Online Programmable Logic Courses and Education Programs

Online programmable logic classes usually concentrate on the design and manufacturing of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Schools and businesses that create PLCs often provide training for their particular hardware, and continuing education units are usually available. Theory classes are less common and are most often provided by scholastic institutions.

Overview of Online Programmable Logic Courses

Online classes in PLC theory, design, maintenance and repair can satisfy some requirements needed for degree programs, such as the computer support specialist associate's degree, Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Technology and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. A Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science may also accept PLC classes. Online training offered by businesses, professional organizations and schools may lead to certificates in computer programming, information technology and computer engineering technology.

General Requirements for Online Courses

Courses from some institutions require specific learning management systems. The requirements for these systems and general computer capabilities are listed in the course descriptions. Classes in controller design and manufacture are usually a mixture of online content and in-person labs. Some online classes require proctored exams for completion.

Sample List of Online Programmable Logic Controllers Courses

Basic Electricity and Wiring for Computers Course

This course teaches students the fundamental principles of electricity, as well as how to handle electrical tools and general safety principles. Students also learn to interpret schematics and wiring diagrams for electrical components and systems.

Fundamentals of Programmable Logic Controllers Course

Students learn the common and unique parts of various PLCs by examining different devices. They describe logic circuits and define the differences between small and modular PLCs. They also study programming software and discuss the functions of counters, switches, sequencers and timers. Ladder logic programming is introduced, and students examine input and output instructions.

Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers Course

This course builds on students' knowledge of the fundamentals by designing and building PLCs from schematics and wiring diagrams. In addition, students differentiate between analog and digital techniques, examine subroutines and manipulate data. They troubleshoot entire systems containing PLCs, locate faults, repair damaged components and restart the systems.

Design of Gate Arrays Course

In this course students design and deploy different types of gate arrays using various hardware description languages, such as Verilog and C variants. They review design-based performance predictors and discuss operation enhancement techniques. Modeling, benchmarks, algorithm development, implementation technologies, device architectures and simulation are also presented.