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Control/Automation Technician Training

Maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of PLC and automated systems. Includes basic PLC programming and networking.

prerequisites: maintenance electrician
potential career paths: none

Below is a list of the online classes and offline tasks included within the competency Control/Automation Technician.

Motor Controls

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	Class	Offline Task
1.	Distribution Systems 320 This class describes the means of distributing power to motors and other electrical devices within a typical industrial shop, focusing on distribution systems within a shop.	Examine and hook up a motor or motor control device in the assigned panel, following all safety practices; select proper wire and conduit to complete the project.
2.	Specs for Servomotors 330 This class covers the basic types of servomotors and the components that can be used in a servo system.	Safely connect a servomotor to a load; tune the motor, and then verify that it provides accurate positional control.
3.	Timers and Counters 340 This class describes the functions and applications of various mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic timers and counters. *Includes an Interactive Lab.*	Follow instructions and a sample schematic to correctly program a "time on" timer; follow another schematic to correctly program a "time off" timer.
4.	Electronic Semiconductor Devices 350 In this class covers the functions and characteristics of many different electronic semiconductor devices.	Follow instructions and a sample schematic to correctly build a transistor switching circuit.
5.	Photonic Semiconductor Devices 355 This class covers the characteristics and functions of photonic semiconductor devices.	Follow instrutions and a sample schematic to incorporate a photo-diode that will trigger a transistor switching circuit.
6.	Limit Switches and Proximity Sensors 360 This class covers the properties and functions of limit switches and inductive and capacitive proximity sensors, as well as hall effect sensors. *Includes an Interactive Lab.*	Organize a range of switches and sensors into the proper categories: inductive, capacitive, mechanical, hall effect, etc.
7.	Photoelectric and Ultrasonic Devices 365 This class covers the properties and functions of photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors. *Includes an Interactive Lab.*	Walk around a machine or equipment setup and identify the location of all photoelectric and ultrasonic devices; research and recommend a replacement for each device.
8.	Reduced Voltage Starting 370 This class describes the various methods of reduced voltage starting and explains when each type of starter is used.	Identify the replaceable components of a reduced voltage motor starter; from a list of scenarios, point out the likely candidate for a reduced voltage starter application.
9.	Solid-State Relays and Starters 375 This class covers the characteristics and functions of solid state relays and motor starters. *Includes an Interactive Lab.*	Demonstrate how to properly inspect a solid-state relay to ensure it is functioning properly.
10.	Deceleration Methods 380 This class describes the various methods used to cause motor deceleration. It explains the situations where braking is needed and shows how braking is accomplished.	Examine an existing variable frequency drive setup; adjust the variables used to decelerate the motor.
11.	Acceleration Methods 385 This class will describe the factors involved with motor acceleration and how they relate to each other. It will also explain how speed and acceleration are controlled in various types of electric motors.	Examine an existing variable frequency drive setup; adjust the variables used to accelerate the motor.

PLCs

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	Class	Offline Task
1.	Intro to PLCs 200 This class introduces the parts and operations of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and describes the functions and different programming languages you will find on most PLCs. *Includes an Interactive Lab.*	Show the major components of a modular PLC system; explain the function of each component, and show how the components fit together.
2.	Hardware for PLCs 210 This class covers the characteristics and functions of different types of PLC hardware, and provides basic troubleshooting procedures and maintenance tips. Includes an Interactive Lab.	Given specific guidelines for a sample PLC system, choose from a list the correct PLC components in order to build a modular PLC system that meets the requirements.
3.	Basics of Ladder Logic 220 This class describes the basic principles of ladder logic, identifies the symbols used to program a PLC and explains the primary logic functions those symbols create. *Includes an Interactive Lab.*	Read through three sample ladder logic programs; find two to three mistakes in each program that prevent the program from functioning properly.
4.	Numbering Systems and Codes 230 This class explains how to convert between binary, decimal, octal, and hexadecimal number systems and describes how these systems are used to convey information for PLCs.	Write out the numbers 0-15 in each of the four major numbering systems; describe the significance of the value 65535 as it relates to 16 bit files; describe the significance of the value 32767 as it relates to a 16 bit counter.
5.	PLC Inputs and Outputs 240 This class covers different types, configurations, capacities, and current conversions for PLC I/Os. Includes an Interactive Lab.	Produce a simple example for each common I/O module setup: DC sinking I/O, DC sourcing I/O, relay output, triac, AC input, and analog; Correctly wire sensors, switches, and loads to proper PLC terminals per sample drawing.
6.	Basic Programming 250 This class will teach you the basics of PLC programming using ladder logic. The class will identify common PLC commands and describe how those commands can be used to program a controller.	Write a PLC program that satisfies a specific scenario using common programming instruction sets such as XIC, XIO, OTE, OTL etc.
7.	PLC Timers and Counters 260 This class explains how different types of PLC timers and counters work.	Write a PLC program that satisfies a specific scenario such as turning an output on for 5 seconds, then off for 2 seconds, and that additionally counts the cycles.
8.	Networking for PLCs 270 This class covers the basic principles of PLC networking and provides an introduction to some common industrial networks. Includes an Interactive Lab.	Properly install network cables for two different networks common within the facility.
9.	Hand-Held Programmers of PLCs 280 This class covers the basic functions and characteristics of hand-held programmers. Includes an Interactive Lab.	Successfully use a handheld device to program an older PLC model.
10.	PLC Diagrams and Programs 300 This class will teach you how to convert line diagrams and wiring diagrams for use with PLCs.	Convert a sample hardwired ladder schematic diagram into PLC ladder logic.
11.	Overview of PLC Registers 305 This class introduces how digital signals are converted into binary data and how that data is stored into various types of registers.	Using simulation software or a PLC system, find the I/O data tables; show how changes in the connected input devices affect the data in the table.
12.	PLC Program Control Instructions 310 This class covers some of the most common program control instructions for PLCs. *Includes an Interactive Lab.*	Write a PLC program that satisfies a specific a scenario, using program control instructions relevant to the application.
13.	Math for PLCs 320 This class covers common mathematical functions for PLCs as well as the integer and decimal values and numeric codes involved in PLC math calculations.	Write a PLC program that satisfies a specific scenario requiring math instructions.
14.	Sequencer Instructions for PLCs 330 This class covers sequencer instructions for PLCs.	Write a PLC program that satisfies a specific scenario requiring a sequencer.
15.	PLC Installation Practices 340 This class covers the proper steps for planning and installing a basic PLC system. Includes an Interactive Lab.	Given control voltage, load specifications, and a blank PLC wiring diagram, correctly draw the matching PLC installation.
16.	PID for PLCs 350 This class covers the effects of PID control in closed-loop systems as well as methods for tuning your controller in order to achieve the desired performance.	Using the appropriate software, tune a sample PID system. (Example: a fluid tank with a volume sensor, variable tank drain, and proportional inlet valve control.)
17.	Data Manipulation 360 This class explains basic data moving functions and describes how and why these functions are used.	Write a PLC program that contains a section incorporating a two-position, keyed selector switch that changes a part's counter preset to "12" or "144," based on key position.
18.	Shift Registers 370 This class explains the various register shifts than can be used in a PLC.	Write a PLC program that incorporates a shift register.

Shop Essentials

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	Class	Offline Task
1.	Shop Algebra Overview 200 This class explains basic principles of algebra and demonstrates how to solve equations containing multiple operations.	For a series of equations used in a program, solve the equation for a variable by following the correct order of operations.
2.	Concepts of Calculus 310 This class covers the basic concepts of calculus.	Interpret and compare the graphs of a set of similar functions; explain how those graphs represent the output of a process or machine.