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International Journal of Computers & Technology
Volume 3 No. 3, Nov-Dec, 2012
A STUDY BASIC PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER
(PLC) FOR EFFECTIVE LEARNING
Syifaul Fuada
Miftakhul Huda
Rista Aprilowena
Engineering Faculty,
Engineering Faculty,
Engineering Faculty,
State University Of Malang
Kediri, East Java
Indonesia
State University Of Malang
Trenggalek, East Java
Indonesia
State University Of Malang
Tulungagung, East Java
Indoenesia
fsyifaul@gmail.com
Mif.kamulan@gmail.com
riesta.vale@gmail.com
1.1 What’s Problem Based Learning?
ABSTRACT
Design of Learning with the PBL method is quite appropriate
when applied to a practice lessons. Because in addition the
teacher teaching the theories, teachers also need to provide
the real problems by making use of existing theories and
Students are required to solve that problem. This paper is
only described the implementation processing of PBL in
learning basic of
PLC at Electrical Engineering
Departement, State University of Malang(UM), third
semesters in year of 2012/2013. The PLC is using OMRON
CPM1A.
Keywords: Basic Progammable Logic Controller, Problem
Based Learning
1. INTRODUCTION
Design Teaching and learning design using Problem
Based Learning (PBL) is quite appropriate to be applied to
practicum classess [1] [2]. Yet, it is appropriate because
teacher not only gives the relation of theories but also need to
provide the real problems by utilizing the existing theories.
Additionally, students are required to solve the problems.
Since this particular method is appropriate, several colleges
have used it. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [20] [26]. It also applies to
PLC subject at the Electrical Departement, Engineering
Faculty, State University of Malang, for some reasonss:
1. The important role of PLC as the main control device
used by the industry [13] [14] [15], thus the learning
model must prepare students more to the real-world
situation [16] [17].
2.
The existence of facilities to support collaboration,
communication and collecting information. First, the
students are required to study so that the learning would
be more optimal [8] [10] [12].
3.
The existence of competent lecturers as facilitators [8]
[9] [11] [12] and motivator [10] [17] [19].
Therefore, teachers must be able to adjust the
problem with the competencies that would be needed by the
industry, including students’ abilities and skills [16] [18]. For
practicum, OMRON CPM 2 A is the most appropriate one
because of the easy process of wiring and installation. By
using software CX Programmer PBL method that has been
applied to PLC is a problem solvingby the help of CX
Programmer.
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PBL is a model of learning focusing on a particular
problem given by the teacher to the student, they solving the
problems with together in the learning process by prior
knowledge [25]. Students study cooperatively to offer a
solution to solve this problem [27]. Problems should be
authentic and similar to those faced by professionals in a
given field [30]. For example engineering student should be
given the task of planning design aprototype, controlling
plant, new structure. etc
1.2 PBL in PLC
Learning PLC with PBL has been implemented by
several colleges. For example Kumar&Gole’s research
(2011), the problem that be given is application of PLC in the
industry. It is: 1) Continuous bottle filling system, 2) Batch
mixing system, 3) stage air conditioning system, 4) Control of
Planar machine, Speed control of dc motor [14]. It also fairus
ahmad (2005) in implementation at Kolej Universiti Teknikal
Kebangsaaan Malaysia (KUTKM), implementation of
Problem Based Learning is application in the industry. 1)
Formal instruction for controlling, 2) controlling sensors from
the actuator, and 3) controlling of the machine with
Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) [4]. The similiar
research also conducted by Dwijo (2007), the implementation
of PBL in the Faculty of mathematics and science at
Universitas Sebelas Maret (USM) is solving the problem
using PSIM software. It is 1) Simulation of Traffic Light
Using Timer TON, 2) simulation of Batch Mixing using
Counter . 3) Traffic Control's Simulation Using Word
comparator instruction, and 5) Simulation of Advanced Batch
Mixing [28]
1.3 Programmable Logic Controller
“PLC is used to control the function of
machine automatically. It is a computerized
industrial microprocessor based controller that
executes discrete or sequential logic in industrial
environment. It was originally developed to replace
mechanical relay, timer and counter hence it is also
called industrial PLC. A PLC has an integrated
programmable microprocessor that is programmed
with a dedicated computer language (Ladder
Diagram). After writing the PLC program it is
downloaded to the non-volatile memory of
Programmable Logic Controller directly through a
cable connection via Serial or USB ports‖. [24].
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International Journal of Computers & Technology
Volume 3 No. 3, Nov-Dec, 2012
Due to the superiority of PLC, it may still be used
by industry(es) from this time forward. Because have more
advantages. Like 1)Flexible, 2) Cost effective, 3)
Computational abilities, 4) could operate for years.
2. LADDER PROGRAMMING
Programming to be the most important thing to
mastered by students in the Programable Logic Controller
(PLC) controller. In generally, PLC programming using
ladder diagrams.The ladder diagram is basically a
representation of the program steps using relay contacts and
coils. [23] Ladder diagram is based on relay’s series and
output load. There are two bus bars on the ladder diagram that
is right vertical busbar for symbols NO contact, NC contact or
input such as switches (mechanical, electrical), sensors
(inductance, capacitance, light). vertical busbar on the left is
the power busbars function as direction signal. This means
that the signal flowing from left to right. And the left vertical
busbars for coil and load. NO and NC symbols each have
specific addresses are used as needed and certain functions
provided by the PLC. It purpose to make it easier for engineer
or electrician in the PLC programming [29].. PLC controller
can use the console or PC. Associated with PLC contoller,
most industries have been using a PC. To adjusting the
industrial development, the focus of discussion in this papper
is to use PC software.
Communication of
PLC
SUPPLY
Controlling Input
Communication
Add
Busbar
Omron's PLC CPM1A has 4 (four) PC status indicators,
which are 1) PWR = green, 2) Run = Green, 3) COMM =
Yellow, 4) ERR / ALM = Red, that each of them has their
own meaning [22]. Communications and adapter that are
used in this practice is RS-232C adapter and RS-232C cable
[23]. If students use the laptop, they will need Serial Port.
4. Why Problem Based Learning (PBL)
Teaching and learning using PBL prioritizes more
on students’ competencies through active learning which
improves students’ skill and learning need, as the core of the
system [2]. Yet, students hold the active roles that they should
find their own learning sources through reading, writing,
speaking, listening, reflecting phenomenon and process,
questioning, evaluating results, consolidating new knowledge,
and applying information to any specific fields. In addition,
PBL includes some kinds of interactive methods like, group
discussion, problem based learning, case study, structured
group learning, etc. Finally, PBL has an important role to
socializing the knowledge attractively, carefully, accurately,
and correctly [21].
5. IMPLEMENTATION
This learning is applicated on PLC subject that taken by
students of bachelor of Electrical Engineering Education,
Engineering Departement, State University of Malang year
2010 in third semesters. PLC subject have four hours in one
week of formal lectures, and one hour is fourty five minute.
Ninety five for Theories and ninety five minute for practicum.
Controlling Output
Figure 1 Element - the basic elements of programming
PLC
Lot of software used for the PLC controller, but is used in this
study is the CX Programmer software. Software an operating
below OS of Windows is a ladder software OMRON's PLC.
So the minimum requirement PC / Laptop to be used must
have the following specifications. 1) CPU 133 MHz Pentium I
minimum & 32 Mega bytes of RAM, 2) Hard disk space 100
MB or less. 3) SVGA monitor with a resolution of 800 x 600
computer IBM PC/AT kompatibel
3. OMRON CPM1A
A type of Omron PLC, CPM1A, has ten I/O
terminals which are divided into 6 inputs (I0 - I5) and 4
outputs (O0 - O3), based on the datasheet support CX
Progammer [23].
Figure 2: The Type of Omron PLC CPM1A used in
Learning
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Figure 3. Control System Labolatory
There is four week in formal lectures to implementation of the
PBL.
5.1. Installing CX Progammer Sofware on Laptop / PC and
testing OUT & IN of PLC.
At the first meeting, Lecturer teach basic of PLC, then
explain the concept installing software at PC & laptop.
Then the students are asked to install software on the
laptop and PC in the lab. after that lecturer explain the
introduction of the basic functions of the toolbar on
Progammer CX Software. After that students guided by
teachers for the basic installation of PLC. Then students
were asked to test the input and output on the PLC using
CX Programmer software. That's for intended to
determine if your PC is ready to work. It's process can
be seen in Figure 4 and 5.
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International Journal of Computers & Technology
Volume 3 No. 3, Nov-Dec, 2012
o Application of controlling motors with principle "
ON turns, then OFF sequential" (figure 8)
5.2. Introduction of Basic of Logic Ladder’s Instruction and
Introduction of Timer / Counter of PLC.
At third week, the students learn the basic of ladder
logic, that is OR, AND, AND-OR, OR-AND. Student
tudents learn how to work and function and concept of
Timer and Counter. Then implementing in the PLC
using CX Programmer software (Figure 6, 7 & 8).
o Application of controlling motors with principle"
ON sequential, OFF turns (Figure 9)
The lecturer's assessment, aspects of assessment include
1) teamwork, 2) the accuracy of students, 3) active
student. in this paper is only described the
implementation processing of PBL in learning basic of
PLC .
5.3. Case Study
In fourth week, It starting to case study. students are
asked to solve a problem using the motor that be
controlled by PLC. that is:
01 000
00
END
Figure 4. Installing CX Progammer Sofware on Laptop / PC
00
01
Figure 5. Installation and testing OUT & IN of PLC
01 000
00
00
01
01 000
02
03
01
Figure 6. Introduction of Basic Instruction Logic ladder of PLC
00
TIM
000
#50s
CNT
000
# Timer
#010
01
TIM 000
CNT 000
01 000
CNT 001
01 000
01 000
Figure 6. Ladder Timer
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TIM
000
01 000
Figure 7. Ladder Counter
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Figure 8
International Journal of Computers & Technology
Volume 3 No. 3, Nov-Dec, 2012
Figure 9
6. CONCLUSION
Implementation of PBL (Problem Based Learning)
for courses Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is effective
in the learning. because now many industries in general use
the PLC program as a control machines. PBL here purpose to
usher in electrical engineering student State University of
Malang accordance with the expected quality and increase
skills and knowledge in programming a the PLC until the
control troble quickly and accurately. PBL training to be able
to working independently to find solutions to solve the
problems encountered in the workplace. Implementation of
Project Based Learning is an approach which prioritizes
student to be able solve the problems actually encountered in
the workplace. In implementation probelm based learning
concluded that the students gain experience learning cycle
based on experience as learning, it's just concrete experienced
a real experience. So students must prepare prior knowledge
resolve cases filed him and must be disciplined and
determined to obtain success in This case based learning.
7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to thank the CIR and IJCT who have given
us the opportunity to publish the paper in the December issue
of the third volume. No. 3, 2012. Then we are extremely
grateful to Chairman of Electrical Departement in State
University of Malang (UM), Mr. Slamet Wibawanto. Then to
Lecturer of Programmable Logic Controller's lesson, Mr.
Sujito. Without his guidance, we would have been impossible
to complete this work in this manner. We extremely grateful
to our parents then our friends in STROUMB, Workshop
Elektro and Unit Kegiatan Mahasiswa Penulis UM (UKMPUM). We also thank to Nur Kamilah, student of english
literature State University of Malang who help us to review
the grammar.
Finaly syifaul would like give special thanks to someone
whose her smile burn his spirit.
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