in classroom presentations, lab experiments, simulation trainers, and multi-modal software learning labs. Hands-on replications of PLC functions are created in the lab.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will recognize programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and its industrial applications by:
    1. Identifying PLC main components, including the I/O moduli and the processor unit
    2. Describing the I/O interfacing in a PLC
    3. Drawing block diagrams incorporating PLCs for automation and control using industrial sensors and actuators.
  2. The student will operate programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for industrial systems by:
    1. analyzing ladder logic diagrams for industrial automation systems.
    2. Recognizing and creating relay ladder logic circuits using common functions like AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, START/STOP
    3. identifying programmable logic controller (PLC) input and output module locations.
    4. identifying when a programmable logic controller (PLC) is in run or program mode, or is in a fault condition.
    5. interpreting technical drawings.
    6. researching how PLCs can be applied to robotics.
    7. Programming a PLC.
      1. addressing memory storage
      2. designing block diagrams for programming routines to perform specific operations
      3. translating relay logic instructions into a ladder diagram program
      4. using most common timer instructions like TON, TOF, RTO
      5. using counter instructions like CTU, RES, CTD.
      6. including data manipulation and arithmetic operations, like floating point, negative numbers, etc., in programming routines.
  3. The student will demonstrate the operation of automated systems using a human machine interface (HMI) and other interfaces by:
    1. explaining the advantages of using an HMI interface with a PLC.
    2. programming an HMI attached to a PLC.
    3. Using discrete I/O, discrete I and discrete O modules
    4. Using analog input and output modules
  4. The student will demonstrate effective troubleshooting skills by:
    1. performing computer based and/or machine based troubleshooting.
    2. applying root cause analysis techniques to identify problem causes.
    3. evaluating and documenting corrective action options.

Criteria Performance Standard

70% or above required for this course

History of Changes

C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2018 (550).
C&I Approval: 02/14/2019, BOT Approval: 03/19/2019, Effective Term: Fall 2019 (565)

Related Programs

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