Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for MT 132 archive revision 202202

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Effective Term:
Spring 2022 through Winter 2025

Course Number:
MT 132
Course Title:
Programmable Logic Controller Application in Mechatronics
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
20
Lecture/Lab Hours:
20
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces the specific programmable logic controller (PLC) hardware and software used by the program-specific mechatronics systems, including motor-driven and pneumatic components. Applies PLC instructions to control mechatronic robots.

Addendum to Course Description

This course will utilize the SMC MAP 200 stations.  Learn to program basic ladder logic programs to control a sequence of automated material handling tasks. 

Requires completion of lab-based homework, using PCC's lab equipment, outside of scheduled class sessions.  Students should plan for approximately 3 hours per week on average and will be able to reserve time during open lab hours.  The hours that lab will be available for this purpose will be visible for students in schedule notes and/or through other effective means at registration time. 

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Describe components of PLCs used in the specific program's mechatronic systems and their functions.
  • Use a PLC LCD interface to configure and monitor various aspects of the controller.
  • Create, edit (online/offline), download, and run PLC programs using PLC editing and communication software in the specific program's mechatronic systems.
  • Write programs to control automated material handling tasks using a PLC.

Course Activities and Design

Instructor introduces the PLC code used in the lab trainers.  Students will evaluate and troubleshoot the programming as applied in the different trainer systems. Instructor may require related homework, quizzes and exams.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment of student performance in this course will be conducted in both the lecture and laboratory portions of the course and may be in the form of written and /or practice-based questions.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Course Content:

Chapter 1: Introduction of Micrologix 1100 PLC and 1400 PLC Hardware:

Examine the hardware components of Allen Bradley Micrologix 1100 PLC and 1400 PLC

                Input and output terminal blocks

                LCD panel and keypad usage

                Memory card usage

                Communication ports

                Battery status and replacement of battery

                Optional: installation of controller and I/O expansion module

Wiring of sensors and actuator signals to the controller:

                Grounding

                Wire gauge

                Sinking vs sourcing

                Noise consideration for digital I/O.  Optional for analog I/O.

Communication between PLC and PC using Ethernet

Chapter 2: Introduction to RSLogix software:

Create, edit (online/offline), download, run PLC programs using Rslogix.

Monitor variable values in real time in program execution using Rslogix.

Chapter 3: Control of MAP 201 automated material handling tasks using PLC

                Intro level programming

                Basic level programming

                Intermediate level programming