To mention few benefits of using PLC in today’s industries:

1. Flexibility-Ability to revise the software instructions at any time with the use of a computer.This allows any operator to update changes in the control system without major redesign which could be time consuming and costly.
2. Replication-Ability to change and replicate the operation or process while collecting and communicating vital information.
3. Budget and Cost-This will help industries to save time and money by a more precise, reliable  and convenient control of their processes.
4. Self-diagnostic- The functions used in PLCs can be self-diagnostic. This means if there is a problem, PLC has ability to operator where to look for the problem.

PLC (Programmable Logic Control) is considered as an electronic device which is used to automate monitoring and control of industrial processes. These devices can be used either as a separate or jointly with other system and can have multiple inputs and output arrangements depend on their application and purpose. In general, any PLC has 3 main parts: INPUT which receives data, CPU or Central Processing Unit which processes the received data and OUTPUT which delivers the processed information.

PLC Program is used to control the machine operation. PLCs use different programming languages for control such as instruction list (IL), sequential function chart (SFC), flow chart, function block diagram(FBD), IEC 61131-3,ladder diagram (LD), relay ladder logic(RLL), C and Basic.

PLCs can be specified with different characteristics such as number of computer interface options, network specifications and features.  PLC power options, mounting options and environmental operating conditions are all also important to consider.

Few Guidelines for how to Chose a proper PLC?

1. When researching to choose a PLC that suits the case-specific needs, these are few suggested guidelines to use:
2. Are you using an already existing system or a brand new one?
3. What are the environmental parameters (such as heat, humidity, dust, etc.) that will have an impact on the machine operation?
4. Will the system require any special feature or application?
5. What type of CPU will be needed?
6. Determine communication and programming requirements.
7. What are the benefits and advantages of learning PLC in Stanford College?

To name just a few of these benefits:

Students will learn and share the most recent PLC technologies and techniques available in market from instructors who keep their connections with market and industry at all times. This college program offers an excellent opportunity for students to ask specific questions, discuss and exchange ideas relating to their own experience and applications.

Electrical control professionals will use this course to learn how to integrate a PLC into an actual daily industrial electrical project. This will include the hardware and software and also all the surrounding systems that must be compatible to have and maintain a reliable and secure control system.

After learning the various aspect of using a PLC at work, students should gain the knowledge to troubleshoot a PLC program and maintain the control system.

College Courses/Programs

OMRON PLC Introduction course
S7-300  SIEMENS PLC Introduction course
Allen Bradley PLC Introduction SLC-500 course
Allen Bradley PLC CONTROLLOGIX Course

Essential topics to be discussed in this course are:

Introduction to Omron PLC C-Series
BCD calculation instruction
Control System Basics
Omron PLC memory allocation ( CIO, DM, HR,.)
Introduction to Omron Software-CX-Programming
Numbering Systems (Binary, BCD, HEX.)
Basic binary logic functions (SET, RSET, DIFU, DIFD, KEEP, etc)
Programming practice: creating basic programs based on set requirements.
Operating modes(Program Mode, Monitor Mode, Run Mode)
Control system basics
Programming practice: creating basic programs based on set requirements.
Communication with PLC: Creating of a New Project and Auto Online.
Developing of full program to run custom machine Installation of Power Generation, Standby
PLC setup, wiring, maintenance and troubleshooting.

S7-300 SIEMENS PLC INTRODUCTION COURSE

This is and intensive 54 hour program.
Essential topics to be discussed in this course are:

Introduction to S7-300 PLC
Comparison Instructions
Basic procedure using Step 7
Conversion Instructions
Simatic Manager
Program Control Instructions
Basic procedure for planning automation project
Shift and Rotate Instructions
Basics for designing a program structure
Debugging
Defining Symbols
Diagnostics
Selecting the program language
Creating logic blocks, Data Blocks
Bit Logic Instructions
Real-life project: PipeX features 17 inputs (proximity switches, fiber optics switches,
SMC switches, electronic pressure switch) and 17 outputs (directorial air valves, DC motors,
electronic counter).

Allen Bradley PLC Introduction SLC-500 Course

This is an intensive 54 hours program. Considering that AB series of PLC have 70% of market share in North America make it a vital tool for the people who want to work in automation industry or already working and need an up date. Hands on experience with latest technology are very powerful point in this course that makes it unique in Canada.

Essential topics to be discussed in this course are:

Introduction to the MicroLogix 1000, 1500 and SLC-500.
RSLinx communication software.
MicroLogix and SLC-500 Hardware.
RSLogix 500 software.
I/O Configuration.
Input/Output instructions ( XIC, XIO, OTE ).
Memory organization.
Logical instructions ( AND, OR, XOR, NOT ).
Addressing system.
Math instructions ( ADD, SUB, DIV, CLR ).
Data transfer and compare instructions ( MOV, EQU, LES, GRT ).
Inputs/Outputs wiring ( proximity switch, push button, photoelectric switch, relays, etc,.)
Real-life project - Developing of full program to run custom machine called Nylon Forming Machine.

Allen Bradley PLC CONTROLLOGIX COURSES Course 

This is an intensive 54 hours program.

Essential topics to be discussed in this course are:

Introduction to ControlLogix ( PLC-5000 )
Controller tasks, programs, routines and logic.
ControlLogix I/O components (place, configure and monitor I/O).
Creating tasks, programs and routines.
RSLogix 5000 software.
Bit (Relay) instructions ( OSRI, OSFI, etc,.).
Data and Tags (digital Input Data, Output Module Data, configuration Data).
Timer and Counter instructions (TONR, RTOR, CTUD, etc,.).
Data structures, Data arrays.
Move/Logical instructions ( MOV, MVM, CLR, XOR, etc,.).
Directly Connect to the Controller via the Serial Port.
Configure the Serial Driver and selecting the Controller Path.
ControlLogix  Controller System maintenance and troubleshooting.
Real-life project - Developing of full program to run custom machine called Nylon Forming Machine.

Program Related Links

Program related Suppliers, affiliates and Manufacturers
www.omron.com        The home page of Omron Corporation.
www.siemens.com    The home page of Siemens Corporation.
www.gould.com          The home page of Gould Electronics Incorporation.
www.honeywell.com  The home page of Honeywell International Incorporation.
www.ab.com              The home page of Rockwell Automation, Incorporation.