Applications of Programmable Logic Controllers (SQA HN Unit DG31 34)

This Unit has been designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills that will enable you to understand the basic construction and operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

You will study PLC hardware and software, and you will learn to write programs that could be used to control simple industrial processes.

This Unit will also allow you to develop practical skills that will enable you to enter and edit programs within a PLC. You will have the opportunity to gain “hands on” experience of operating and programming a PLC and by the end of the Unit, you should be able to apply a PLC to simulate safe control of an industrial process.

The formal assessment for this Unit will consist of both a written assessment and a practical assignment.

The written assessment paper will last for one hour and thirty minutes and take place under controlled, supervised conditions. It will be carried out under closed book conditions in which you will not be allowed to take notes, handouts, textbooks etc into the assessment.

Credit points and level: 1 HN credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7).

This is a self study course which means you can study at home, workplace or wherever you choose at times that are convenient for you. You do not have any classes to attend.

The materials for this course are provided as web-pages for you to work through online. As you progress through the course materials you will find written explanations of each feature, followed by practical exercises.

You will be supported throughout the course by a specialist Distance Learning Tutor. Your tutor will contact you (via your College email account) within 7-10 working days of receiving your welcome letter and materials. As you progress they will continue to make regular contact to offer support and guidance, usually by e-mail but sometimes by phone, to ensure you are making good progress and to support your learning throughout. Please note that you must be able to study independently through the course materials.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The assessment for Outcomes 1 and 2 in this Unit are combined together into one written assessment paper. This paper should be taken by candidates at one single assessment event that should last one hour and thirty minutes. The assessment paper should be composed of a suitable balance of short answer, restricted response and structured questions. This assessment is conducted under controlled, supervised conditions.

Outcome 3 should be assessed by an assignment in which candidates are asked to complete a series of tasks to enable them to apply a PLC to simulate the safe control of a specified industrial process. The assignment tasks should involve devising the control strategy, writing PLC software, programming of the PLC, verifying correct operation of the program and documentation of the final solution. Candidates should complete the assignment in eight hours. Candidates will be allowed to use any relevant course notes, textbooks and reference material for the PLC.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should possess a basic knowledge and understanding of electrical principles and combinational logic. This may be evidenced by the possession of a Higher in Electrical Engineering and/or HN Units Single Phase A.C. Circuits, Combinational Logic.