Module Details

Module Code: ELEC7012
Title: PLC Application
Long Title: PLC Application
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2014/15 ( September 2014 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5220 - Electrical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module familiarises the student with the concepts of programmable control in automation. On completing the module, the student will have developed a clearer understanding of the application of PLC’s and will also be aware of safety requirements and the peripherals associated with PLC’s in automated plants.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe and specify types of input tranducers/sensors and other switching devices associated with PLC inputs for industrial processes.
LO2 Describe the input output interface circuits and their role in the PLC's reliability.
LO3 Use a number of PLC programming languages to develop control solutions.
LO4 Test, debug, and rectify programs using software tools.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Safety in automation systems
Implementation of emergency stop and guard circuits, physical limit of movement by means of limit switches, reporting of hard-wired circuit stopping.
PLC hardware fundamentals
Block diagram of PLC architecture, power supply, I/O interface circuits, sink and source input circuits, address areas, address identifiers, types of output switching.
Input Devices
Manually operated switching devices, automatically operated switches, capacitive and inductive proximity sensor operating principles and output switching polarity, photoelectric sensor types and sensing characteristics and output switching polarity.
Output Devices
Contactors, electromagnetically operated solenoids and valves, sounders, standard operating voltages
PLC Programming Languages
Introduction to commonly used PLC programming languages such as, Instruction list (IL), a low- level instruction list language based on mnemonics, Ladder diagram (LD), a graphical programming language evolved from electrical diagrams. Function block diagram (FBD), a graphical programming language based on function blocks.
PLC Instruction Set
PLC Instruction Set Instructions set presentation with ladder. Instruction format, e.g. operation, operand, etc. Introductory examples using instructions.
Combinational Logic
Use of Boolean instructions such as; AND, OR, inverse AND, inverse OR, NOT, etc, to assemble basic combinational logic functions.
Special Functions
Basic exercises involving timers, counters, comparators, shift registers, edge detection, etc.
Analog Handling
Types of physical quantities, standard signal levels, input resolution, using raw analog-digital data, scaling analog values, displaying physical quantities, etc.
PLC Programming Software
Introduction to one or more PLC software packages. Making new program files, saving files, opening existing files, managing files, etc. Use of programming software to develop control solutions from first principles or descriptive specification. Use of programming software to monitor and debug control program.
Projects
Projects Developing I/O assignments and symbolic listing. Control program solutions for written specifications Testing program solutions with software. Printer setup and printout of control program documentation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
In class examination
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Assessment of practical competency through laboratory based assignments.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student review and study. Every Week 4.00 4
Lab Contact Theory and associated practical application in a laboratory environment. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Theory and associated practical application in a laboratory environment. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Student review and study. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • E.A. Parr. (2003), Programmable Controllers-An Engineer’s Guide, Third. 9, Newnes, Oxford OX2-8DP, England, p.429, [ISBN: ISBN:0-7506-5757-X].
  • Richard Cox. (2001), Technician’s Guide To Programmable Controllers,, Fifth. 20, Thomson Delmar Learning, Albany, NY 12212-5015, p.373, [ISBN: ISBN:0-7668-1427-0].
  • Uwe Graune, Mike Thielert, Ludwig Wenzl,. LOGO!: Practical Training, [ISBN: 978-3-89578-338-8].
  • Hans Berger,. Automating in STEP 7 Basic with SIMATIC S7-1200, [ISBN: 978-3-89578-356-2].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Website, http://www.plcdev.com/.
  • Website, http://www.automation.siemens.com/.
  • Website, http://ab.rockwellautomation.com/.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EMTEF_6 Certificate in Maintenance Technology Fundamentals 2 Mandatory