Buffalo State College
Department of Technology

Prefix, Number and Name of Course: ENT361, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Credit Hours: 3
In Class Instructional Hours: 1 Labs: 4 Field Work (Homework): 2

Catalog Description:

Prerequisite: ENT331 or TEC314 or basic understanding of electricity fundamentals

Comprehensive treatment of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Prior knowledge of PLCs is not required. Focus on ladder logic programming, but also covers other PLC programming languages: sequential function charts, function block diagrams, instruction lists, structured text, and high-level languages such as BASIC, Pascal and C. Numerous laboratory exercises with four PLC brands provide a broad exposure to programming, troubleshooting, networking, and PLC system design and startup.

Reason for revision:

Revision of course content reflects recent electrical engineering technology developments and current trends.
Student Learning Outcomes. Students will: Content
Reference:
Assessment:
1. read one chapter each week. I-IV Quiz each week covering one chapter and two comprehensive exams.
2. work through lab projects that are suggested. Students also have the opportunity to create their own projects, which will allow them to explore the functionality of PLCs and PLC programs. I-IV Verbally explain and demonstrate each project to the instructor.

Course Content:

  1. PLC Overview and Background
    1. History and basic functions
    2. Number systems
    3. Hardware components: CPU, power supply, I/O modules
    4. Input/Output Modules: Discrete, Analog, and Intelligent
    5. Sensors and actuators that connect to PLCs
    6. PLC-model diversity
    7. Documentation, maintenance, and networking
    8. Relay ladder logic diagrams
    9. PLC ladder logic programming
  2. PLC Ladder Logic Programming Language
    1. Relay ladder logic foundation and wiring diagrams
    2. PLC ladder logic programming instructions: relay, timer, counter, sequencer, math, shift register
    3. Data manipulation
    4. Discrete (digital) input/output
    5. Analog (continuous) input/output
  3. Alternative PLC Languages
    1. Sequential function charts
    2. Function block diagram
    3. Instruction list
    4. Structured text
    5. High-level language (BASIC, Pascal, C)
  4. Industrial Issues and Solutions
    1. Installation, startup, and maintenance
    2. Documentation
    3. Hardware selection and configuration
    4. PLC networking
    5. Troubleshooting
    6. Toolbox of common programming solutions

Resources:

Classic Scholarship in the Field:

Jones, C.T. (1996). Programmable Logic Controllers: the Complete Guide to the Technology. Atlanta, GA: Patrick-Turner.

Current Scholarship in the Field:

Bryan, L.A. & Bryan, E.A. (1997). Programmable Controllers, Theory and Implementation. Industrial Text & Video.

Bryan, L.A. & Bryan, E.A. (1997). Programmable Controllers, Theory and Implementation, Workbook and Study Guide. (2nd ed.). Industrial Text & Video.

Cox, R.A. (2001). Technician's Guide to Programmable Controllers. (4th ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.

Bolton, W. (2003). Programmable Logic Controllers. (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Newnes .

Dunning G. (2001). Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers. (2nd ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.

Hackworth, J.R., & Hackworth, F.D. (2003). Programmable Logic Controllers: Programming Methods & Applications. NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Hughes, T.A. (2000). Programmable Controllers. (3rd ed.). ISA: The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation .

Kissell, T.E. (2002). Industrial Electronics: Applications for Programmable Controllers, Instrumentation & Process Control, and Electrical Machines & Motor Controls (2nd Edition) . (3rd ed.). NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Michel, G., Duncan, F., & Girard, B. (1990). Programmable Logic Controllers: Architecture & Application. NY: John Wiley & Sons .

Morriss, S.B. (). Programmable Logic Controllers. NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Petruzella, F.D. (2004). Programmable Logic Controllers. (3rd ed.). NY: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

Simpson, C.D., Simpson, C. (1998). Programmable Logic Controllers. NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Stenerson, J. (2005). Fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers, Sensors, and Communications . (3rd ed.). NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Webb, J.W. & Reis, R.A. (2002). Programmable Logic Controllers: Principles and Applications. (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.

Periodicals:

IEEE Spectrum

Electronic or Audiovisual Resources:

http://tech2.buffalostate.edu

Prepared by S. Barker, April 19, 2004