RBTC-1401 Programmable Logic Controller
Frank Yang
Credit Summer 2024
Section(s)
RBTC-1401-001 (81239)
LEC MW 1:00pm - 3:00pm HLC HLC2 1540.50
LAB MW 3:00pm - 5:00pm HLC HLC2 1540.50
Course Requirements
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance is crucial and may make the difference between passing and not passing. Students are expected to
attend each class and be on time. More than three unexcused absences from the class may result in you being
withdrawn from the class.
There are a number of in-class exercises and labs where working in groups is key to the successful outcome.
In these settings team work, cooperation, and patience is essential for success.
Electronic Devices
Students must turn off or mute all cell phones during lab and class time. No other
electronic devices are allowed in class. No text messaging is allowed in class.
Food and Drinks
NO food or drinks are allowed in the classroom nor the laboratories. All tools and lab
supplies must be returned to their appropriate location. Please keep chairs and tables where
they belong. Return all equipment, tools, etc.. back to where they belong.
Exams
Exam times and content are announced in advance of the exam. Students are expected to take the exam at the scheduled time and
place. Assignments will help prepare the student for the exams. The instructor may specify additional material to aid in preparing for
the exams.
Calculator: If applicable, you will need a simple scientific calculator. You will not be allowed to use cell phones, tablets
or other smart devices as calculators during exams.
NO MAKE-UPS WILL BE GIVEN unless a written medical or personal reason is submitted to the instructor and notice provided
beforehand. It is up to the instructor’s discretion to allow a make-up exam or not. If a make-up exam is allowed, it may be the
same or a similar exam. Exams will cover the material presented including reading and lab assignments.
Assignments
Assignments are due per the course schedule. The specific lab assignments(see below) and homework problems due
are listed in Blackboard in their respective sections/folders within the Course Material section as well as the instructions
for completing them.
Lab Assignments
During lab assignments, students will work in teams. Teamwork is essential to accomplish the lab and capture the required data.
Once the lab is completed and the data has been captured and shared with the team each student will write and submit
his or her own lab assignment.
Labs assignments will require set-up, running the experiment, and analyzing of your results. These are due by the
date indicated unless otherwise specified and will be graded in class. Time will be given during class to work on lab
assignments.
Late homework/lab assignments will not be accepted unless approved by the instructor.
Students must submit his/her own work to get credit. Lab assignments not turned in will be assigned a grade of zero.
Incomplete
A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (incomplete) at the end of the semester only if the following conditions are
satisfied:
The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstance beyond their control. The student must
have earned at least half of the grade points needed to earn a “C” by the end of the semester.
Arrangement for an incomplete must be made with the instructor. A “Report of Incomplete Grade” form must be completed by
the instructor and filed with the department.
To convert the incomplete “I” into a grade, the student must submit for grading all work required to complete the course to the
instructor by a date specified by the instructor within the next immediately following semester, but absolutely no later than 2
weeks prior to drop date of the that semester. Incomplete not completed by the date specified automatically become a letter
grade of “F” for the course.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
The last day to withdraw is July 22, 2024
If circumstances arise such that you cannot complete this course, it is to your advantage to drop the class by the
deadline to avoid getting an unsatisfactory grade on your permanent school record. Students or instructors may initiate
withdrawals anytime during the semester before the official withdrawal deadline. Withdrawal forms are available from campus
Admissions and Records offices.
Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid,
veterans’ benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or
later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their
undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course
without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making
decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.
Readings
The power point slides and assignments will be the main source of reading material for this course.
These will be available in Blackboard. There is no required textbook however the below textbook
will be used to provide most of the material and may be purchased if desired.
Programmable Logic Controllers by Frank Petruzella, 6th. Edition
ISBN 978 264163342
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, the student should be able to:
a. identify a PLC and its parts/components and its principles of operation
b. identify input/outputs and their types(analog vs. digital) which are used with a PLC.
c. Understand the memory design of a PLC
c. describe the types of architectures of a PLC.
d. configure a PLC using the software provided.
e. Understand the types of electrical connections for inputs/outputs of a PLC(sourcing, sinking)
f. Understand the scan cycle for a PLC
g. Understand the fundamentals of logic as related to PLC operations
h. Understand the basics of PLC programming
In 1990, the U.S. Department of Labor established the Secretary’s Commission on
Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) to examine the demands of the workplace and
whether our nation’s students are capable of meeting those demands. The Commission
determined that today’s jobs generally require competencies in the following areas:
A. Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans and allocates resources
B. Interpersonal: Works with others
C. Information: Acquires and uses information
D. Systems: Understands complex interrelationships
E. Technology: Works with a variety of technologies
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requires that all degree plans in
institutions of higher education incorporate these competencies and identify to the
student how these competencies are achieved in course objectives. This course
incorporates the SCANS competencies in the following ways:
A. Resources
B. Interpersonal
C. Information
D. Systems
E. Technology
F. Basic Skills
G. Thinking Skills
H. Personal Qualities
Course Outline by Week
Please note that the outline and schedule may change during the semester.
Any changes will be communicated to the class via Blackboard (or other
resource used by faculty for communication with students).
Week
- Introduction, PLC Overview, PLC selection, PLC Hardware components
- Number systems and codes, Exam 1
- Logic fundamentals, PLC programming
- PLC wiring and ladder logic programs, Exam 2
- Timers, Counters
- Program control structures, Exam 3
- Data manipulation, Math instructions
- Troubleshooting
- Exam 4 Review
- Exam 4
Instruction Method
Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions,
submitting assignments, collaboration. Exams will be in person only.
The methods of instruction include hands-on assignments as well as classroom instruction.
Labs will be conducted during class time.
Classroom instruction will consist of interactive lectures, class discussions, exercises,
PowerPoint presentations, and video illustrations. Students will need to study/complete
the posted reading and/or homework assignments as noted in the course schedule.
NOTE: In order to be successful in this class, students will need to study 1 to 2
hours outside of class for each hour the class meets per the course schedule.
Computers with internet access are available in the classroom for in-class assignments.
Homework will consist reading assignments, post-lecture problem sets, and internet research.
Student Advising
Engineering Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Students who are seeking a degree
or certificate should visit with an Area-Of-Study advisor:
- Vidal Almanza, Advisor Supervisor (SAC Campus, Student Affairs, 512-223-9160; vman@austincc.edu)
- Sonia Santamaria, Advisor (RVS Campus, Bldg. G, Student Affairs, 512-223-6203; sonia.santamaria@austincc.edu)
- Gabriel Martinez, Advisor (RVS Campus, Bldg. G, Student Affairs, 512-223-6173; Gabriel.martinez@austincc.edu)
- C. Alex Rawlins, Advisor (RRC Campus, Student Affairs, 512-223-0042; calexan4@austincc.edu)
- Laura Garcia, Advisor Supervisor (HLC, Student Affairs, 512-223-9485; laura.garcia@austincc.edu)
- Lauren Martin, Advisor (HLC, Student Affairs, 512-223-7324; laura.garcia@austincc.edu
Additional Area-Of-Study advisors can be found using this link, Find-My-Advisor
For online advising, please go to the following site:
https://students.austincc.edu/advising/online-advising/
High School students taking classes in dual enrollment or as part of an academy or
institute will have different advisors and counselors assigned to them.
All students are expected to check their ACC gmail regularly throughout the semester.
We will be sending pertinent information about scholarships, the course schedule, job &
internship opportunities, Microsoft Azure free student software program, career fairs,
special events, and etc. Your instructor will also be communicating with you in this way.
Student Support Services
The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community
engagement and personal growth.
Student Support
ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these campus services
and resources is available at http://www.austincc.edu/students.
Student Accessibility Services
Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS). SAS offices are located at each major campus. Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively. Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.
Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology
Academic Support
ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules
Library Services
ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services. In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos. ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat. Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:
- Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
- Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
- Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
- Email: library@austincc.edu
In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”
Student Organizations
ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities. They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else. Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.
Personal Support
Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:
- Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices: https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.
- Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
- The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
- Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.
- Drop-in child care is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care/child-watch-drop-in-center
Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling.
If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).
After Hours:
If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.
Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:
- Austin / Travis County 24-hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
- The Williamson County 24-hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
- Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
- Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Office Hours
M W 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM HLC Building 2000
NOTE By appointment only!Published: 06/02/2024 10:57:33