Introduction to ControlLogix Level 2 Training
ControlLogix Level 2 Training is for those who have completed Level 1 (Maintenance and Troubleshooting). This includes troubleshooting data across PLC systems, Indirect Addressing, Function Blocks, and PID. You will also learn how to navigate Add-On instructions.
ControlLogix Level 1 Review
Typically, we’ll start with a review of the ControlLogix Level 1 course. This will include hardware and communications. Additionally, we’ll review configuration of the local chassis, and remote chassis. After that, we’ll review how to locate outputs in a project, and navigate through the logic.
Advanced Usage of JSR
Typically, we use the JSR instruction to jump to subroutines. Programmers typically organize subroutines into various categories for ease of troubleshooting. However, the JSR can also pass parameters. This allows the programmer to use a subroutine as a function. Effectively, a subroutine could act as an instruction by passing parameters. Prior to version 16 of RSLogix, programmers would use this method to reduce programming time.
Add-On Instructions
Add-On instructions allow the programmer to write their own instructions. For example, a programmer might create a “valve” instruction. Once they create the instruction, they might use this instruction for every valve. Add-On instructions have been available since version 16 of RSLogix 5000. Students will create a simple add-on instruction. After that, we’ll practice navigating the logic behind the add-on instructions.
Indirect Addressing
Indirect addressing allows you to have a variable address. This can save time in programming by performing logic on entire arrays. It also saves memory. On the other hand, indirect addressing is difficult to troubleshoot. Students will learn how to interpret indirect addressing, as well as navigate through logic that takes advantage of this feature.
Function Blocks
Function blocks are becoming more popular. Basically, function blocks are a graphic way to view a program. For example, we might have an analog input. Graphically, you see the flow of information through a scale, and into a PID. Likewise, we will see the flow of information out of the PID. At this point, the information might go through a scale block. After that, the signal might flow to a real world analog output channel. In ControlLogix Level 2 training, we’ll cover bitwise instructions. At the same time, we will cover word level instructions as well.
Producer/Consumer and Messaging
These are ways that processors share information with each other. One reason for this if for systems to share their status. For example, if a conveyor slows down, it might need to share that information with another part of the system. This avoids product pile up. Producer consumer is deterministic. In other words, we can guarantee the update time. Producer/Consumer also happens at the tag level. Another method of communication is messaging. We will set up messaging in our logic. Students will understand how to decipher the path of a message instruction. Additionally, how data is obtained or sent to another processor on the network.
PID (Proportional Integral, and Derivative)
We use PID in closed loop systems. For example, we need to maintain a constant pressure or temperature. PID reads the feedback from the system. At this point, it will decide how much output to provide. This output should be just enough to achieve the setpoint quickly. This happens even when there are disturbances in the system. Students will learn tuning methods for setting the gains in the PID controller. They will learn what adjustments to make when the loop becomes unstable. Likewise, they will learn to make adjustments if the PID loop responds too slowly.
Summary
In short, this class covers many advanced features that you might be using in your plant projects. We will customize this course according to your own training needs. Additionally, we’ll use your own plant logic as examples in the class. Students need to know how what they learn applies directly to what they need to know.
— Ricky Bryce