PLC Basics +
Allen-Bradley Ecosystem Overview + Ladder Logic Foundations
Module 1:
Introduction to PLCs & Allen-Bradley Architecture
- Role of PLCs in industrial
automation
- Rockwell Automation product
families:
- MicroLogix
- CompactLogix
- ControlLogix
- RSLogix 500 vs Studio 5000
- Allen-Bradley tag-based programming
concept
- I/O modules (DI, DO, AI, AO) –
conceptual only
- Scan cycle understanding
(read–execute–write)
Hands-on Exercises
Module 2:
Ladder Logic Fundamentals
- Logic continuity
- Contacts and coils
- Normally Open vs Normally Closed
- Basic instructions:
Hands-on Exercises
Module 3:
Basic PLC Operations
- Latching & unlatching
- Interlocks
- Seal-in circuits
- Start/Stop logic
Hands-on Exercises
Module 4:
Introduction to Timers & Counters
- TON (On-Delay Timer)
- TOF (Off-Delay Timer)
- RTO (Retentive Timer)
- CTU / CTD counters
Hands-on Exercises
Intermediate
PLC Programming + Tag Structures + Sequencing
Module 5:
Understanding Tags (Allen-Bradley Style) –
- Base tags
- Alias tags
- Atomic data types (BOOL, INT, DINT,
REAL)
- Arrays & UDT (User Defined Data
Types) – conceptual
- How tags map to I/O
Hands-on Exercises
Module 6:
Math & Compare Instructions
- ADD, SUB, MUL, DIV
- EQU, NEQ, LES, GRT
- File operations (conceptual only)
Hands-on Exercises
Module 7:
Sequencers & State Machine Logic
- Step-by-step sequences
- Using bits for step tracking
- Using integer values for states
- Simple sequencer examples
Hands-on Exercises
Module 8:
Introduction to Structured Text
- Basic syntax
- IF/ELSE
- FOR loops
- Variable declarations
Hands-on Exercises
Module 9:
Simulation & Testing
- Simulated I/O testing
- Forcing bits
- Debugging logic
- Troubleshooting loops, timers,
counters
Hands-on Exercises
Advanced
Logic, HMI Basics, Fault Handling & Final Evaluation
Module 10:
Advanced PLC Functions
- Data handling
- Move instructions (MOV, COP)
- Masking (conceptual)
- Shift Registers (conceptual +
simulation)
Hands-on Exercises
Module 11:
PID Control – Simplified
- PID overview (conceptual only)
- How AB PLCs handle PID blocks
- Using simulated analog values
Hands-on Exercises
Module 12:
Fault Handling & Troubleshooting
- PLC scan issues
- Timer & counter pitfalls
- Intermittent logic problems
- Latching problems
- Common mistakes in ladder logic
Hands-on Exercises
Module 13:
Introduction to HMI Concepts
- What is an HMI
- Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk View
overview (conceptual)
- Using open-source HMI simulators:
Hands-on Exercises
Final
Assessment
Query
Discussion
ProgNXT
Certification
Allen-Bradley®, MicroLogix®, CompactLogix®, ControlLogix®, RSLogix®, Studio 5000®, and FactoryTalk® are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc. This training program is independently developed and delivered by ProgNXT and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or authorized by Rockwell Automation.
Hands-on exercises are conducted using simulation environments and open-source tools where applicable. FactoryTalk View concepts are covered from an architectural and design perspective.
