EL 272 - Advanced PLCs and Automation

Credit Hours: 3

This course will introduce students to advanced programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and automation topics: networking fundamentals such as routing protocols, IP addressing, network infrastructure, access methods, and networking cabling; PLC I/Os electronic circuitry (triacs, SCRs, opto-isolators); specialty I/Os for work with electro-mechanical and pneumatic sensors, controllers, transducers, limit switches, electronic switches, speed/rotation sensors, VFDs; fundamentals of control and operation of pneumatic systems including basics of fluid mechanics, theory of use of pneumatic devices for process control, theory and operation of direction control valves and pressure control valves; fundamentals of highly automated manufacturing systems such as manufacturing sequences, remote access, production flow analysis; advanced programming techniques such as stage programming for controlling robotic mechanisms in an integrated manufacturing cell; safety PLCs.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

design, build, and troubleshoot local network including PLCs, operator interfaces, and Ethernet-connected loads;
control electro-pneumatic systems using PLCs;
write and troubleshoot ladder logic programs to control VFDs, high-speed motors, and actuators using the input from specialty I/O units;
utilize stage programming for analyzing and implementing the controlling sequence for robotic manufacturing applications; and
effectively work as a member of the technical team on larger design projects.

Prerequisites: EL 260
S (N)