What do you do if you need to master essential skills for working with PLCs as a control engineer?

Before you program a PLC, you should know basic electronics and learn the process. Coding skills improve with practice but if you cant write a procedure out into steps on paper, with a pencil, then why bother coding? Architecture and hardware are normally done by non software folks, so understand what they are doing. Logic is not about ladders, but sequence of events, and causalities. Don't get stuck in how its been done for 20 years. Evaluate your system.

From an engineering standpoint, focus on basics of how you’d select and use control systems for specific cases. - learn the basics differences between control and safety systems (capabilities and use cases of PLC vs DCS vs ESD vs FGS) - understand the different communication protocols (mainly HART vs FF but many others too) - learn cabinet design requirements (cabinet components, layouts and wiring) - learn wiring of different types of devices to the control system (analog vs digital, inputs vs outputs, communication protocols, etc) - understand the various other components in circuit design (barriers-isolators, relays, line monitoring, etc) - learn about power supply and grounding requirements as well as heating and ventilation methods

Understanding the basics of input / output control system is a good start. Knowing the types of signals, the way it can be transmitted and interfaced, and the types of data being communicated would help a lot. Lastly, learning the functionalities of different components within the control system eould help in the integration and generation of architecture

1. Conocimientos a nivel electrónico de los componentes que forman un PLC. 2. Conocimientos basicos de los dispositivos para monitoreo y control que se van a conectar al PLC. 3. Conocimientos básicos de operación del equipo al que se va a desarrollar la lógica para control y protección. 4. Conocimientos basicos de los protocolos de comunicación. 5. Conocimientos de programación, para desarrollar la lógica de control y protección. 6. Conocimientos de los componentes eléctricos para protección de las tarjetas de entrada/salida del PLC, de los dispositivos de monitoreo y control. 7. Conocimientos sobre diagramas de control, eléctricos e hidráulicos. 8. Conocimientos de las normas que aplican dependiendo del campo donde se vaya a desarrollar

PLC stands for “Programmable Logic Controller “. It is essentially a computer that monitors binary and or analog inputs to control binary and or analog outputs to control some process of a machine. To be able to adequately program a PLC, one must have detailed knowledge of what is being controlled. The program logic for a municipal water pumping station is going to be vastly different than an assembly line for an automobile plant.

1. Enroll in PLC training courses or certification programs. 2. Practice programming and troubleshooting PLCs using simulation software. 3. Study PLC manuals, datasheets, and technical documentation. 4. Collaborate with experienced PLC engineers for mentorship and guidance. 5. Join online forums or communities dedicated to PLC programming. 6. Experiment with real-world PLC systems to gain hands-on experience. 7. Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in PLC technology. 8. Continuously seek opportunities to apply and refine your PLC skills in practical projects.

Familiarize yourself with ladder logic, function block diagrams, structured text, and other PLC programming languages commonly used in industrial automation.

Hardware & Communication Protocols: Understand the core components of a PLC system, including power supplies, CPUs, input/output (I/O) modules, and communication interfaces. Familiarize yourself with common industrial communication protocols like Modbus and EtherNet/IP and Profibus to connect PLCs with other devices.

Definitely understand the basics, the PLC brands you are dealing with may change, basically that will result in a change of the naming of the basic instruction they all use. So with the basics, you can jump from one PLC to the next with little effort on your part. And also experience is the best teacher. The problems you will solve in your day to day work will be far simpler than the behemoth you imagine it to be. And having experience work mates is loads of help, pay attention to every little way they solve problems.

-Learn about the Inputs/ Outputs devices -Learn about the supply and the neutral side -Power Supply converters e.g SDR - Communication between the equipment devices and PLC

Troubleshooting Like a Pro : Cultivate strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and fix PLC malfunctions efficiently. Develop a systematic troubleshooting approach and leverage built-in PLC diagnostics tools. Master debugging techniques like code tracing and forced I/O to pinpoint issues quickly. Remember, the faster you troubleshoot, the less downtime your system experiences

This comes with significant project exposure. Control system design is a balance between functional and performance requirements. Not to mention cost implications. Where many different PLC’s are to be controlled from one central system or extensive manipulation of data using algorithms require a DCS with SCADA software. There are cases where ESD and FGS systems are combined. There are also specialized PLC’s for applications where high speed control is offered at the cost of having restricted I/O capacity and functionality. Go through system architecture drawings of various installations having multiple systems and vendors. Further deep dive into how the systems are segregated, functioned and interfaced on a communication network.

Debe aprender a interpretar el funcionamiento operativo de cada aplicación, así como el o los procesos que se van a controlar, para poder desarrollar y optimizar los procesos de una manera mas efectiva, eficiente y segura.

A tecnologia de automa??o está sempre evoluindo. Mantenha-se atualizado com as últimas tendências, técnicas e tecnologias em CLPs e automa??o industrial através de literatura especializada, workshops e conferências. Integre-se a comunidades online e fóruns relacionados a automa??o e CLPs. Trocar experiências com outros profissionais pode proporcionar insights valiosos e solu??es para desafios comuns.

Learn major PLC programming languages – emphasize ladder logic. Master hardware configuration, wiring, and troubleshooting. Develop analytical and problem-solving abilities. Understand digital logic and electrical schematics.

The best approach that worked for me are: 1. Connect with experienced professionals or mentors. 2. Seek guidance and advice from them. 3. Learn from their practical experience. 4. Engage in discussions and networking events. 5. Benefit from their insights and tips for mastering PLC skills.