Chabot College
Fall 2009
Replaced Fall 2011
Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 57A
PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS
Catalog Description:
57A – Process Control Systems
2 units
Programmable logic control systems; function, interrelationship, and troubleshooting of systems
components. PLC input/output systems and requirements. Ladder logic programming using basic I/O
instructions, logic instructions, timers, counters, and comparison functions. Prerequisite: ESYS 50
and ESYS 55A or equivalent. 1 hour lecture, 2 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: 17.5 lecture; 35 laboratory]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course, the student should be able to:
1. define systems as it applies to electronics, list and explain the operation of the main building
blocks and circuits of electronics systems;
2. describe, compare, and contrast voltage, current, power, efficiency, energy, resistance,
impedance, capacitance and inductance as each relates to a basic circuit;
3. make common circuit measurements such as voltage, current and resistance with a multimeter;
4. make common AC circuit measurements such as voltage and frequency with an oscilloscope;
5. collect, organize, and present measurement data in tabular and graphic form;
6. trace timing, inputs, and outputs of a single-chip micocontroller with appropriate test equipment
and schematic diagrams;
7. create simple programs in high-level and assembly language for practical and diagnostic
purposes;
8. interpret manufacturers’ data sheets for microprocessor devices;
9. use test equipment to troubleshoot microprocessor-based electronic systems;
10. analyze the operation of microprocessor systems.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. describe the functions and operations of a process control system at the block level;
2. implement a basic functional control system using ladder-logic programming;
3. develop and execute a troubleshooting plan for process control systems.
Course Content:
1. Course Content, Lecture:
a. Overview of programmable logic control systems
b. Ladder logic
c. PLC controller elements
d. PLC input elements
e. PLC output elements
Chabot College
Course Outline for Electronic Systems Technology 57A, Page 2
Fall 2009
2. Course Content, Laboratory:
a. Overview of programmable logic control systems
b. Ladder logic
c. PLC controller elements
d. PLC input elements
e. PLC output elements
Methods of Presentation:
1. Online learning objects
2. Small group discussion/lecture
3. Laboratory
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Describe the expected operation of a PLC system from a ladder logic diagram.
b. Program and PLC controller for a specified operation.
c. Develop and execute a troubleshooting plan for a malfunctioning PLC system.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Homework and laboratory written reports
b. Class participation
c. Observation and critique of laboratory exercises
d. Quizzes, Midterm, and Final Examinations
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Lessons in Electric Circuits, Vol. 1 & 2, Kuphaldt, open source, hosted on openbookproject.net
Special Student Materials:
Computer with Internet access
wap ESYS-57A-outline.doc
New: September 2, 2008
Revised: November 20, 2008