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Session 1532

Student Projects in PLC Networking

Max Rabiee, Ph.D., P.E. University of Cincinnati

Abstract:

A case study of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) networking in the classroom and its implementation during the laboratory session will enable students to better understand the subject. In this paper, we will present a PLC network project that was part of an honors contract program in a flexible automation course. Students who participate in the university honors program can complete the project as partial fulfillment of their honors program’s curriculum.

Three main elements are involved in a PLC networked system. These elements are: 1) Network Connection Topology, 2) Transmission Medium, and 3) Network Access Control Scheme. The way a network is connected is referred to as, “Network Connection Topology”. There are different methods used to physically connect PLCs and computers in a Local Area Network (LAN). The transmission medium or wiring type used to connect each network’s nodes is critical in setting the actual distance, number of nodes (LAN stations), and frequencies of transmitted signals in the network system. Another important aspect of the LAN considers the way equipment in the network communicates. This is referred to as the network access control scheme. A brief explanation of the machines and components mentioned above, and the specific method employed by the Allen-Bradley Series 500 Small Logic Controller (SLC500) network system will be part of the paper. The manuscript will focus on essential topics that should be included in an Industrial Networking Laboratory.

Students who participate in Honors Program at the University of Cincinnati must maintain a 3.2 Grade Point average and complete 36 Quarter credit hours of Honors level coursework. The 36 Quarter credit hours must include a minimum of 9 credit hours of Honors Special Topics courses. The remaining credit hours can be obtained by the Honors Contract or Independent Study courses. This project was part of the Honors Contact course for the student(s) who participated in the Honors Program. The students participating in the honors program connected a four-station network system in the PLC laboratory during the spring 2004 quarter. Stations consisted of one PC computer, and three Allen Bradley SLC 500 series programmable logic controllers. Students first learned how to set up the hardware component of an industrial network system. Then, they were required to configure the network protocol where one PLC is configured as the Initiator station, and the other two PLCs are configured as the Responder stations. Finally, students wrote the ladder logic diagrams for implementing the control regime Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Rabiee, M. (2005, June), Student Projects In Plc Networking Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--15094