Module Descriptors
PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS
ELEC40708
Key Facts
School of Creative Arts and Engineering
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: David Dyke
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • PORTFOLIO weighted at 100%
Module Details
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
100% Coursework consisting of a portfolio assessing Learning Outcomes 1-4.

The portfolio (a phased series of tasks) will comprise a series of practical exercises.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
1. Design and operational characteristics
Design characteristics: unitary; modular; rack-mounted
Input and output devices: mechanical switches; non-mechanical digital sources; transducers; relays.
Communication links: twisted pair; coaxial; fibre-optic; networks
Internal architecture: CPU; ALU; storage devices; memory; opto-isolators; input and output units; flags; shift; registers.
Operational characteristics: scanning; performing logic operations; continuous updating; mass I/O copying.

2. Information and communication techniques
Forms of signal: analogue (0-10 v dc, 4-20 mA); digital.
Digital resolution and relationships: 9-bit; 10-bit; 12-bit Number. Systems: decimal; binary; octal; hexadecimal; BCD.
Protocols: RS232; IEE488 (GPIB); RS422; 20 mA current loop
Networking methods and standards: master to slave; peer to peer; ISO; IEE; MAP.
Logic functions: AND; OR; EXCLUSIVE OR; NAND; NOR.

3. Programming techniques
Methods of programming: ladder and logic diagrams; statement lists; function diagrams; Graphical Programming language.
Advanced function: less than; greater than; binary to BCD; PID control.
Producing and storing text: contact labels; rung labels; programming lists; cross-referencing.
Testing and debugging: forcing inputs; forcing outputs; changing data; comparing files (tapes, EPROM, disc); displayed error analysis
Associated elements: contacts; coils; timers; counters; override facilities; flip-flops; shift registers; sequences.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
12 hours lectures
24 hours practicals and tutorials

In addition to this you will receive Technical Instruction on the use of PLCs (2 hours).
RESOURCES
PLC boards and industry standard software
TEXTS
Bolton.W., Programmable Logic Controllers, Oxford : Elsevier (2005), ISBN/ISSN: 1856177513

Adrover, E. P., Introduction to PLCs: A beginner¿s guide to Programmable Logic Controllers, Elvin Perez Adrover (2012), ISBN/ISSN: 061565438X

Crispin, A.J., Programmable Logic Controllers and Their Engineering Applications, 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill Higher Education (1996), ISBN/ISSN: 0077093178

Kamel, K. and Kamel, E., Programmable Logic Controllers: Industrial Control, McGraw-Hill Professional (2013), ISBN/ISSN: 0071810455
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Develop an understanding of the design and operational characteristics of a PLC system. (Knowledge and Understanding).
2. Develop an understanding of PLC information and communication techniques. (Communication, Learning).
3. Demonstrate ability to apply programmable logic programming techniques. (Application, Problem Solving).
4. Develop an understanding of alternative implementations of programmable control. (Reflection).