ELCT 240 Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

4 credits

This course prepares students with the fundamentals of a programmable logic controller (PLC) and offers practical information and skills about programming techniques, control wiring, the theory of operation, and troubleshooting PLC systems. Using hands-on programming with a computer, students will design, create, modify, and test functional programs for different industrial applications. Allen-Bradley PLC-5 family programmable controller I/O modules will also be covered.  

Prerequisites: ELCT 130, ELCT 131, and ELCT 132

Corequisites: ELCT 241

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Explain the programmable logic controller (PLC) and its applications 
Identify and describe the functions of the hardware components of PLC 
Describe the common operation modes (such as start, stop, on, off, run, etc.) in PLCs
Define the operation of digital and analog I/O modules 
Develop PLC wiring diagrams and ladder diagrams
Develop PLC programs (off-line and on-line)
Convert relay ladder diagram to PLC ladder diagram
Develop logic gate circuits from Boolean expressions
Convert numbers from the decimal system to a binary system or hexadecimal system 
Interpret, analyze, and develop programs involving math instructions
Interpret, analyze, and develop a typical PLC timer logic ladder diagram
Interpret, analyze, and develop a typical PLC counter logic diagram
Explain the industrial safety considerations of PLC programming and associated applications
Configure communication interface between devices
Test and troubleshoot programming errors

Total Hours: 60 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 20 Guided Practice (Lab or Clinical) Hours: 40