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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Programmable Logic Controller Programming and Troubleshooting
Course: AIT210

First Term: 2022 Fall
 Lecture   3.0 Credit(s)   2.0 Period(s)   2.0 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T - Lab Load


Description: Introductory course in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Ladder Logic programming and troubleshooting PLC connected components and systems. Also includes basic Human Machine Interface (HMI) navigation, connecting to a PLC, and program downloading.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Identify the components of a PLC, the principles of PLC operation, and the main PLC applications. (I)
2. Demonstrate the ability to transfer programs to and from a PLC. (I)
3. Develop simple PLC ladder logic programs to demonstrate the use of instructions, such as relay, branch, counters, timers, and logic instructions. (II)
4. Install and test a PLC. (III)
5. Connect an HMI to a PLC. (III)
6. Troubleshoot PLC field device components and system issues by interpreting PLC programs and hardware failures. (IV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. PLC basics
   A. Basic operation of a PLC
   B. Basic operation and navigation of PC software for PLCs
   C. Nomenclature for PLC components and program file elements
   D. Wiring
      1. Power
      2. Input/output (I/O)
      3. PLC network operations
      4. Identification of devices on a PLC network
   E. Ladder logic
      1. Use
      2. Importance of comments
   F. PLC modes
      1. Types
      2. Mode changes
   G. Transferring programs between PC and PLC
      1. Serial
      2. USB
      3. Ethernet connection
   H. Installing and configuring a PLC and its components
II. PLC ladder logic programs
   A. PC software, PLC program, and reviewing files
   B. Developing PLC programs
      1. Internal and external contacts (XIC, XIO, OTE)
      2. Timers
      3. Counters
      4. Non-retentive output coils
      5. Internal coils
      6. Subroutines
      7. Conditional commands
      8. Math commands
   C. PLC I/O diagram interpretation
   D. I/O device identification by memory address
   E. Function of analog I/O card
   F. Address scheme of a PLC
   G. Interpreting control/sequence PLC programs
      1. Electric motors
      2. Fluid power systems
   H. Operating PLC programs
III. Basic Human Machine Interface (HMI)
   A. Connecting and transferring HMI programs using a PC
   B. Configuring an HMI to a PLC
      1. Via network
      2. Via direct connection
   C. Viewing data from HMI panel
   D. HMI screen navigation
      1. Touchscreen
      2. Function keys
   E. Using HMI to interpret system operation
IV. Troubleshooting a PLC system
   A. PLC component failures
   B. Program version control
   C. Common troubleshooting methodologies
   D. Using HMI to troubleshoot a PLC-controlled machine
   E. Troubleshooting an HMI on a PLC-controlled machine
   F. Tuning the performance of PLC-controlled machine
      1. Mechanical adjustments
      2. Electrical adjustments
      3. Software adjustments
   G. Optimizing systems
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 22, 2022

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.