Basics of PLC

Course overview

Uplatz provides this comprehensive course on VLSI, PLC, Microcontrollers, and Assembly Language. It is a self-paced course with recorded video lectures. You will be awarded Course Completion Certificate at the end of the course.

The technique of producing an integrated circuit (IC) by merging thousands of transistors into a single chip is known as very-large-scale integration (VLSI). When complicated semiconductor and communication technologies were being developed in the 1970s, VLSI was born. A VLSI device is used as the microprocessor. The electronics sector has grown at a breakneck pace in recent decades, thanks to fast developments in large-scale integration technologies and system design applications. The number of uses of integrated circuits (ICs) in high-performance computing, controls, telecommunications, image and video processing, and consumer electronics has increased dramatically since the introduction of very large-scale integration (VLSI) designs.

The PLC collects data from linked sensors or input devices, processes it, and then activates outputs based on preset settings. A PLC can monitor and record run-time data such as machine productivity or operating temperature, start and stop operations automatically, create alerts if a machine fails, and more, depending on the inputs and outputs. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are a versatile and reliable control solution that may be used in practically any situation.

An assembly language is a low-level programming language designed to interface directly with the hardware of a computer. Assembly languages, unlike machine language, which uses binary and hexadecimal letters, are intended to be read by people. In contrast to most high-level programming languages, which are often portable across many platforms, assembly language is a low-level programming language for a computer or other programmable device that is specialised to a single computer architecture. A utility software known as an assembler, such as NASM, MASM, and others, converts assembly language into executable machine code.

VLSI chips are used in practically all digital systems nowadays, therefore knowing contemporary logic architecture is essential for chip manufacture. This course introduces students to the principles of back-end VLSI design as well as numerous computer-aided design (CAD) tools and processes.

Develop abstractions to design and reason about complicated digital systems by learning about MOS transistors and IC manufacturing. Learn how to model and synthesise gates, as well as how to validate complicated hardware and software systems. Examine the most important aspects of VLSI design, including as manufacturing and layout, timing, power reduction, testing, and debugging.

A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. A typical microcontroller includes a processor, memory and input/output (I/O) peripherals on a single chip.

Sometimes referred to as an embedded controller or microcontroller unit (MCU), microcontrollers are found in vehicles, robots, office machines, medical devices, mobile radio transceivers, vending machines and home appliances, among other devices. They are essentially simple miniature personal computers (PCs) designed to control small features of a larger component, without a complex front-end operating system (OS).

How do microcontrollers work?

A microcontroller is embedded inside of a system to control a singular function in a device. It does this by interpreting data it receives from its I/O peripherals using its central processor. The temporary information that the microcontroller receives is stored in its data memory, where the processor accesses it and uses instructions stored in its program memory to decipher and apply the incoming data. It then uses its I/O peripherals to communicate and enact the appropriate action.

Microcontrollers are used in a wide array of systems and devices. Devices often utilize multiple microcontrollers that work together within the device to handle their respective tasks.

For example, a car might have many microcontrollers that control various individual systems within, such as the anti-lock braking system, traction control, fuel injection or suspension control. All the microcontrollers communicate with each other to inform the correct actions. Some might communicate with a more complex central computer within the car, and others might only communicate with other microcontrollers. They send and receive data using their I/O peripherals and process that data to perform their designated tasks.