AIT 210 - Programmable Logic Controller Programming and Troubleshooting

1. Identify the components of a PLC, the principles of PLC operation, and the main PLC applications.
2. Demonstrate the ability to transfer programs to and from a PLC. 
3. Develop simple PLC ladder logic programs to demonstrate the use of instructions, such as relay, branch, counters, timers, and logic instructions. 
4. Install and test a PLC.  
5. Connect an HMI to a PLC. 
6. Troubleshoot PLC field device components and system issues by interpreting PLC programs and hardware failures.

1. PLC basics
   1. Basic operation of a PLC
   2. Basic operation and navigation of PC software for PLCs
   3. Nomenclature for PLC components and program file elements
   4. Wiring
      1. Power
      2. Input/output (I/O)
      3. PLC network operations 
      4. Identification of devices on a PLC network
   5. Ladder logic
      1. Use
      2. Importance of comments
   6. PLC modes
      1. Types
      2. Mode changes
   7. Transferring programs between PC and PLC
      1. Serial
      2. USB
      3. Ethernet connection
   8. Installing and configuring a PLC and its components
2. PLC ladder logic programs
   1. PC software, PLC program, and reviewing files
   2. 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
   3. PLC I/O diagram interpretation
   4. I/O device identification by memory address
   5. Function of analog I/O card
   6. Address scheme of a PLC
   7. G Interpreting control/sequence PLC programs
      1. Electric motors
      2. Fluid power systems
   8. Operating PLC programs
3. Basic Human Machine Interface (HMI)
   1. Connecting and transferring HMI programs using a PC
   2. Configuring an HMI to a PLC 
      1. Via network
      2. Via direct connection
   3. Viewing data from HMI panel
   4. HMI screen navigation
      1. Touchscreen
      2. Function keys
   5. Using HMI to interpret system operation 
4. Troubleshooting a PLC system
   1. PLC component failures
   2. Program version control
   3. Common troubleshooting methodologies 
   4. Using HMI to troubleshoot a PLC-controlled machine
   5. Troubleshooting an HMI on a PLC-controlled machine
   6. Tuning the performance of PLC-controlled machine
      1. Mechanical adjustments
      2. Electrical adjustments
      3. Software adjustments
   7. Optimizing systems