Overview of PLC Functions

This course provides a detailed introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), focusing on the functional instructions used in modern control systems. It covers a wide range of PLC commands, including logic, timing, counting, arithmetic, data handling, and advanced program control. Engineers and technicians will gain a clear understanding of how various functions operate across PLC platforms such as MicroLogix and PLC-5, with insights into instruction formats, status bits, and registers.

The course presents over 100 commonly used PLC instructions with definitions, use cases, and examples, making it a practical resource for both new and experienced users. Topics include basic logic operations, timers, counters, compare functions, data manipulation, sequencers, PID controllers, and file-based operations. It also covers ASCII string handling and advanced input/output communications. By mastering these functions, participants will be able to efficiently program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based systems used across a variety of industrial and infrastructure applications.

Learning Objectives

This course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:

• Understand the purpose and application of fundamental PLC instructions such as XIC, XIO, and OTE.
• Use timers and counters (TON, TOF, CTU, CTD) to control time-based and count-based processes.
• Apply arithmetic and logical operations (ADD, SUB, AND, OR, etc.) to PLC programs.
• Implement program control structures including jumps, subroutines, and loops.
• Use advanced data handling instructions such as MOV, COP, CPT, and FAL for manipulating variables and memory.
• Design and manage sequencing operations using SQO, SQI, and SQL instructions.
• Configure PID control loops and interpret control parameters for process automation.
• Handle ASCII communication, file transfers, and messaging protocols in PLC systems.
• Identify and troubleshoot PLC programming errors using diagnostic instructions and status bits.
• Optimize PLC programs for reliability, maintainability, and performance in real-world industrial applications.

Download the Course to review and begin earning your PDH credits.

We provide technical courses for PDH credits that meet Board requirements for Professional Engineers, Geologists and Land Surveyors. This courses is guaranteed to be accepted in AK, AL, AR, AZ, DE, GA, FL, IA, IL, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY. Before purchasing this course, please confirm that your state Board is listed above.