Allen Bradley Micro850 PLC with IIoT

Learn PLC programming from Scratch using Connected Component Workbench and experience how to connect PLC to IIoT World
⏱️ Length: 26.2 total hours
⭐ 4.58/5 rating
👥 824 students
🔄 May 2024 update

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Course Overview
- This comprehensive course serves as a critical bridge between traditional industrial automation and the cutting-edge realm of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), focusing specifically on Allen Bradley’s Micro850 Programmable Logic Controllers. It is meticulously designed for individuals eager to establish a robust foundation in modern control systems, moving beyond theoretical concepts to practical, real-world application. Participants will delve into the intricacies of Micro850 hardware and software, understanding its pivotal role in contemporary manufacturing and process control. The curriculum emphasizes a hands-on approach to system integration, exploring how these compact yet powerful PLCs can be seamlessly connected to a broader IIoT ecosystem. By mastering the synergy between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), students will gain invaluable insights into creating smart, data-driven automation solutions. This course provides a clear pathway for aspiring automation engineers and technicians to navigate the evolving landscape of connected factories, smart facilities, and predictive maintenance strategies, ensuring relevance and competency in an increasingly digitized industrial world.
Requirements / Prerequisites
- While the course starts “from Scratch,” a fundamental understanding of basic computer operations, file management, and navigating graphical user interfaces is beneficial. No prior experience with PLC programming or industrial automation is assumed or required, making it accessible to complete beginners.
- Access to a personal computer (Windows OS recommended) capable of running the Connected Component Workbench software, which will be downloaded and installed free of charge during the course. Adequate RAM (8GB or more) and processor speed are advisable for optimal software performance.
- A stable internet connection is necessary for accessing course materials, software downloads, and engaging with online learning resources.
- An inquisitive mindset and a genuine interest in how industrial machines work, combined with a desire to learn about the technological advancements driving Industry 4.0, will greatly enhance the learning experience.
- While not strictly mandatory for software practice, a basic understanding of electrical safety and components could prove advantageous for grasping the concepts related to PLC wiring and industrial electrical diagrams.
Skills Covered / Tools Used
- Core Automation System Design: Develop the ability to conceptualize, design, and implement control sequences for various industrial applications, understanding the logical flow required for automated processes.
- Industrial Communication Protocols Mastery: Beyond basic connectivity, gain a deep understanding of Modbus TCP/IP architecture, including master/slave configurations, data registers, and troubleshooting common communication issues in an industrial network environment.
- Data Acquisition and Pre-processing for IIoT: Learn methodologies for efficiently acquiring process data from the PLC, interpreting raw sensor inputs, and performing initial data manipulation or conditioning before it is transmitted to higher-level systems.
- Edge Computing Fundamentals: Explore how the Micro850 PLC, in conjunction with tools like Node-RED, can function as an edge device, performing data aggregation, filtering, and local decision-making before sending curated information to the cloud.
- User Interface and Visualization Development: Acquire skills in creating custom dashboards and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) using Node-RED, allowing for intuitive monitoring, control, and real-time visualization of industrial processes without needing proprietary SCADA software.
- API Integration Strategies: Understand the principles of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) in an IIoT context, learning how to leverage RESTful services to push and pull data from web-based applications or cloud platforms, enabling seamless data exchange between OT and IT systems.
- System Diagnostics and Debugging: Enhance troubleshooting capabilities by learning to interpret PLC fault codes, analyze program logic for errors, and use software tools to trace execution paths for efficient problem resolution in live systems.
- Virtual Prototyping and Simulation: Utilize platforms like Simumatik to simulate complex industrial processes, allowing for virtual testing and validation of PLC programs and control strategies in a risk-free environment before deployment on physical hardware.
- Cyber-physical System Integration: Gain insights into the architectural considerations for merging physical industrial processes with digital computation, enabling the creation of smart factories where components communicate and collaborate intelligently.
- Tools Used: Allen Bradley Connected Component Workbench (developer environment), Allen Bradley Micro850 series PLCs (theoretical and practical application), Simumatik (industrial simulation platform), Node-RED (visual programming for IIoT and data orchestration), Generic SCADA systems (interface concepts), Modbus TCP/IP (communication protocol), RESTful APIs (web service integration).
Benefits / Outcomes
- Enhanced Employability in Industry 4.0: Position yourself as a highly sought-after professional in the rapidly growing fields of industrial automation, control systems engineering, and IIoT development, with practical skills immediately applicable to real-world projects.
- Design and Implement Smart Automation Solutions: Gain the confidence to conceptualize, program, and deploy automated systems that not only control machinery but also intelligently connect to the internet, providing valuable operational insights.
- Bridging the OT-IT Gap: Develop a comprehensive understanding of how operational technology (PLCs) can effectively communicate and integrate with information technology (cloud platforms, databases), a crucial skill for modern industrial environments.
- Optimize Industrial Processes: Acquire the knowledge to implement data-driven strategies for process optimization, predictive maintenance, and energy management, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings in industrial settings.
- Career Advancement and Specialization: Lay a solid foundation for specializing in advanced automation roles, becoming a key contributor to digital transformation initiatives within manufacturing, utilities, and other industrial sectors.
- Practical Problem-Solving Prowess: Cultivate a practical, problem-solving mindset, enabling you to diagnose issues in complex industrial control systems and develop innovative solutions using a combination of PLC programming and IIoT technologies.
- Build and Manage Connected Factories: Understand the architectural principles required to build and manage components of a connected factory, where devices, machines, and systems communicate seamlessly to achieve higher levels of automation and intelligence.
- Foundation for Advanced Learning: This course serves as an excellent stepping stone for further exploration into advanced topics such as machine learning for predictive analytics, cybersecurity in industrial control systems, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration.
PROS
- Highly Relevant and Up-to-date Content: The May 2024 update ensures the course material is current with the latest industrial practices and technological advancements in the IIoT space, providing learners with relevant and contemporary knowledge.
- Accessible Entry Point to Allen Bradley PLCs: By focusing on the Micro850 series and using the free Connected Component Workbench software, the course offers an affordable and practical gateway into the widely used Allen Bradley ecosystem without requiring significant initial investment in proprietary software.
- Strong Community and Proven Track Record: With an excellent 4.58/5 rating from 824 students, the course demonstrates a high level of student satisfaction and effective knowledge transfer, indicating a well-structured and beneficial learning experience supported by a growing community.
- Emphasis on Industry 4.0 Integration: The dedicated focus on connecting PLCs to the IIoT world, utilizing protocols like Modbus TCP/IP and APIs, directly addresses critical skills required for the digital transformation of industries, preparing students for future-proof careers.
- Comprehensive “From Scratch” Approach: The course caters to absolute beginners, meticulously guiding them through fundamental concepts before progressing to advanced topics, ensuring a strong foundational understanding for all participants regardless of prior experience.
CONS
- The full hands-on experience, particularly with physical wiring and direct PLC interaction, may be limited for those without access to an actual Micro850 PLC, potentially necessitating reliance on simulation tools for practical application.