Integrated Simulation And Assessment Software For Programmable Logic Controller Laboratory Instruction

Providing students with engaging laboratory experiences in sequential process control is challenging. Simple training devices that use lights and switches to teach basic principles fail to capture the complex interactions of industrial processes. Scale model process simulators are bulky and expensive to purchase and maintain in an educational environment. Laboratory exercises that represent process control responses accurately and engage students visually are the most relevant. Realistic industrial processes demonstrate typical automation systems to expand student programmable logic controller knowledge. This paper presents process simulation and assessment software for gathering student performance data. Students develop programs that reproduce control actions demonstrated by the software. An associated assessment module tests student understanding. Results from a student survey measuring the software effectiveness indicate the value of this laboratory experience as a learning tool.