Course Outline
Foundations of Industrial Automation and Control
- Automation architecture within a production plant.
- Sensors, actuators, and field signals.
- Transport, feeding, dosing, and packaging subsystems.
SIMATIC S7-1500 Hardware and System Architecture
- CPU families, signal modules, and distributed I/O.
- Power supply, grounding, and control panel layout.
- Status LEDs, CPU displays, and module indicators.
TIA Portal Project Structure and Device Configuration
- Project views, devices, and network configurations.
- Hardware setup and device parameters.
- Loading, saving, and comparing project versions.
PLC Inputs and Outputs: Signals and Addressing
- Digital and analog addressing schemes.
- 24 V DC signal circuits and wiring verification.
- Validating field signals against program logic.
Ladder Logic and Basic Programming
- Contacts, coils, set, and reset operations.
- Timers, counters, and comparison instructions.
- Functions, function blocks, and data blocks.
Interpreting Existing Programs and Control Logic
- Navigating program blocks and cross-references.
- Symbol tables, tags, and variable naming conventions.
- Tracing logical conditions that govern output actions.
Motor and Start/Stop Control
- Start, stop, and latching conditions.
- Motor protection and run feedback signals.
- Direction control and multi-motor configurations.
Interlocks, Permissives, and Automatic Sequences
- Interlock and permissive conditions.
- Step sequences and state-based control.
- Diagnosing sequences blocked at specific steps.
SIMATIC HMI Configuration and Operation
- Panel screens, tags, and navigation flows.
- Operating modes and HMI-based control.
- Displaying equipment status and process values.
HMI Alarms and PLC Diagnostics Messages
- Alarm classes, priorities, and acknowledgement procedures.
- System diagnostics and controller alarms.
- Process and program-based monitoring messages.
Variable Frequency Drives: Fundamentals and Applications
- Drive principles and control methodologies.
- Interaction between drives, motors, and mechanical loads.
- Standard drive configurations in production settings.
- Yaskawa drives and other common drive brands in the plant.
VFD Configuration and Commissioning
- Parameter groups and access levels.
- Motor data, auto-tuning, and test runs.
- Backup, restoration, and parameter documentation.
VFD Fault Diagnosis and Troubleshooting
- Fault, alarm, and parameter error codes.
- Fault history and monitoring values.
- Diagnosing drive, motor, cable, and mechanical issues.
Drive Control from the PLC
- Start, stop, and speed reference signals.
- Status, ready, and fault feedback.
- Identifying discrepancies between PLC and drive states.
Industrial Communication and Network Troubleshooting
- PROFINET and Ethernet fundamentals.
- Device names, IP addresses, and network topology.
- Connection diagnostics and communication failures.
TIA Portal Diagnostics and Structured Troubleshooting
- Real-time online monitoring and watch tables.
- Diagnostics buffer and CPU web server usage.
- Comparing online and offline programs.
- Mapping fault symptoms to root causes.
- Electrical, mechanical, and control-side inspections.
- Documenting findings and defining escalation criteria.
Step-by-Step Diagnosis of Halted Machinery
- Prioritized checks when equipment stops.
- Cross-referencing HMI alarms, PLC logic, and drive status.
- Identifying blocking conditions and restoring operation.
Practical Fault Scenario Exercises
- Exercises on sensor, actuator, and I/O signal checks.
- Motor, drive, and start/stop fault simulations.
- Communication interruptions and alarm interpretation.
- Interlock and sequence faults impeding machine steps.
Implementing Basic Program Modifications
- Adjusting timers, setpoints, and parameters.
- Adding or modifying tags and simple logic.
- Testing, documenting, and reverting changes as needed.
Capstone: Comprehensive Troubleshooting Case
- End-to-end fault diagnosis on a production line model.
- Evaluating options for repair, adjustment, or escalation.
- Individual feedback and personalized improvement plans.
Requirements
- A foundational understanding of electrical circuits and industrial machinery.
- Introductory knowledge of PLC concepts (university-level exposure is adequate).
- Familiarity with reading technical manuals for drives and equipment.
Target Audience
- Maintenance technicians and engineers working with automated production systems.
- Electricians and technical staff transitioning into automation and control roles.
- Personnel tasked with diagnosing PLC, HMI, drive, and communication faults.
Testimonials (2)
All in general
Daniele Donzelli - ITT ITALIA S.r.l.
Course - CANoe for CAN Compact Training
PLC basic knowledge
