CSFA Assignment Programmable Logic Controllers and Ladder Logic This is a learner-centred-learning (LcL) activity.

We assume little or no knowledge from the learners concerning the programmable logic controller (PLC). Learners research the topic via the resources available on the Internet.

CONTENT OBJECTIVES: By completing this e-learning activity, learners will know: 1. What is PLC in control engineering? 2. What are the various PLC programming methodology? 3. Who are the PLC vendors? 4. What are the practical applications of PLC? By completing this e-learning activity, learners will be able to: 1. Gather and synthesize the various specifications for PLC. 2. Make comparison among various PLCs in terms of the specifications variation, advantages and disadvantages in real life applications. 3. Illustrate a real life application using PLC through describing and/or providing pictures on the application setup and PLCs program in the applications.

E-COMPETENCY OBJECTIVES: By completing this activity, learners will gain greater facility in: 1. Learning by exploring (investigating concepts using an online resources and freeware) 2. Learning by online research (finding relevant information to better understand and to apply the concepts) 3. Learning to reference sources used in assignments and not plagiarising. 4. Learners learn how to reference sources used in assignments and not plagiarise.

Submission Deadline: Thursday, 9 January 2014.

CONTROL SYSTEM FORMULATION & ANALYSIS (CSFA)

INTRODUCTION: Before 1970, the Automobile Industry had started to designed programmable control devices to allow for changes in production line due to model changes. Eventually, programmable logic controller (PLC) was born. A PLC consists of a programmable central processor unit (CPU) that controls Input/Output ports. By writing Ladder diagram and compile it to PLC codes, the PLC is able to control the operation of multiple control relays. The ladder diagram is also called Relay Ladder Logic (RLL). Besides Ladder diagram, there are various other ways to program the PLC. Today, PLCs are widely used in many industries. It is an advantage for engineers to know how to apply them in a wide range of industrial controls.

ASSIGNMENT TASKS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. To explore what is Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) through the Internet. To learn about PLCs specifications from websites of PLC vendor. To make comparison between 3 models of PLCs from different vendors according to their specifications. To learn about the various ways to programming the PLC in industry applications. To explore a real life application using PLC. Learners to include a description of the operation setup and the involvement of PLCs in the applications. Provide the pictures of the application, if possible.

State all the sources used in your assignment under the References heading.

Suggested report outlines: 1. Introduction to PLC a) PLC History b) PLC Hardware c) PLC programming 2. PLC Specifications 3. PLC Models and Comparison 4. Real-life PLC Application Example 5. Conclusion 6. References

Submission: Include your name, student number and on your submission. Maximum number of pages: 10 (including cover page, references and appendix). The minimum font size in your submission must be at least 11. Submit via the online MeL system. http://www.np.edu.sg/mel/

CONTROL SYSTEM FORMULATION & ANALYSIS (CSFA)