Topic outline

  • Course Synopsis

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    This course is an introduction to PLC and microcontroller. Students are exposed to input/output PLC interface, PLC programming, input/output microcontroller interface and microcontroller programming.

    By the end of semester, students should be able to:

    CO1:  Describe the principles used in programming PLC.

    CO2:  Apply the fundamental technique in PLC programming to control a basic automation system.

    CO3:  Describe the principles used in programming microcontroller using C language.

    CO4:  Apply the fundamental technique in microcontroller programming to control a basic automation system.

    CO5:  Construct a microcomputer project in a professional manner.


  • Topic 1

    Chapter1: Basic Microcomputer Concepts
    • Aims
    – Describe the main terminologies, internal architecture and operating principles of microcomputer and its components.
    • Expected Outcomes
    – To identify and explain typical terminology used in microcomputer technology.
    – To distinguish the applications of microprocessor, microcomputer and microcontroller.
    – To demonstrate the internal architecture of microcomputer components.
    • References
    – Fernando E. Valdes-Peres, Ramon Pallas-Aremy, Microcontroller: Fundamental and Applications.

  • Topic 2

    Chapter 2: Introduction to PLCs

    Chapter content:

    • PLCs' advantageous

    • PLC components

    • PLC architecture

  • Topic 3

    Chapter 3: PLC Information and Communication Techniques

    •     Aims
    – Apply the fundamental technique in PLC programming to control a basic automation system.
    • Expected outcomes
    – Describe and identify the characteristics of commonly used input and output devices.
    – Explain the processing of inputs and outputs by PLCs.
    – Describe communication links involved with PLC systems, the protocols and networking methods.
    • References
    – W. Bolton, Programmable Logic Control, 4th Ed.

  • Topic 4

    Chapter 4: PLC Programming Methods

    •Aims
    –Apply the fundamental technique in PLC programming to control a basic automation system.
    •Expected Outcomes
    –Develop ladder programs for the logic functions AND, OR, NOR, NAND, NOT and XOR.
    –Develop ladder programs involving internal relays, timers, counters, shift registers, sequencers and data handling.
    –Develop functional block diagram, instruction list, structured text andsequential function chart programs.
    •References
    –W. Bolton, Programmable Logic Control, 4th Ed.

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  • Teaching Activities

    Quiz 1

    Quiz 2

    Quiz 3

    Quiz 4

    Quiz 5


    Assignment 1: Mini Research

    Assignment 2: Open Ended Mini Project


    Past Year Question

    Mid Term Question Sem I 2015/2016

    Mid Term Question Sem I 2016/2017

    Final Question Sem I 2015/2016

    Final Question Sem I 2016/2017