PLC Based Analog Automation
This course outlines the fundamentals of analogue automation.

Overview

Skills to Advance Initiative
This course is only available to those currently in employment and fully funded under the Skills to Advance initiative. ​
Skills to Advance is a national initiative that provides upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in jobs undergoing change and to those currently employed in vulnerable sectors. Skills to Advance aims to equip employees with the skills they need to progress in their current role or to adapt to the changing job market. Working closely with small and medium-sized enterprises, Skills to Advance helps employers identify skills needs and invest in their workforce by providing subsidised education and training to staff.
Course Aim
Analog Automation involves the use of continuous signals to control and monitor processes using technology such as analog sensors & transducers, controllers, actuators, proportional solenoids and variable-speed drives are utilized to control processes where precise regulation of physical variables like temperature, pressure, flow and level is required. These systems are typically deployed in applications where real-time adjustments are necessary based on continuous input data. It is commonly employed in industries where real-time process control and high precision are critical, such as chemical processing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food, beverage production power generation, and water treatment.
The course is 10% theory and 90% interactive using practical based exercises. and is delivered over 2 days.
Areas covered include:
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Principle of operation of PLCs
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Fundamentals of analog signal processing
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Essential elements of communication with PLCs via TIA (Totally Integrated Automation)
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Ladder logic-based programming encompassing analog inputs & outputs, signal scaling, comparison & conditional logic, timers and continuous control
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Data types & tagging philosophies
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Fault finding and resetting systems
The software platform is Siemens TIA using Siemens 1500 PLCs with integrated HMIs. The course provides a hands-on approach to the utilisation of PLCs using tailored practical exercises based on real-life industry scenarios. These real-life scenarios can be tailored to mimic the learner’s area of employment.
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Learning Outcomes
Learn how to:
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Develop core competency in the basic steps required to connect and deploy PLC code to a live system
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Get analog automation systems up and running
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Develop trouble shooting skills to interrogate analog based automation systems
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Determine appropriate solutions to reset faults as they occur
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Identify and suggest and/or write corrective PLC code to reduce/eliminate recurring faults
Understand how:
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PLC systems are constructed and interact to produce analog automation systems
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To determine appropriate solutions to isolate and identify fault occurring PLC code
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To reset faults and get analog automation system back up and running
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Know how to:
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View code to identify possible issues
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Produce solutions to promote fault reduction
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Standardise fault finding techniques

CELTEC (Celbridge Engineering Lab Training and Education Centre) in Co. Kildare is a facility focused on advanced manufacturing and technical education. It offers specialised training in areas like robotics, industrial systems, additive manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
The center emphasises hands-on learning through state-of-the-art equipment, including robotics, cobotics, and virtual reality systems, and fosters expertise in areas like precision engineering and pharmaceutical processes.
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The facility includes modern classrooms equipped with multimedia learning tools and advanced laboratories for engineering and industrial training. CELTEC is part of the Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board's initiatives and provides traineeships and skill development programs tailored for employment in technical and manufacturing roles. Courses often integrate classroom instruction with online, blended, and immersive learning technologies