PLC Fundamentals (Level I)
What you'll learn
- By the end of this course, you will be able to create a PLC program from scratch.
- The primary and overall objective of this course is to give a novice an understanding of PLC programming, ladder logic, and the inner workings of a standard HMI (Human-Machine Interface).
- Students will learn the difference between digital and analog signals and how to bring them into a PLC, process them, and send them back out.
- Students will be familiarized enough with a sufficient variety of ladder logic instructions to create a complete PLC program from scratch.
- Students will explore basic, standard controls techniques for things like HOA control, level control, pump control, and (on at least an introductory level) PID control loops.
- Students will develop an understanding of alarm and notification programming, and the relevant considerations to safety and operator usability.
- Students will be introduced to HMI development and given a general understanding of how an HMI program works.
Requirements
- There is no software, hardware or experience required in order to complete this course, but practicing the techniques discussed on an emulator or live PLC are necessary steps toward eventual mastery.
Description
This course (which almost ALWAYS costs less on PLC Dojo) is designed to equip the novice with no prior PLC programming experience with the basic tools necessary to create a complete PLC program using ladder logic common to most current platforms.
Using the Rockwell software RSLogix 500 and FactoryTalk View Studio, we will be covering such topics as general controls, digital and analog IO, ladder logic programming, alarm / notification handling, HMI, emulation, best practices and more.
In the end, we will go through an entire, working PLC program and HMI line by line to solidify comprehension of the learning objectives.
What's covered in each of the five PLC courses I teach here and on my own PLC Dojo site?
This course, (PLC Fundamentals) teaches you how to program with the focus on ladder logic, which is the most popular PLC programming language. The goal is to teach you everything you need to know to make a PLC do what you want it to do. You are also given all the software necessary to both CREATE and RUN your own programs live - right on your own computer. For some people, that's all they really need.
But for the people who want to really master PLC programming, they have the option of continuing into the advanced material with me.
Applied Logic (Level 2) forces you to take what you've learned and solve problem after progressively harder problem unassisted. You get a spec and are told simply: "Make it work, and don't progress until you have." After, you get to watch me solve each one as well. By the end, you don't just know how to program - you are a PROGRAMMER.
Process Visualization (Level 3) gives you both knowledge and experience in FIVE different HMI / SCADA development environments. By the end, you've created several COMPLETE visualization (screen) projects that you can actually run on your own computer (and SHOW PEOPLE in an interview) with no additional hardware.
IEC Paradigms (Level 4) is only for the heavyweights. This course teaches you how to program using all five IEC programming languages (plus one more) in multiple environments. There are projects as well, so by the end, you have seen it all and DONE it all as well. There won't be anything anybody can show you that you won't already be familiar with.
TIA Portal Master Project (Level 5) is the culmination of everything. In that course, you'll program an entire power plant using all five PLC programming languages (in PARALLEL!) with a full HMI. It's a massive and complex project that really showcases your talents in an interview!
Who this course is for:
- This course is written for anybody who wants to become functional with ladder logic as quickly as possible.
Featured review
Instructor
- 4.7 Instructor Rating
- 34,210 Reviews
- 90,560 Students
- 7 Courses
My PLC courses cost LESS on PLC Dojo.
By degree, I'm an MBA, however after a few years on the road full-time as a management consultant, I fell into and in love with engineering.
My PLC / HMI experience includes projects from $10k up to about $40m, primarily within the realm of chemical processing and filtration. I am competent programming Rockwell, Siemens and a handful of smaller technologies.
I've also had the pleasure of designing most of the same systems I used to program. My competencies in this area include full design, 3D modeling and drafting of assembly and fabrication drawings in AutoCAD and / or Inventor. I've designed mobile systems that were built in shipping containers up to one that filled a two-story building.
Before engineering, I developed and implemented CI (Continuous Improvement) management systems in companies across America in various industries to include a military finance organization, a printing company, a mortgage bank, a candy factory (my personal favorite), a nuclear products manufacturer, a major producer of coiled aluminum and several more.
So as not to only be useful in a factory or an office, I'm also hold the following NASM certifications: Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Specialist and Behavior Change Specialist. And yes - I have a full gym where my living room should be.
And when I get tired of all that, I also have my own photo / recording studio. A guy has to keep busy, right? I'm BUSY generating TONS of useful, good stuff on YouTube!
For people into this sort of thing, I teach the Bible pretty seriously. On my website (Mind of Paul dotcom) I have produced TONS of resources dedicated to helping people understand that Book more clearly, a ton of videos on YouTube and I've now published two books on Amazon as well. If you're stuck in a confusing, institutional interpretation of the Bible that pits Paul against Jesus, the Old Testament against the New and portrays God as this ever-changing being who comes with different laws, covenants and expectations for different peoples at different times, I can help you find your way out.
Apart from things professional, I'm into rucking, cycling, running, lifting, PS5, XBOX, Steam Deck, studying incessantly, accumulating tattoos and spending all my time with my doggie (Mr. President).
Life is short. You only have one life to live. SO DO EVERYTHING!