Introduction to Automation and Programmble Logic Controllers

In today’s manufacturing landscape, automation isn't just a luxury, it’s the backbone of the industry.
This 22.5-hour course is designed to take you under the hood of modern production lines. We’ve brought together three essential engineering disciplines; Sensors, PLCs, and Variable Speed Drives to give you a proper, well-rounded understanding of how a modern "smart" factory actually functions.

We start with the "senses" of the machine: Industrial Sensors. You’ll learn how we detect objects and quantities and translate them into the electrical signals that a control system can actually understand.

From there, we move into the "brain" of the operation: the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). You will explore how these robust units are programmed to make logical decisions in harsh industrial environments.

Finally, we look at the "muscles": Variable Speed Drives (Inverters). Since nearly 70% of industrial energy is used by motors, knowing how to control that energy efficiently is a vital skill for any modern engineer.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this course a learner will:

*Critically evaluate industrial input devices: Appreciate the safety and legal requirements for industrial sensors, and understand the history and evolution of sensor technology in modern manufacturing.
*Analyse and apply sensor technology: Explore the operating principles of common Electrical, Optical, Thermal, Magnetic, Chemical, and Mechanical sensors, including the application of modern "smart" sensors for condition monitoring.
*Understand PLC architecture and integration: Demonstrate an understanding of the selection, hardware, and software requirements of a PLC, as well as the communication media and networking protocols used to link modern systems together.
*Develop and troubleshoot logic programs: Be able to use standard programming techniques to produce, test, and develop a functional PLC program for a typical industrial process, often utilising 3D simulation software.
*Evaluate motor control and starting methods: Appreciate various motor starting methods—understanding their relative advantages and disadvantages—alongside a foundational grasp of induction motor theory.
*Implement Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology: Discuss how frequency converters operate, including an understanding of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and IGBT technology.
*Configure and optimise drive parameters: Gain the practical ability to set and adjust common drive parameters to ensure equipment longevity and energy efficiency.
*Situate automation within Industry 4.0: Gain a comprehensive overview of how integrated automation systems contribute to the wider context of Industry 4.0 and modern plant maintenance.