PLC Based Discrete and Digital Automation

This course outlines the fundamentals of discrete or digital automation.

Overview

Duration

2 Full Days

Classroom Based

Day 1: 9am-4.15pm

Day 2: 9am-4.15pm

Location

CELTEC

Unit 12A

M4 Business Park

Celbridge, Co. Kildare

W23 HCK2

Google Maps Link

Prior Knowledge

Experience in related industrial sectors would be beneficial for the learner. Learners on this programme will should wish to reactivate their career to upskill and reskill from non-related disciplines as well as upskilling those already in employment in related industrial sectors. There is an expectation that candidates will have obtained a minimum of Junior Certificate Level (NFQ Level 3)

Certification

KWETB Certificate of Completion.

Cost

This course is fully funded to those currently in employment under the Skills To Advance initiative.

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.

Save Your Spot

June 2025

5 - 6 June 2025

CELTEC, Celbridge

July 2025

10 - 11 July 2025

CELTEC, Celbridge

September 2025

4 - 5 September 2025

CELTEC, Celbridge

November 2025

27 - 28 November 2025

CELTEC, Celbridge

Course Aim

Discrete or Digital automation encompasses the use of digital technology such as sensors, directional control valves, pick and place hardware, pneumatic actuator systems and a plethora of bespoke machinery in the manufacturing of discrete products in assembly lines and material handling areas. This form of automation is extensively used in the manufacturing and medical technology industries and widely used in other industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and chemical.

The course is 10% theory and 90% interactive using practical based exercises. and is delivered over 2 days.

Areas covered include:

Principle of operation of PLCs
Fundamentals of digital signal processing
Essential elements of communication with PLCs via TIA (Totally Integrated Automation)
Ladder logic-based programming encompassing latches, interlocks, timers, counters, set/reset, on-off control and sequential control
Data types & tagging philosophies
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 utilization 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.

Learning Outcomes

Learn how to:

Develop core competency in the basic steps required to connect and deploy PLC code to a live system
Get digital automation systems up and running
Develop trouble shooting skills to interrogate digital based automation systems
Determine appropriate solutions to reset faults as they occur
Identify and suggest and/or write corrective PLC code to reduce/eliminate recurring faults

Understand how:

PLC systems are constructed and interact to produce digital automation systems
To determine appropriate solutions to isolate and identify fault occurring PLC code
To reset faults and get digital automation system back up and running

Know how to:

View code to identify possible issues
Produce solutions to promote fault reduction
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.

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