Immersive PLC Programming Workshop: Combinational and Sequential Logic
January 11 - 12, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hosted on campus in Marquette's Engineering Hall
$2,000 registration fee
Learn on a real industrial Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) in an experiential environment
Hosted by the Opus College of Engineering's Flexible Assembly Systems Network (FASN) Advanced Manufacturing Center
Looking to develop a new skill set and confidence with control systems and PLC programming? Marquette's Immersive PLC Programming Workshop: Combinational and Sequential logic will guide engineering professionals through PLC programming topics with hands-on activities using a real PLC connected to hardware with sensors and actuators. Participants will learn how to formulate behavioral requirements for automation systems and convert those requirements into programming instructions.
Each participant will apply presented concepts on their individual PLC while working in a small community of other professionals in a shared learning environment. Upon completion, participants will be able to program PLCs using combinational and sequential logic to implement a large class of automation systems.
The lessons and activities in this two-day experience are designed for any engineering professional interested in gaining experience in PLC programming and industrial control systems. The activities are designed to push participants, but content will be accessible to any professional in an engineering role or with an engineering degree.
"This workshop was just the perfect blend of application and theory. Making a real-world problem an abstract set of ideas on paper really made me think of the challenges I have at work in a different light, and I can't wait to directly take what I learned here and apply it."
- Richard C., Electronics Project Engineer
FACILITATORS:
- Dr. Joseph Schimmels, Robert C. Greenheck Chair in Design and Manufacturing, Professor of Mechanical Engineering
- Dr. Jacob Rice, Managing Director of the Flexible Assembly Systems Network (FASN) Advanced Manufacturing Center
Benefits:
- Gain hands-on experience with a real industrial PLC and greater exposure to control systems
- Learn fundamental principles and practice critical thinking skills
- Build your confidence by applying concepts in a low-risk environment alongside Marquette experts
- Practice individually with one PLC per participant in a community of motivated professionals
Topics:
Ladder Logic
To start this session, participants will explore combinational logic in a ladder logic program environment, specifically covering logical operations, truth tables, and Boolean algebra manipulation. This session will also explore software perspectives on ladder logic, including ladder logic as computer instructions and use of internal variables.
Critical thinking programming activity: implement (partial) manual controls for a simple control system.
Sequential Logic - latching
In this session, participants will explore PLC scan cycles, seal-in circuits, and set/reset instructions.
Interlocks
In this session, participants will explore different types of interlocks, participate in hands-on exercises, and share ideas in a group discussion.
Critical thinking programming activity: implement (full) manual controls for a system using separate "start" and "stop" inputs.
Timing
In this opening session on Day 2, participants will explore unexpected behaviors associated with sequential processing of logical instructions, timing diagrams, and signal edge detection.
Critical thinking programming activity: augment the previously developed manual controls to make them more robust and user-friendly.
State-based programming
In this session, participants will explore the use of state diagrams and statecharts as tools for formulating desired system behavior, as well as develop systematic methods to convert statecharts into ladder logic programs.
Critical thinking programming activity: construct a statechart to fully describe the desired system behavior.
Applications
In this session, participants will complete additional exercises and participate in a final discussion.
Critical thinking programming activity: add semi-automatic/full-automatic modes to the previously developed system.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is this workshop designed for?
This workshop is designed for any engineering professional interested in gaining experience in PLC programming and industrial control systems. The content is designed to push participants, but will be accessible to any professional in an engineering role or with an engineering degree. If you have any questions about the experience or course, please email us here.
Is there any prerequisite experience?
There is no specific prerequisite technical experience required. The content will be most accessible to professionals with a degree or experience in mechanical, electrical or computer engineering. If you have any questions about the experience or if you are a fit, please email us here.
What is the investment in the program?
The registration cost is $2,000 for one participant in the two-day workshop. This registration includes parking, lunches, refreshments, and access to a laptop, PLC, a "mini-factory," and course materials.
Where is this happening?
On Marquette's campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The precise meeting location will be shared following registration. Parking will be available.
Is technology provided? Do I need to bring anything?
A laptop, PLC, and a "mini-factory" will be provided for all participants to use during the workshop.
Handouts and worksheets will also be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own notebooks for additional notes.
Questions? Contact matthew.curran@marquette.edu
Interested in future offerings? Email us here to be added to an email list.
