Immersive PLC Programming Workshop: Combinational and Sequential Logic
Next offering expected Summer 2025
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Hosted on campus in Marquette's Engineering Hall
Investment: $2,000 registration fee
Interested in hearing about the next offering? Email Dr. Jacob Rice.
LOOKING FOR ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY? EXPLORE OUR MOTION CONTROL WORKSHOP
Learn on a real industrial Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) in an experiential environment
Hosted by the Opus College of Engineering's Flexible Assembly Systems Network (FASN) Advanced Manufacturing Center
Looking to develop a new skill set and confidence with control systems and PLC programming? Marquette's Immersive PLC Programming Workshop: Combinational and Sequential logic will guide engineering professionals through PLC programming topics with hands-on activities using a real PLC connected to hardware with sensors and actuators. Participants will learn how to formulate behavioral requirements for automation systems and convert those requirements into programming instructions.
Each participant will apply presented concepts on their individual PLC while working in a small community of other professionals in a shared learning environment. Upon completion, participants will be able to program PLCs using combinational and sequential logic to implement a large class of automation systems.
The lessons and activities in this two-day experience are designed for engineering and manufacturing professionals interested in gaining experience in PLC programming and industrial control systems. The activities are designed to push participants, but content will be accessible to engineering and technical professionals.
“
This workshop was just the perfect blend of application and theory. Making a real-world problem an abstract set of ideas on paper really made me think of the challenges I have at work in a different light, and I can't wait to directly take what I learned here and apply it."
- Richard C., Electronics Project Engineer
Benefits:
- Gain hands-on experience with a real industrial PLC and greater exposure to control systems
- Learn fundamental principles and practice critical thinking skills
- Build your confidence by applying concepts in a low-risk environment alongside Marquette experts
- Practice individually with one PLC per participant in a community of motivated professionals
Facilitators:
- Dr. Joseph Schimmels, Robert C. Greenheck Chair in Design and Manufacturing, Professor of Mechanical Engineering
- Dr. Jacob Rice, Managing Director of the Flexible Assembly Systems Network (FASN) Advanced Manufacturing Center
Topics:
Expand all | Collapse all
To start this session, participants will explore combinational logic in a ladder logic program environment, specifically covering logical operations, truth tables, and Boolean algebra manipulation. This session will also explore software perspectives on ladder logic, including ladder logic as computer instructions and use of internal variables.
Critical thinking programming activity: implement (partial) manual controls for a simple control system.
Sequential Logic - latching
In this session, participants will explore PLC scan cycles, seal-in circuits, and set/reset instructions.
In this session, participants will explore different types of interlocks, participate in hands-on exercises, and share ideas in a group discussion.
Critical thinking programming activity: implement (full) manual controls for a system using separate "start" and "stop" inputs.
In this opening session on Day 2, participants will explore unexpected behaviors associated with sequential processing of logical instructions, timing diagrams, and signal edge detection.
Critical thinking programming activity: augment the previously developed manual controls to make them more robust and user-friendly.
In this session, participants will explore the use of state diagrams and statecharts as tools for formulating desired system behavior, as well as develop systematic methods to convert statecharts into ladder logic programs.
Critical thinking programming activity: construct a statechart to fully describe the desired system behavior.
In this session, participants will complete additional exercises and participate in a final discussion.
Critical thinking programming activity: add semi-automatic/full-automatic modes to the previously developed system.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Expand all | Collapse all
A registration link button will be made available when registration is open.
Once submitted, we will review registration details before sharing payment details via email. This process is designed to ensure individuals who are not a fit or may struggle in the program can be contacted directly before submitting payment.
Who is this workshop designed for?
This workshop is designed for engineering and manufacturing professionals interested in gaining experience in PLC programming and industrial control systems. The activities are designed to push participants, but content will be accessible to engineering and technical professionals. If you have any questions about the experience or course, please email us here.
Is there any prerequisite experience?
There is no specific prerequisite technical experience required. The content will be most accessible to professionals with an engineering degree or a technical degree in mechanical, electrical or computer fields. If you have any questions about the experience or if you are a fit, please email us here.
What is the investment in the program?
The registration cost is $2,000 for one participant in the two-day workshop. This registration includes parking, lunches, refreshments, and access to a laptop, PLC, a "mini-factory," and course materials.
Is technology provided? Do I need to bring anything?
A laptop, PLC, and a "mini-factory" will be provided for all participants to use during the workshop.
Handouts and worksheets will also be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own notebooks for additional notes.
Questions? Contact Dr. Jacob Rice (jacob.rice@marquette.edu)
