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I wrote this course with the intention of showing how Programmable Logic Controller systems are constructed, and how to get started on programming these systems. After taking this class, an engineer should be able to design and build a simple PLC controller.

This course was designed for electrical engineers with limited experience with PLC’s as well as engineers of other disciplines. Most engineers will come away with a deeper understanding of how to build and program a PLC system. This course also shows how software can replace hardware. This will help engineers as they economically apply PLC’s to various projects. Engineers in other disciplines will also find it useful to have an understanding of how Programmable Logic Controllers work, as they work with mechanical, chemical, and building systems. The more that we, as engineers, understand how things in other disciplines work, the better that we can do our specific jobs.

There is very little math involved in the doing of this course. It always helps to understand basic algebra. Some (but not too much) understanding of Boolean Algebra is also helpful for understanding this course.

This course is built on understanding the parts of a PLC system, and how they work together to make an operating system.

The student must take a multiple choice quiz consisting of twenty questions at the end of the course to obtain PDH credits. It is my intention that the material presented in this course help the student to be better versed in Programmable Logic Controllers, and therefore be more comfortable when working with engineers, technicians, and craftsmen in the field.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.

Please Note: Continuing Education credits for this course are awarded as PDH (Professional Development Hour Credits).