
Operate industrial control with programmable logic controllers, a mini industrial computer that reads sensor inputs, stores programs, and drives outputs to motors, pumps, or indicators in hot or cold conditions.
Understand how a PLC works as the central processing unit reads inputs, executes ladder logic, and updates outputs through input and output modules in a scan cycle.
Learn about digital input and output types: sourcing vs sinking, with source and sink connections to a PLC, load, and power supply; understand NPN/PNP styles and current flow directions.
Explore digital inputs and outputs in plc systems with isolation via optocouplers, separating power and logic sections. Learn how LEDs and phototransistors transmit signals and how triacs drive loads.
Explain voltage type and current type analog inputs for PLCs, including A/D conversion to codes (BCD or hex), 0–5 V and 4–20 mA ranges, and parallel circuit principles.
Learn how analog signals convert to digital via A/D conversion and how digital signals become analog through a DAC, with PLC inputs and outputs and filtering.
Learn how a programming interface enables data transfer between a PC engineering station and a programmable logic controller using USB, RS232/RS485, and industrial ethernet/ip, including PLC-to-PLC and HMI communications.
Explore PLC programming using graphical representations for easy logic design, without extensive programming knowledge. Identify two main styles: graphical and textual, and the ladder, functional block, and sequence chart methods.
Explore ladder logic and relay logic in programmable logic controllers, learn how function blocks connect inputs and outputs, and compare signals with cascaded, parallel block configurations.
Convert a hardwired motor control to a PLC by mapping a DC switch and motor to a ladder diagram, using power rails and rungs to connect inputs to outputs.
Understand how ladder logic scans rungs from left to right, evaluating input conditions and driving outputs. Learn how scan time, often around 150 milliseconds, affects PLC performance and program efficiency.
Explore basic ladder symbols for plc control, including semigraphics and full graphics flow, power rails, left-right input/output connections, normally open/closed switches, and coil symbols.
Convert a hardwired circuit into logic using two inputs A and B to determine the output, then translate it into ladder logic and truth tables.
Create RSLogix programs by building ladder diagrams in Prosim and simulating ladder logic with Logic Pro panels, using ladder components like switches, coil, latch, and one shot rising pulse.
Demonstrates creating an or gate in ladder logic with two inputs a and b, using parallel contacts and addresses, then simulating the output with plc tools.
Implement two-input and gate using a ladder diagram in Logic Pro. Offline edit and PLC simulation verify the truth table, showing output energizes only when A and B are high.
Develop a not gate in a PLC using a normally closed inverted input, showing output 1 for input 0 and output 0 for input 1, via offline setup and simulation.
Learn nand gate programming in PLC ladder logic, using an and gate with a not gate, or two not gates with an or gate, to validate the nand truth table.
Design a nor gate with two inputs and two outputs, map A and B to outputs, and implement the logic in ladder logic using inversion and normally closed switches.
Develop a PLC xor gate program in ladder logic for two inputs, verify with a truth table that outputs high for exactly one input high and low for both inputs.
Explore latching in PLC logic: use start and stop inputs to energize and hold an output until stop, with parallel latch configuration, multiple outputs, and basic sequence behavior.
Demonstrate sequence logic and latching in PLCs by wiring LEDs, motors, and switches with latch bits and push buttons, then simulate power on/off and motor control.
Implement a door control using two momentary open/close switches and an emergency switch, with upper and lower limit feedback to drive the motor up or down while preventing stall.
Explore a garage door simulation using logic x simulator to implement open and shutdown led indications with upper and lower limit switches, wiring inputs and outputs.
Implement continuous door movement with a stop button to halt immediately, then add an emergency stop and normally closed and normally open switches plus a latch to control the motor.
Explore door simulation in a plc, using status bits and a data table to flash ajar, open, and close lamps, with run-mode emulation of the door's motion.
Explore a PLC door simulation with ladder logic modifications that control open, close, and ajar indicators, including run mode, shutdown lamp behavior, limit switches, temporary bits, and blinking states.
Learn how to read a piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) by tracing flow from a compressor through valves, transmitters, and an accumulator, using the legend to identify symbols.
Implement a plc-based mixing tank control: start energizes pump one to fill, flow-meter pulses drive a counter to 90% full, then pump stops and full indicator activates.
Practice a plc sequence in the mixing tank experiment part 2 to energize heater and mixer, and control pumps with full and timer logic.
Learn to configure interlocks with level switches, pumps, and heaters in a mixing tank PLC project, enabling run and idle modes, and implementing counters, timers, and reset sequences.
Explore PLC control of a mixing tank in simulation, implementing run/idle modes, timer resets and self-resetting timers, with a full-limit switch to manage heater, pump, stirrer, and mixer.
Demonstrates how a mixing tank control uses reset, pump energization, and timers to manage level cycles and recurrence timing in a continuous process, via a PLC simulation.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are a crucial part of industrial automation, widely used in manufacturing, process control, and automated systems. This course provides a structured introduction to PLCs, focusing on fundamental concepts, programming techniques, and real-world applications.
Designed for beginners and those looking to build a strong foundation, the course covers essential topics such as PLC hardware components, ladder logic programming, input/output operations, and troubleshooting basics. It introduces key principles of automation and control systems, offering a clear understanding of how PLCs function in industrial settings.
Through detailed explanations and guided exercises, learners will explore the structure of PLC programs and how different logic elements interact within an automation process. Common industry-standard programming methods will be discussed, helping students grasp the logic behind automation workflows. The course also covers how PLCs communicate with other devices and how they contribute to improving efficiency in industrial operations.
By the end of this course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of PLC fundamentals and their role in automation. Whether you are a student, technician, or engineering professional, this course provides valuable insights into industrial control systems.
No prior experience with PLCs is required. However, a basic understanding of electrical circuits and logic principles can be beneficial for easier comprehension.