Part Time BTEC Programmable Logic Controllers (ND Unit 31)

Awarding Body

EDEXCEL

Course Content

The module is designed to introduce the student to the main operating and functional features of PLCs, how they work and how they can be used to control industrial processes.The aim is to develop the student's knowledge and ability to design and implement PLCs in industries which use process automation systems.

Course Features

Mitsubishi FX and A1S PLC programming with GX Developer and Allen Bradley SLC500 PLC programming with RS Logix and RS Linx. Editing, saving, searching, downloading, monitoring online, uploading, rung and device commenting and printing are all covered for both software packages.

Hardware description of types of PLC including rack layout, CPUs, I/O cards, internal architecture and operational characteristics such as program scanning. Types of PLC including unitary, modular and rack mounted

Normally open and normally closed contacts, coils, latch and unlatch coils, series and parallel program branches, timers, counters, memory contacts, internal special purpose relays, mathematical functions, BCD conversion, shift registers, comparison functions

Digital input handling with switches, pushbuttons, inductive proximity sensors, reed switches, level switches and air pressure sensors

Digital output handling with relays, contactors, lamps, LED's and solenoid valves with pneumatic pistons

Analogue input handling and scaling with temperature sensors, flow sensors and potentiometers

Analogue output handling and scaling with motor speed controllers

System specification development, algorithmic design, sequence programming using shift registers

Practical experience in design and development of programs to control (1)Traffic Light System incorporating 6 LED's, (2) Pneumatic Robot Handling System with solenoid valves and pistons with various sensors (3) Process Control Rig to pump, heat, stir and drain water using various analogue and digital devices

Communication links and networks for PLCs and MMI devices.
Career Prospects and Progression

Skills updating module for electrical craftsmen and technicians in industry. Progression to HNC modules.

Modules

Programmable Controllers

Method of Assessment

Course work. 2 assignments with practical content.

Course Length

1 Year

Time of Delivery

Evening

Campus

Graig Campus

Bilingual Provision

This course can be studied in English only

Entry Requirements

No previous experience.

Full-time or Part-time

Part Time