Professional Certificate of Competency in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) & SCADA Systems
Engineering Institute of Technology
Key Information
Campus location
Online
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
3 months
Pace
Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
23 Apr 2024
Introduction
Course Details
This comprehensive course covers the essentials of SCADA and PLC systems, which are often used in close association with each other. A selection of case studies is used to illustrate the key concepts with examples of real-world working SCADA and PLC systems in the water, electrical and processing industries.
This course will be an excellent opportunity to network with your peers, as well as to gain significant new information and techniques for your next SCADA / PLC project. Although the emphasis of the course will be on practical industry topics highlighting recent developments, using case studies, the latest application of SCADA, PLC technologies and fundamentals will be covered.
The inevitable question is which PLC is being used. We present this course focusing on the generic PLC and use the open programming IEC 61131-3 standard. For specific examples, we use the Allen Bradley range, but are not selling Allen Bradley or for that matter any other PLC!
This course is designed to benefit you with practical up-to-date information on the application of PLC systems to the automation and process control industries. It is suitable for people who have little or no exposure to PLCs but expect to become involved in some or all aspects of PLC installation. It aims to give practical advice from experts in the field, to assist you to correctly plan, programme and install a PLC with a shorter learning curve and more confidence. While the course is ideal for electricians, technicians and engineers who are new to PLCs, much of the material covered will be of value to those who already have some basic skills, but need a wider perspective for larger and more challenging tasks ahead. The information covered advances from the basics to challenge even the most experienced engineer in the industry today.
Benefits of Online Learning to Students
- Cost-effective: no travel or accommodation necessary
- Interactive: live, interactive sessions let you communicate with your instructor and fellow students
- Flexible: short interactive sessions over the Internet which you can attend from your home or office.
- Practical: perform exercises by remotely accessing our labs and simulation software
- Expert instructors: instructors have extensive industry experience; they are not just 'academics'
- No geographical limits: learn from any location, all you need is an Internet connection
- Constant support: from your instructor(s) and a dedicated Learning Support Officer for the complete duration of the course
- International insight: interact and network with participants from around the globe and gain valuable insight into international practice
Benefits of Online Learning to Employers
- Lower training costs: no travel or accommodation necessary
- Less downtime: short webinars (60-90 minutes) and flexible training methods means less time away from work
- Retain employees: keep staff who may be considering a qualification as a full-time study
- Increase efficiency: improve your engineering or technical employees’ skills and knowledge
- International insight: students will have access to internationally based professional instructors and students
How Does it Work?
EIT Online Learning courses involve a combination of live, interactive sessions over the Internet with a professional instructor, set readings, and assignments. The courses include simulation software and remote laboratory applications to let you put theory to practice, and provide you with constant support from a dedicated Learning Support Officer.
Practical Exercises and Remote Laboratories
As part of the groundbreaking new way of teaching, our online engineering courses use a series of remote laboratories (labs) and simulation software, to facilitate your learning and to test the knowledge you gain during your course. These involve complete working labs set up at various locations of the world into which you will be able to log to and proceed through the various practical sessions.
These will be supplemented by simulation software, running either remotely or on your computer, to ensure you gain the requisite hands-on experience. No one can learn much solely from lectures, the labs and simulation software are designed to increase the absorption of the materials and to give you a practical orientation of the learning experience. All this will give you a solid, practical exposure to the key principles covered and will ensure that you obtain maximum benefit from your course.
Curriculum
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction
- Introduction and a brief history of PLCs
- Alternative control systems - where do PLCs fit in?
- Why PLCs have become so widely accepted
- Lingering concerns about PLCs
Fundamentals of PLC Hardware
- Block diagram of typical PLC
- PLC processor module - memory organisation
- Input and output section - module types
- Power supplies
Module 2: Background to SCADA
- Fundamentals and definition of terms
- Comparison of SCADA, DCS, PLC and
- Smart instruments
- Typical SCADA installations
SCADA SystemHardware
- Comparison of SCADA, DCS, PLC and Smart instruments
- Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) structure
- Analog and digital input/output modules
- Application programmes
- PLCs used as RTUs
- Master site structure
- Communications architectures
- Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint systems
- System reliability and availability
- Configuration of a master station
Module 3: Fundamentals of PLC Software
- Methods of representing Logic, Boolean Algebra, instruction code and graphical presentation
- Fundamental ladder logic instruction set
- Comparison of different manufacturers, memory and data representation and instruction code
Using Ladder Logic for Simple Digital Functions
- The basic rules
- Comparison of relay ladder diagrams
- The concept of the 'scan' and how to apply it
- Infinite fan-out
- Contact 'normal' states
- Positive and negative logic
- Basic Boolean functions
- The usefulness of DeMorgan's Law
Using Registers (WORDS)
Number systems, Timers, Types of register data, Counters, Bit shift and rotate, Table functions and Register (Matrix) logic functions
Module 4: SCADA Systems Software
- Components of a SCADA system
- Software - design of SCADA packages
- Configuration of SCADA systems
- Building the user interface
- Connecting to PLCs and other hardware
- SCADA system design
- The Twelve Golden Rules
Module 5: Good Programming Habits
- Keeping track of addresses and data used
- Looking ahead - how will programmes be maintained?
- Practical methods to improve quality: organisation of code, thorough documentation and simplifying changes
Good Installation Practice
- Location of hardware
- Good wiring practice
- Cable spacing, power distribution and wire numbering
- Reducing noise and interference
- Screening and shielding
Module 6: Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
- Human and ergonomic factors
- HMI configuration
- Design and layout
- Alarming and reporting philosophies
- Alarm system design
Good Installation Practice
- Recommended installation practice
- Ergonomic considerations
Module 7: Advanced Control with PLCs
- The concept of reusable logic
- Examples, drive logic and alarm handling
- Use of advanced programming functions
- Matrix logic
- Table functions and indirect addressing
- Example: simple display driver
Batch Processes and Sequential Control
- Remembering the programme state
- Creating a 'stepper'
- Step advance
- Fault detection and recovery
- Operator intervention
- Multiple recipes or alternative paths
- Sequential function charts
PID Control
The importance of timing and scan time
When PID is not always appropriate:
- Intermittent measurements
- Long transport delays
Safety Programmable Systems
- Why regular PLCs should not be used for safety functions
- Programmable electronic logic solvers
- Safety certification
- Certified programming systems
- Application examples
- Growth of networked safety devices and certified networks
- Integrated safety systems
Module 8: Landline Media
- Background to cables
- Noise and interference on cables
- Twisted pair cables and fibre optic cables
- The public network provided services
Wide Area Network (WAN) Technologies
- Digital hierarchies, T1 and E1
- Packet switching
- Frame relay
- ATM
- SDH/sonnet
Local Area Networks (LANs)
- Ethernet networks
- Industrial Ethernet
- TCP/IP
- LAN connectivity: bridges, routers and switches
- Redundancy options
- Web-based Industrial SCADA
- Wireless
- OPC
Module 9: Introduction to IEC 61131-3
- Concepts
- Common elements
- Programming languages: structured text
- Function block diagrams
Module 10: SCADA Network Security
- Introduction
- Authentication and encryption
- SCADA firewalls
- Firewall architectures and guidelines
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- Troubleshooting SCADA systems
- Maintenance tasks
Specification of Systems
Common pitfalls, Standards, Performance criteria, Testing, Documentation and Future trends
Module 11: Building a PLC Panel, as well as General Commissioning, Testing and Upgrading
- Electrical Design and construction
- Commissioning and installation
- Simulation and testing
- Problem isolation and faultfinding
- Upgrading of control systems
Module 12: Industrial Communications Protocols
- RS-232 interface standard
- RS-485 interface standard
- Fieldbus
- Modbus
- DNP3.0
Modems
- Introduction and principles
- Asynchronous/synchronous
- Modulation techniques
- Error detection and correction
- Troubleshooting
Please note: Course content is subject to change. Due to rapidly changing technology and based on feedback from students and instructors, the Engineering Institute of Technology courses are continuously being updated and improved.
Program Outcome
In this interactive 3-month live online course, you will learn:
- The fundamentals of SCADA systems
- The essentials of SCADA software configuration
- Tricks and tips in the installation of SCADA systems
- The essentials of telecommunications links
- The use of Industrial Ethernet in SCADA systems
- OPC and SCADA systems
- SCADA network security issues
- How to troubleshoot SCADA systems
- How to specify PLC hardware and installation criteria
- How to describe PLC software structure
- How to write medium level PLC programmes (using ladder logic)
- How to troubleshoot a typical PLC system
- About specifying PLC systems
Benefits
- Receive a Certificate of Completion from EIT.
- Learn from well-known faculty and industry experts from around the globe.
- Flexibility of attending anytime from anywhere, even when you are working full-time.
- Interact with industry experts during the webinars and get the latest updates/announcements on the subject.
- Experience a global learning with students from various backgrounds and experience which is a great networking opportunity.
- Get practical skills and knowledge in the fundamentals of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and SCADA systems.
- Study a wide variety of topics related to PLC & SCADA like- software configuration, installation, troubleshooting and network security issues, PLC hardware and installation selection criteria and writing PLC programs using ladder logic.
- Learn fundamentals of PLC software, Advance Control System and SCADA network security system.
- Get information on the latest industrial communication protocols – RS-232 and RS-485.
Certification
To obtain a certificate of completion for EIT’s Professional Certificate of Competency, students must achieve a 65% attendance rate at the live, online fortnightly webinars. Detailed summaries/notes can be submitted in lieu of attendance. In addition, students must obtain a mark of 60% in the set assignments which could take the form of written assignments and practical assignments. Students must also obtain a mark of 100% in quizzes. If a student does not achieve the required score, they will be given an opportunity to resubmit the assignment to obtain the required score.
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the institute website for more information.
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Program Tuition Fee
Program delivery
You are expected to spend approximately 5-8 hours per week learning the course content. This includes attending fortnightly webinars that run for about 90 minutes to facilitate class discussion and allow you to ask questions. This professional development program is delivered online and has been designed to fit around full-time work. It will take three months to complete.