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PLCs Department

Department Overview

Department Name:	PLCs Department
Number of Classes:	18

Department Description

A significant trend in industry is the increased use of automation. Incredibly sophisticated systems that involve the carefully timed interaction between a wide range of equipment are possible. However, something must act as the "brains" behind the process. Manufacturers turn to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) when they need flexible yet precise electrical control over any range of processes that coordinate inputs and outputs, from traffic light signals, to packaging processes, to automotive assembly. A PLC is a processor-driven, software-based device that uses circuit logic to process inputs and signal the correct outputs. These classes cover the basics of ladder logic, binary numbering, and basic programming principles. Students also learn about the hardware involved in PLC setups and the networking options. Later classes cover greater detail by focusing on common PLC functions and more sophisticated tasks such as data manipulation and shift registers.

Department Classes

Class Name	Prereq.	Lessons	Difficulty
Change page: 1 Displaying page 1 of 1, items 1 to 18 of 18.
Change page: 1 Displaying page 1 of 1, items 1 to 18 of 18.
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.*	None	17	Intermediate
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.	450200	15	Intermediate
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.*	None	15	Intermediate
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.	None	15	Intermediate
PLC Inputs and Outputs 240 This class covers different types, configurations, capacities, and current conversions for PLC I/Os. Includes an Interactive Lab.	None	14	Intermediate
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.	450200	15	Intermediate
PLC Timers and Counters 260 This class explains how different types of PLC timers and counters work.	None	16	Intermediate
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.	None	15	Intermediate
Hand-Held Programmers of PLCs 280 This class covers the basic functions and characteristics of hand-held programmers. Includes an Interactive Lab.	None	13	Intermediate
PLC Diagrams and Programs 300 This class will teach you how to convert line diagrams and wiring diagrams for use with PLCs.	450200	12	Advanced
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.	None	14	Advanced
PLC Program Control Instructions 310 This class covers some of the most common program control instructions for PLCs. *Includes an Interactive Lab.*	None	14	Advanced
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.	None	16	Advanced
Sequencer Instructions for PLCs 330 This class covers sequencer instructions for PLCs.	450220, 450240, 450260, 450305	12	Advanced
PLC Installation Practices 340 This class covers the proper steps for planning and installing a basic PLC system. Includes an Interactive Lab.	None	20	Advanced
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.	None	13	Advanced
Data Manipulation 360 This class explains basic data moving functions and describes how and why these functions are used.	450200 450305	16	Advanced
Shift Registers 370 This class explains the various register shifts than can be used in a PLC.	450200 450305	12	Advanced