Award in the use of PLC Equipment

Unit Description

Industrial Automation technologies are widely used in today’s process and manufacturing industries. The main objective is to improve productivity with minimal human intervention. The unit starts by focusing on the functions of logic gates and describes the basic elements involved with programmable logic controller. Additionally, learners will have the opportunity to familiarize with various PLC instructions (e.g. timer and counter), signals such as digital and analogue, their resolution and relationships, a range of input and output devices. On completion of the unit learners will know about various types of control systems and their utilisation in the industrial world. Through practical hands on exercises, learners will be able to write simple PLC programs using IEC 61131-3 standards and identify the errors in the programs that affect the execution of the programs. Learners will be given the opportunity to perform practical work using the available PLC systems. As all the other units in this course this unit is expected to include a strong practical component.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand comparison and computation instructions.
2. Control and wire various types of sensors, actuators and their applications.
3. Write PLC ladder logic programs for various sequential applications.
4. Discuss the operational characteristics of programmable logic controllers.
5. Use various IEC 61131-3 programming languages.

Entry Requirements

• MCAST Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical or Electronics) – Level 3 or
• 1 SEC O-levels/SSC&P (Level 3) pass – Compulsory: Mathematics or Physics

Maturity Clause Applications

Applicants who satisfy the following conditions may apply for consideration to join this MCAST programmes as mature students:

1. Be in possession of a School Leaving Certificate.
2. Have, by the end of the same calendar year:

Attained the age of 21 years for entry to programmes at MQF Level 4

An Updated Curriculum Vitae and a Motivation Letter should accompany applications under the Maturity Clause.

Shortlisted applicants may be called for an interview to assess their suitability for the selected programme.