PLC Programming Fundamentals
Instructor: Luke
About this course
Build a strong foundation in industrial automation by learning how to design, program, troubleshoot, and deploy PLC systems used in real manufacturing environments. This course takes students from the basics of PLC hardware and industrial I/O through ladder logic, timers, counters, machine sequencing, diagnostics, and troubleshooting. Through real-world examples, quizzes, and a capstone machine-control project, students will gain practical skills needed to confidently create and maintain PLC programs used in modern automation systems. Ideal for new controls engineers, technicians, students, and professionals transitioning into automation, this course requires no prior experience and prepares learners for real industrial applications.
Curriculum
Introduction to PLCs and Industrial Automation
5 lessons- 1.1 - What Is a PLC?
- 1.2 - PLC Hardware Overview
- 1.3 - Types of PLCs and Applications
- 1.4 - How PLCs Fit in a Control System
- Module 1 QuizQuiz
Understanding Industrial I/O
6 lessons- 2.1 - Digital Inputs and Outputs Explained
- 2.2 - Analog Inputs and Outputs Explained
- 2.3 - I/O Wiring Fundamentals
- 2.4 - Sourcing vs Sinking I/O
- 2.5 - Field Device Connections
- Module 2 QuizQuiz
Ladder Logic Fundamentals
6 lessons- 3.1 - Introduction to Ladder Logic
- 3.2 - XIC and XIO Instructions
- 3.3 - Output Energize (OTE) Instruction
- 3.4 - Series and Parallel Logic
- 3.5 - Seal-In Circuits and Latching
- Module 3 QuizQuiz
Timers and Counters
5 lessons- 4.1 - Timer Instructions: TON, TOF, RTO
- 4.2 - Building Timer Applications
- 4.3 - Counter Instructions: CTU, CTD, RES
- 4.4 - Combining Timers and Counters
- Module 4 QuizQuiz
Data Types and Memory
5 lessons- 5.1 - PLC Memory Organization
- 5.2 - Integer, Float, and Boolean Data Types
- 5.3 - Tags and Addressing
- 5.4 - Indirect Addressing and Arrays
- Module 5 QuizQuiz
Math and Comparison Instructions
5 lessons- 6.1 - Math Instructions: ADD, SUB, MUL, DIV
- 6.2 - Comparison Instructions: EQU, NEQ, GRT, LES
- 6.3 - Scaling Analog Values
- 6.4 - Practical Math Applications
- Module 6 QuizQuiz
Program Structure and Organization
5 lessons- 7.1 - The PLC Scan Cycle
- 7.2 - Main Routine and Subroutines
- 7.3 - JSR and RET Instructions
- 7.4 - Organizing Programs for Readability
- Module 7 QuizQuiz
Machine Sequencing
6 lessons- 8.1 - Introduction to Sequential Control
- 8.2 - Step Sequences Using Bits
- 8.3 - Timer-Driven Sequences
- 8.4 - Event-Driven Sequences
- 8.5 - Building a Complete Sequence Program
- Module 8 QuizQuiz
PLC Troubleshooting Fundamentals
5 lessons- 9.1 - Troubleshooting Methodology
- 9.2 - Using PLC Diagnostics
- 9.3 - Monitoring Tags and Forcing I/O
- 9.4 - Common PLC Faults and Solutions
- Module 9 QuizQuiz
CAPSTONE PROJECT - Industrial Machine Control
5 lessons- 10.1 - Project Requirements Overview
- 10.2 - Program Design and Planning
- 10.3 - Building the Control Program
- 10.4 - Testing and Verification
- 10.5 - Program Documentation
Final Exam
1 lesson- Final ExamQuiz
