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Professional Certificate of Competency of Practical Troubleshooting and Problem Solving of PLCs and SCADA Systems

Course Duration
Duration
  • 3 Months
Course Study
Study Mode
  • Online
Course Location
Location
  • Online
Course Code
Course Code
CSK
Course Intakes
Intakes
  • 18 February 2025
  • 13 May 2025
Course Type
Course Type
  • Professional Certificate
  • Industrial Automation, Instrumentation and Process Control
  • UK
Course Fees
Fees

Course Overview

The automation system on your plant underpins your entire operation. It is thus critical that you have the knowledge and tools to quickly identify and fix problems as they occur to ensure you have a safe, secure and productive system. This workshop distils all the tips and tricks learnt over many years.

If you have worked in industry, you are familiar with PLCs and SCADA systems and understand their basic operation. However, an increasing need today is to also understand how to troubleshoot the typical problems that occur from time to time with your PLC and SCADA based equipment. You want to be able to quickly diagnose problems using your PLC software; know how to connect to the right PLC processor online, make minor changes to get the machine running and have the know-how to test new ideas and hardware components. In addition, you want to be able to do troubleshooting and problem solving of your associated SCADA system.

Course Benefits

  • You may be eligible to claim CPD points through your local engineering association
  • Receive a Certificate of Completion from EIT
  • Learn from well-known faculty and industry experts from around the globe
  • Flexibility of attending anytime from anywhere, even when you are working full-time
  • Interact with industry experts during the webinars and get the latest updates/announcements on the subject
  • Experience global learning with students from various backgrounds and experience which is a great networking opportunity

Course Details

The course is composed of 12 modules.

Module 1: Introduction to PLCs and SCADA Systems

  • PLC block diagram of components
  • PLC processor module and memory organization
  • PLC input/output modules
  • SCADA hardware
  • Power supplies
  • Good installation practice

Module 2: Fundamentals of PLC Software

  • Methods of representing logic
  • Boolean algebra
  • Instruction code
  • Graphical representation: functional logic diagrams and ladder logic
  • Ladder logic instruction set (coils and contacts/timers/counters)
  • Advanced instructions (program flow/arithmetic/data transfer and PID)
  • Start-up/shutdown and fault routines
  • Good programming habits
  • Comparison of different manufacturers

Module 3: Communication Architectures

  • HMI interface
  • SCADA software blocks
  • SCADA alarm management

Module 4: Industrial Data Communication System

  • Roadmap of different standards
  • RS-232/RS-485
  • Profibus and DeviceNet
  • Industrial ethernet
  • TCP/IP
  • Modbus

Module 5: Basics of Troubleshooting and Diagnosing Equipment

  • Common symptoms, problems and solutions
  • How to quickly identify likely causes
  • Overall basic steps
  • Communication issues
  • Earthing, shielding and noise
  • Review of the key PLC troubleshooting issues

Module 6: PLCS Power and Earth

  • Visual inspection
  • Measuring voltages
  • Power supply test
  • AC ripple on DC power supplies
  • Batteries testing
  • EMI/RFI impacts
  • Earthing and screening/shielding

Module 7: Troubleshooting PLC Inputs/Outputs

  • Internal memory status against field activity
  • Digital input status
  • Output modules and power supply
  • Fuses
  • Forcing outputs ON and OFF
  • Leaky inputs and outputs
  • Isolation problems
  • Resolving the problem after locating it
  • Tracking down intermittent problems
  • Isolated and non-isolated inputs
  • Ranges of analogue inputs
  • Forcing analogue output ranges
  • Filtering and isolation issues

Module 8: Miscellaneous Hardware Issues

  • Processor problems
  • Replacement issues
  • Confirmation of the diagnosis
  • Confirmation that the system is indeed operating correctly
  • Other troubleshooting tips and tricks
  • PLC software issues

Module 9: SCADA Troubleshooting Road Map

  • Review of key SCADA troubleshooting issues
  • SCADA system troubleshooting
  • PLC/SCADA interfacing problems
  • Configuration of database points
  • Troubleshooting I/O database
  • Configuration of alarms
  • Interface issues with drivers
  • Protocols
  • Throughput issues

Module 10: Key Industrial Data Communication Problems and Troubleshooting

  • Cabling and hardware (switches/routers/converters)
  • Fiber optics
  • Noise and interference
  • RS-485 issues
  • Industrial ethernet
  • TCP/IP
  • Modbus

Module 11:

  • Installation, commissioning of control room
  • MCC requirements
  • Installation of equipment
  • Loop testing
  • 23 common problems with PLCs and SCADA systems
  • What to do and how to fix them

Module 12:

SUMMARY, OPEN FORUM AND CLOSING

The instructor for this course is yet to be determined.

Learn about our instructors.

To obtain a certificate of completion for EIT’s Professional Certificate of Competency, students must achieve a 65% attendance rate at the live, online fortnightly webinars.  Detailed summaries/notes can be submitted in lieu of attendance.  In addition, students must obtain a mark of 60% in the set assignments which could take the form of written assignments and practical assignments. Students must also obtain a mark of 100% in quizzes.  If a student does not achieve the required score, they will be given an opportunity to resubmit the assignment to obtain the required score.

For full current fees in your country go to the drop down filter at the top of this page or visit the Fees page.

Payment Methods

Learn more about payment methods, including payment terms & conditions and additional non-tuition fees.

You are expected to spend approximately 5-8 hours per week learning the course content. This includes attending fortnightly webinars that run for about 90 minutes to facilitate class discussion and allow you to ask questions. This program has a 65% attendance requirement in the live webinars in order to graduate from the program.  If you are unable to attend the live webinars, you have the option of watching the recording of completed webinars and sending a summary of what you have learnt from the webinar to the Learning Support officer.  The summaries go towards your attendance requirement for the program.

This program is run online on an intensive part-time basis and has been designed to fit around full-time work. It will take three months to complete.

We understand that sometimes work commitments and personal circumstances can get in the way of your studies, so if at any point you feel that you are struggling with the pace of the course or finding a particular module challenging, you are encouraged to contact your designated Learning Support Officer for assistance.

Registrations are open for our upcoming intakes. Please ensure you book your place at least one week before the start date of the program.

Hear from our students

  The delivery methodology and the information available in the e-library can’t be beaten. The other important aspect of online education is recorded lectures. You can review the tutorial and lessons on repeat when you need to understand the concept.  
M Masemola, South Africa
  What I liked most about the course and EIT is the flexibility is offered regarding education. It gave me the opportunity to study and work full-time.  
C Groenewald, South Africa
  I enjoyed interacting with students all around the world, and seeing how the principles I have learned applies to them as well.  
S Zeelie, South Africa
  My line of work requires me travel quite often. I could not attend every class due to my remote locations, but still I could recap and stay on top of the study material thanks to the recordings. Also, all the Instructors were world class.  
P Pretorius, South Africa

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