The world (PLC) market has a strong growth where is driven by a vibrant and fast-growing economy that is giving high priority to establishing new factories and facilities and upgrading existing facilities. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a digital computer used for automation of industrial processes. PLCs were invented as replacements for automated systems that would use hundreds or thousands of relays,cam timers, and drum sequencers. Often, a single PLC can be programmed to replace thousands of relays.
Many of the earliest PLCs expressed all decision making logic in simple ladder logic which appeared similar to electrical schematic diagrams. The electricians were quite able to trace out circuit problems with schematic diagrams using ladder logic. This program notation was chosen to reduce training demands for the existing technicians. Other early PLCs used a form of instruction list programming, based on a stack-based logic solver.
The functionality of the PLC has evolved over the years to include sequential relay control, motion control, process control, distributed control systems and networking. The data handling, storage, processing power and communication capabilities of some modern PLCs are approximately equivalent to desktop computers.Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering at UniMAP offers a variety of courses ranging from basics to more advance courses..Some of the courses that i have going through are applied mechanics, workshop practice, computer aided drafting, computer programing, etc. One of the course that all Mechatronics students have to take is Programmable Logic Control.The syllabus include electrical controller equipment, controller types, PLC introduction, Basic function of PLC and application, Function of output controller and application.
The course outcomes are students are expected to be able to understand and explain the type of components in an electrical controller, students are able to understand the basic concept of PLC and its applications in industrial control application, and students are able to do a simple timer/counter programming , editing and program observation.
