Programmable Logic Controls II

Catalog description

A second course in PLCs covering sequencing/shift instructions, program flow control, data and math instructions, PID loops, and machine communication. EMET 430 Programmable Logic Controls II (3) The objective of EMET 430 - Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) II course is to give students an in-depth understanding of the advanced control, programming, I/O, communications, and distributed processing capabilities of modem PLCs. The objective is achieved through coordinated lecture and laboratory activities. Lectures cover theoretical and operational concepts; laboratory exercises will require students to apply lecture concepts to actual control problems using real equipment. EMET 430 is a senior-level elective in the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology program. It is intended for those students who want to expand their PLC knowledge beyond the basics covered in required courses in the EMET curriculum. Students must have prior knowledge of basic PLC capabilities, ladder logic programming, and general methods of interfacing PLCs with external devices. This background is typically obtained via the EE T 220 - Programmable Logic Controls (or equivalent) course.By building on prior concepts of ladder logic and simple relay/contactor style programming, EMET 430 can focus on the applications, programming, and use of specialty I/O modules and advanced control technologies available in state-of-the-art PLCs. The following major topical areas will generally be covered: � advanced programming instructions related to program flow control, data manipulation, mathematical computations, and timing/sequencing functions; � use of specialty processor and I/O modules (viz., analog current and voltage I/O, digital I/O, thermocouple and RTD interface devices, specialized motor controls, etc.); � advanced technology that adapts PID capabilities to PLC systems permitting them to be used when circumstances require dynamic, closed-loop feedback control; and � standard installation and safety practices for PLC installations.Programming tasks in the course will be carried out using modern operator interface equipment and software to ensure that students understand the capabilities and limitations of those systems. The course will also examine the capabilities, flexibility, and limitations of computer-linked, distributed PLC systems, including study of the communication technologies and systems currently used by industry. Generally, a capstone student project will be used to tie all these concepts together and to give students direct, hands-on experience with actually setting up and operating a PLC-based control system.Performance in the lecture portion of the course will typically be evaluated by a combination of major exams, short quizzes, and out-of-class problem and programming assignments. Performance in the laboratory will typically be evaluated based on a series of both formal and informal lab reports documenting programming solutions to assigned control problems.