Certified Open PLC Engineer Course

A 2½-day Manufacturer-Independent Control System Programming course teaching PLCopen, the International Standard IEC 61131-3, using the free IDE software, CoDeSys®.

If you are new to automation, you may find our introductory course on PLC programming informative, intertesting and a pre-requisite for attending this Certified Open PLC Engineer Course.

Why should I attend this course?

Until recently, the manufacturers of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) developed their own programming languages. This situation has in the past tended to lock users to a particular manufacturer because of existing software, maintenance and training etc. The international standard, IEC 61131-3, initially published in 1993 and revised in 2003, provides the open standard for programming of a wide range of industrial control systems in a universal, vendor-independent way. The majority of PLC systems are now programmed using IEC 61131-3 languages.

Is IEC 61131 just another PLC programming language?

Definitely not! The standard supports modern “software engineering” methods that mean improved programs, easier maintenance and fault finding, reusable and transportable code. The result is a significant reduction in the number of programming errors and more reliable and maintainable control system software. Many end-users now require that their control systems be programmed using IEC 61131-3.

Certification?

The Certified Open PLC Engineer Course is fully accredited by PLCopen, http://www.plcopen.org, the international association promoting manufacturer-independent control system programming. Attendees will use two different programming environments and PLC systems on the course. The teaching adopts an applications-oriented approach throughout using realistic industrial examples for teaching and realistic rigs for practical exercises. These rigs include conveyor systems, pick and place robots, a 3-storey lift system and a batch electro-chemical treatment plant. All rigs have been designed especially for teaching programming by MMU staff.  

A multiple-choice written test and practical test ensures that the attendees understand the material and are competent in applying IEC 61131-3 to realistic problems. Successful candidates will be awarded Certified Open PLC Engineer status.

Day 1

• Introduction to IEC61131 and software engineering
• Structured programming using the LD, FBD and CFC languages
• Getting started - practical session

Day 2

• Sequential control using the SFC language
• Case study and practical session - Drilling Manchine
• Algorithmic programming using the ST language
• Case study - Electrochemical treatment plant control
• Practical sessions – Real problems to solve
• The IL language

Day 3

• PLCopen and compliance testing
• Tutorial
• 45 minute multiple-choice, written test
• 45 minute practical programming and debugging test