The PROFIBUS Competence Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in the UK has introduced a new 3-day short course covering Open-PLC programming using the international standard IEC 61131-3.

The course is designed for Engineers and Technicians who want to gain a recognised qualification in open-PLC programming using IEC 61131-3. No prior experience of PLC programming is necessary, however, the course is also equally well suited for experienced Programmers who wish to move to IEC 61131-3 compliant systems.

A multiple-choice written test at the end of the course ensures that the attendees understand the material and are competent in applying IEC 61131-3. Successful candidates will be awarded Certified Open-PLC Engineer status.

About IEC 61131

Why should I attend this course?

Until recently, the manufacturers of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) developed their own programming languages. This situation has in the past tended to lock users to a particular manufacturer because of existing software, maintenance and training etc. The international standard, IEC 61131-3, published in 1992, provides the open standard for programming of a wide range of industrial control systems in a universal, vendor-independent way. The majority of PLC systems are now programmed using IEC 61131-3 languages.

Is IEC 61131 just another PLC programming language?

Definitely not! The standard incorporates five different approaches to programming control systems, each as a simple language aimed at a particular type of problem or application area. IEC 61131-3 standardises the programming across different types of control system and different manufacturers (for example: programmable drives, intelligent sensors, SCADA packages, process controllers etc)

The advantages of IEC 1131-3 programming extend far beyond standardised, compatible programming: Each of the languages is simple, yet can be combined with the other languages in a rich variety of ways to produce good-quality, readable code. The standard brings software engineering techniques to the realm of control system programming, promoting well-structured, modular software. The result is a significant reduction in the number of programming errors, reusable code and more reliable and maintainable software. Many end-users now require that their control systems be programmed using IEC 61131-3.

Members of The PROFIBUS Group are entitled to discounted prices.

Manchester Metropolitan University

Faculty of Science & Engineering John Dalton Building M1 5GD Manchester UNITED KINGDOM +44 (0)161 247 6273 +44 (0)161 247 6326 a.verwer@mmu.ac.uk

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is the home of the UK\'s accredited Profibus Competence Centre. The Faculty offers a fully equipped Profibus workshop and can provide all the advice and assistance a potential user would need. It operates a number of regular Profibus training courses including: Certified PROFIBUS Engineer DP (Also available on-site for up to 8 people) - 3 1/2 days Engineers wishing to build their careers around PROFIBUS, companies wanting to benchmark their technical staff or consultants seeking a recognised professional qualification in industrial networking can now train for Certified PROFIBUS Engineer status. Certified PROFIBUS Engineer Process Automation Module - 1 day Extra day for Engineers that wish to extend their knowledge and accreditation to include Process Automation. Must be booked in conjunction with Certified PROFIBUS Engineer course (above). Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course (Also available on-site for up to 12) - 1 day An essential course for electrical engineers and technicians needing to upgrade their skills to include fieldbus installation. This one-day, hands-on course teaches the design, installation and testing of complete PROFIBUS networks including DP/FMS, PA and optical fibre technology. Covering bus layout and termination, grounding rules and practices, the course will teach delegates how to avoid common, but potentially expensive, installation problems. PROFIBUS Maintenance Technician Course (Also available on-site for up to 8 people) - 1 day A new one-day course designed as an add-on to the Certified PROFIBUS Installer Course. Covering the practical techniques of faultfinding on “operational” PROFIBUS networks. Techniques taught on the course include the use of a modern PROFIBUS analyser and Class-II master (engineering tool) to diagnose network faults, device faults and I/O problems. Students also learn how to use a soft digital storage oscilloscope in conjunction with these tools to diagnose and accurately locate cable, connection and device faults. Certified Open-PLC Engineer Training (Also available on-site for up to 8 people) - 3 days The PROFIBUS Competence Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in the UK has introduced a 3 day course covering Open-PLC programming using the international standard IEC 61131-3. The course is designed for Engineers and Technicians who want to gain a recognised qualification in open-PLC programming using IEC 61131-3. No prior experience of PLC programming is necessary; however, the course is also equally well suited for experienced Programmers who wish to move to IEC 61131-3 compliant systems. PROFIBUS Consultancy The PROFIBUS Competence Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University also offers a range of services for PROFIBUS users including on-site consultancy and fault-finding. Contact uk@profibus.com for further details Bookings for MMU\'s Profibus training courses are made through Bob Squirrell at The PROFIBUS Group: Email The PROFIBUS Group on by phone on 020 7871 7413; or for further information on MMU\'s services and facilities email Andy Verwer, Principal Lecturer.