10620101Programmable Logic Controllers 1
Course Information
Description
Fundamentals of programmable logic controller (PLC) installation, interfacing, operation, and programming. Students learn about PLCs connected to Windows-based PCs running state-of-the-art programming tools. Students study discrete and analog input and output; hardware sensor interfacing and troubleshooting techniques; fundamentals of digital systems and will program PLCs using timer, counter, latch, data movement, sequencing, integer arithmetic and other instructions.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Examine functions and components of Programmable Automation Controllers
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes
    Criteria
    describe advantages of a PAC over hard-wired relay systems
    identify major components of a typical PLC
    define the terms discrete and analog
    identify different types of programming devices
    describe various I/0 schemes of a PAC
    explain fixed versus modular I/O strategies
    describe how basic AC and DC input and output modules work
    define Optical Isolation and describe why it is used
    describe the proper wiring connections for input and output devices and their corresponding modules
    describe the function of I/0 shielding
    list environmental concerns when installing PLC's
    Illustrate input and output device connections

  2. Examine components of the central processing unit (CPU)
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes
    Criteria
    describe the function of a processor
    describe the typical project scan
    describe two distinct types of memory
    describe the function of a Watch Dog Timer
    identify the two broad categories of memory use
    identify different peripheral devices that are used with a programmable controller

  3. Differentiate project structure
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skill demonstration
    Criteria
    describe the structure of a PAC project
    list the project components (Tasks, Programs, Routines)
    explain the various types of tasks (Continuous, Periodic, Event)
    explain programming strategies
    explain the use of subroutines
    explain project creation

  4. Discriminate different memory organizations
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes
    Criteria
    chart the types of information stored in each category of memory
    define the term "Byte"
    define the acronym "Bits"
    define PAC data types (bool, integer, double integer, real)
    diagram information types for certain categories of memory
    define “tags”
    define base vs alias tags
    explain tag addressing
    define retentive vs non-retentive memory

  5. Characterize the numbering systems used for PLC's
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes
    Criteria
    identify decimal, binary, hexadecimal
    convert one numbering system to another

  6. Discern the use of ladder diagrams
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skill demonstration
    Criteria
    distinguish the parts of a wiring diagram
    convert a wiring diagram to a ladder diagram
    list the rules that govern a ladder diagram
    define the Boolean term "AND," "OR," and "NOT"
    interpret the Truth Tables
    use Boolean functions to write simple programs

  7. Illustrate the techniques of programming a PLC
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skills demonstration
    Criteria
    interpret the term "Line Programming"
    recount basic programming techniques
    describe the Force On and Force Off features and hazards associated with both
    explain interlacing
    characterizes the term "Dummy Relay"
    explain toggling bits
    explain Online and Offline

  8. Demonstrate PAC project creation
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skill demonstration
    Criteria
    demonstrate creating new project in Studio 5000
    illustrate defining the communication path
    illustrate  downloading the project to the PAC
    describe adding required I/O to the project manually, while offline
    describe adding required I/O to the project using Discover Modules, while online

  9. Explain basic relay type instructions
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skill demonstration
    Criteria
    discern the Examine On instruction
    discern the Examine Off instruction
    write the logic for a standard Stop/Start motor circuit

  10. Demonstrate the OTE, OTL, OTU, ONS, timer and counter instructions
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skill demonstration
    Criteria
    describe functionality of on-delay timer(TON), off-delay timer(TOF), and retentive on-delay timer (RTO)
    define the timer instruction components (PRE, ACC, EN, TT, DN)
    write a program using all three types of timers
    explain how to extend the time range of timers by cascading
    define the counter instruction components (PRE, ACC, CU, CD, DN, OV, UN)
    write a program using the Up and Down Counters

  11. Program using data manipulation, comparison and math instructions
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skill demonstration
    Criteria
    explain data transfer instructions (MOV, MMOV, CLR, BTD, COP, FLL, SWPB)
    identify the standard Data Compare Instructions(EQU, NEQ, LES, LEQ, GRT, GEQ, CMP, LIM)
    write logic that Compares Data to control an output
    list the standard math instructions available in Rockwell PACs (ADD, SUB, MUL, DIV, SQR, MOD, etc.)
    use data manipulation, compare and math instructions in several projects

  12. Set up Ethernet communications configuration in personal computers (PC) and PLC/PACs.
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skill demonstration
    Criteria
    describe the Ethernet network
    explain the function of the IP address and subnet mask
    explain IP addressing schemes
    demonstrate capability to establish a working Ethernet network
    introduce RSLinx Classic software
    describe the term “driver”
    demonstrate the DF1 drivers for legacy PLCs
    set up an ethernet devices (ETH) driver
    set up the Ethernet I/P driver for programming PLC/PACs

  13. Start up and troubleshoot a PLC
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skill demonstration
    Criteria
    follow Start-Up Procedures listed in the manufacturers' literature
    explain how input devices are tested
    test output devices using simple logic, forcing or toggling
    adhere to safety considerations and precautions
    describe how voltage readings are taken to check input and output modules

  14. Program miniature machines as a final project
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, quizzes, skill demonstration
    Criteria
    program 3 miniature machines individually, each with own PAC
    adapt projects to run all 3 stations together in a production line
    program 3 miniature together, with one PAC and networked I/O