The Industrial Automation Computer Based Tutorial (CBT) package includes eighteen modules of interactive curriculum using text, video, 2D and 3D animations, photos, audio clips and interactive lab simulations. This multi-media learning package is available either as a download or on a USB stick and includes pre-tests, interactive exercises, and review questions. The learning package features hundreds of pre-built laboratory exercises using LogixSim that are integrated throughout the study material.
The CBT modules cover a wide range of applications and practical examples of automated manufacturing, including both theory and function of digital and industrial electronics, hydraulics/pneumatics, robotic systems, programming languages and alarm management. The three main areas of study in the CBT are electro-mechanical systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and robotics. The program also offers instruction in distributed control systems (DCS) and SCADA systems. The CBT package consists of a combination of theory and labs which feature state-of-the-art simulation software (LogixSim).
This module provides a general overview of automation systems and the role of automation in industry. It also covers the basic principles of flexible automation and flexible manufacturing systems. The advantages of automation are outlined, and the main components associated with automation systems are explored. Automation safety is also discussed in detail. An introduction to automation simulation is presented with an emphasis on practical application.
Industrial Control Devices provides an overview of devices such as switches, actuators, and relays and their industrial applications. The student will learn troubleshooting techniques and the principles of relay and ladder logic. This module also covers solenoids and control valves with an emphasis on practical applications.
This module will focus on the principles of DC motors and the various types used in industry. The student will learn the fundamentals of speed control including dynamic and regenerative braking. It also introduces the student to electronic speed control of DC motors. In addition, the fundamentals of alternating current motors and AC variable speed control systems are presented. The principles of variable frequency drives and their control circuits are discussed in detail.
This module covers a wide variety of topics relating to digital electronics including number systems, logic gates, flip flops and counters. Boolean algebra and DeMorgan's theorem is also introduced as well as troubleshooting and problem solving techniques for digital logic circuits. The logic gates presented in the module include AND, OR, NOR, NAND and inverters.
This module will build on previous topics by presenting an introduction to transducers used in both analog and digital applications. It also covers temperature, pressure, and flow transducers as well as other detection devices such as optical encoders and Hall-effect sensors. Capacitive, ultrasonic, and thickness sensors are also presented using practical and theoretical examples of industrial applications of these devices.
It is in this module that the student learns the principles of industrial control systems including open- and closed-loop control. Proportional, Integral, and Derivative control are covered with an emphasis on practical application and design. An introduction to algorithms, flow charts and fuzzy logic is also presented in this course.
This module is intended to familiarize the student with the most important aspects of Distributed Control Systems. Topics covered in the module include remote terminal units (RTUs), HMIs and an introduction to LANs. The student will also learn the differences between star, bus, and ring topology and their applications in automation systems. In addition to covering system architecture and algorithms, the course also provides detailed information on practical applications for DCS. Emphasis is placed on design, problem solving and analysis of industrial automation systems.
This module is intended to provide the student with an introduction to SCADA using automation systems and peripherals. The principles of alarm management are presented along with an overview of the alarm management lifecycle and an introduction to Six Sigma. SCADA security and authentication methodologies are also discussed in detail. Practical examples of SCADA applications are presented and include a discussion of SCADA simulation techniques.
This module provides a general overview of PLCs and their application in industry. The origins of the PLC and its evolution are covered in detail. The advantages of PLCs are also outlined, and the main components associated with PLC systems are explored. An introduction to ladder logic is presented and the most common types of PLC signals are covered with an emphasis on practical application.
This module provides an introduction to ladder logic programming techniques using laboratory simulation software. The lab component of the module provides the student with an opportunity to write ladder logic programs and test their operation through PLC simulation. Topics covered in the course include I/O instructions, safety circuitry, programming restrictions and I/O addressing.
This module is intended to provide students with an overview of PLC timers and their application in industrial control circuits. Allen-Bradley timing functions such as TON, TOF and RTO are discussed in detail and the theory is reinforced through lab projects using lab simulation software. In addition, students will learn practical programming techniques for timers including cascading and reciprocating timing circuits.
This module provides students with a broad overview of PLC counters and their application in control systems. Allen-Bradley counting functions such as CTU and CTD are presented in detail and the theory is reinforced through lab projects using lab simulation software. In addition, students will learn practical programming techniques for counters including cascading counters and combining counting and timing circuits.
This module provides students with an introduction to the principles of Logix 5000 data handling, including bits, words, and arrays. Using PLCLogix simulation, various aspects of data transfer will be demonstrated and students will program and observe transfer instructions such as MOV, FIFO and LIFO. An introduction to shift registers is also presented with an emphasis on practical applications in industrial control circuits.
This module provides an overview of basic and advanced mathematical functions found in the Logix 5000 PLC. It provides thorough coverage of data comparison instructions such as SQR, EQU, LES, and GRT. In addition, this course provides a foundation for more advanced programming techniques including analog input and output control. Topics such as combining math functions, averaging, scaling and ramping are presented with an emphasis on practical application and are demonstrated using PLCLogix lab simulation.
This module is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of robotics and describe some basic applications. It covers operating principles of a manipulator and describes four types of actuators found in industry. The history of robotics is presented, as well as an overview of the main applications of industrial robots. The advantages of robots are also outlined, and the main components associated with robotic systems are explored. An introduction to robot cost/benefit analysis is presented and the most common non-industrial applications of robots are explored.
This module is designed to cover the fundamentals of manipulators, links, and joints. A discussion of kinematics and haptic technology is presented, as well as dextrous manipulation, and an overview of the basic coordinate systems for a robot manipulator. The theoretical and practical aspects of manipulators and spatial analysis are introduced in this course using a combination of video, animation and a laboratory projects and featuring Robotics simulation software.
It is in this module that the student learns the principles of robotic vision systems including cameras, frame grabbers and vision algorithms. 3D vision, photogrammetry and tactile sensing are covered with an emphasis on practical application and design. An introduction to robot inspection and speech recognition is also presented in this module. In addition, this module also provides an overview of CCD and CMOS cameras and describes their application in industrial robotics. The student will learn design techniques and the principles of F/T sensing as well as the most common characteristics of touch sensors.
This module provides an introduction to robot software, programming languages and various programming techniques associated with industrial robots. On-line and off-line programming, teach pendants and automatic programming are presented using a combination of theoretical and laboratory exercises utilizing robotics simulation software. In addition, this module also introduces the student to web-based programming and open architecture programming and provides coverage of some of the major robot programming languages and techniques.