Course Overview
This course introduces the fundamentals of Siemens S7-300 PLCs, focusing on hardware configuration, programming, and troubleshooting. Participants will learn to use STEP 7 software to create, test, and optimize simple automation solutions. The training combines theoretical concepts with hands-on exercises to build a strong foundation in industrial automation.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will:
1. Understand PLC fundamentals and familiarize participants with Siemens S7-300 components and functionality.
2. Understand the architecture and components of Siemens S7-300 PLCs.
3. Learn how to navigate and use Siemens Step 7 programming software.
4. Configure hardware and assign I/O addresses in STEP 7.
5. Develop and test basic programs using Ladder Logic.
6. Implement timers, counters, and program control instructions.
7. Diagnose and troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
8. Gain practical experience with real-world automation examples.
Target group: Operation, Installation and Maintenance of PLC control systems technician/Engineers.
Prerequisites: Basic Knowledge in electrical/electronics
Duration: Five (5) days
Methodology: Lectures complemented by hands-on exercises using Siemens S7 PLC Hardware & Simulators/Software.
Module 1: Introduction to PLC and Siemens S7-300
PLC Fundamentals
- What is a PLC?
- Advantages of PLC over traditional control systems.
- Overview of industrial automation and Introduction to Siemens S7-300
- Hardware overview: CPU, power supply, modules, and racks.
- Key features and specifications of the S7-300.
- Differences between S7-300 and other Siemens PLCs (S7-1200, S7-1500).
- System Components and Assembly; and Identifying components of the S7-300.
- Setting up a simple PLC system: assembling and wiring.
- Powering the PLC and basic troubleshooting.
- Practical Session; Hands-on hardware assembly and wiring of S7-300.
- Power-up checks and diagnostics.
Module 2: Introduction to Step 7 Software and Programming Basics
- Introduction to Siemens Step 7 Software
- Overview of the software environment.
- Creating a new project and configuring hardware in Step 7.
- Communication setup between PC and PLC.
- Basic Programming Concepts
- PLC programming languages overview: LAD (Ladder), STL (Statement List), and FBD (Function Block Diagram).
- Understanding bits, bytes, words, and data blocks.
- Overview of program blocks: OB (Organization Blocks), FC (Function), FB (Function Blocks), and DB (Data Blocks).
- Practical Session: Configuring hardware and communication in Step 7.
- Writing and simulating a simple ladder logic program.
Module 3: Intermediate Programming and PLC Functions
- Intermediate Programming Concepts
- Logical operations: AND, OR, NOT.
- Timer functions: TON (On-Delay Timer), TOF (Off-Delay Timer), and TP (Pulse Timer).
- Counter functions: Up counters, down counters, and combined counters.
- Understanding PLC Memory and Addressing
- Input/Output addressing.
- Memory types: M (Markers), I (Inputs), Q (Outputs), and DB (Data Blocks).
- Use of flags and data registers.
- Practical Session: Developing programs with timers and counters.
- Testing programs on a simulator or real hardware.
Module 4: Advanced Programming and Diagnostics
- Use of structured programming (modular programming with FCs and FBs).
- Analog signal processing basics.
- Introduction to PID control loops.
- Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
- Understanding diagnostic tools in Step 7.
- Interpreting error messages and system diagnostics.
- Online monitoring and forcing inputs/outputs for debugging.
- Practical Session: Writing modular programs with FCs and FBs.
- Debugging and troubleshooting sample programs.
Module 5: Application Development and Final Project
- Application Design
- Designing a control system (e.g. conveyor system, traffic light system, tank level control).
- Combining digital and analog inputs/outputs.
- Programming and Testing
- Writing a complete program for the chosen application.
- Simulating and testing the program.
- Final project