Course Number and Title:
ELM 253 Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: ELM 243
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course covers advanced topics of programmable logic controllers (PLC) systems. Topics include conversion of ladder logic programming into sequential function, function block, and structured text languages; analog and digital interfacing; human machine interfaces; and advanced PLC applications.
Additional Materials
Storage media for class and lab work, TI-84+ or TI-89 Calculator
Disclaimer
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Unless otherwise specified, this work by Delaware Technical Community College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Describe project organization and addressing in a PLC. (CCC 1, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Describe the use of timers and counters to control events. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Prepare digital and analog PLC input/output (I/O) modules appropriately to monitor system state through inputs, and facilitate system control through outputs. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Develop function block diagram logic. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Administer technology objects to achieve proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) control of a system using a PLC. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Configure, program, and test a new human-machine-interface (HMI) project. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4).
- Compare ladder logic programming to a sequential function chart (SFC) program. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Compare ladder logic language to structured text. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Describe project organization and addressing in a PLC.
- Explain the concept of modular programming.
- Discuss organizational blocks, function blocks, functions, data blocks, and interrupts as they apply to modular programming.
- Explain how input/output (I/O) is affected by modular programming.
- Describe the use of timers and counters to control events.
- Employ timer and counter tag members in logic.
- Define delay-on, delay-off, preset time, elapsed time, and retentive.
- Correctly employ counters and timers in PLC applications.
- Prepare digital and analog PLC input/output (I/O) modules appropriately to monitor system state through inputs, and facilitate system control through outputs.
- Describe types of digital I/O modules.
- Describe types of analog I/O modules.
- Determine the resolution for an analog module.
- Describe how analog modules are calibrated.
- Construct analog and digital modules.
- Develop function block diagram logic.
- Explain the types of applications best suited to function block diagram programming.
- Demonstrate how to convert ladder logic into function block diagram language.
- Perform programming tasks on a PLC based on function block diagram programming.
- Administer technology objects to achieve proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) control of a system using a PLC.
- Explain how PID is used to control processes.
- Describe how a PID technology object is configured.
- Describe how a PID instruction can be used to control a closed-loop system.
- Configure, program, and test a new human-machine-interface (HMI) project.
- Integrate new HMI hardware to a PLC.
- Formulate an Internet protocol (IP) address for a new HMI device.
- Apply tags to objects in the PLC program.
- Demonstrate how to compile and download an HMI configuration application.
- Compare ladder logic programming to a sequential function chart (SFC) program.
- Explain how the characteristics of SFCs make them well-suited for batch processes or state machines.
- Develop timer and counter instructions using SFC.
- Demonstrate how to transfer local tags to controller tags in an SFC program.
- Investigate programming errors in an SFC application.
- Compare ladder logic language to structured text.
- Explain how the characteristics of structured text make it well-suited for complex equations, recursive loops, or translating pseudocode.
- Implement bit, timer, math, move, and comparison instructions.
- Compose a structured text program that can control an electro-pneumatic system.
- Investigate programming errors in a structured text application.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Under engineers' direction, design basic circuitry and draft sketches to clarify details of design documentation.
- Build, modify, and test circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of electrical or electronic systems.
- Install, maintain, adjust, and calibrate electrical or electronic equipment.
- Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions.
- Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions for assembling, maintaining, or repairing equipment.
- Employ ethical standards, sound leadership and management principles, and participate in lifelong learning.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.