Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text
Coursera · Packt · Updated
AI Tutor Rating
8.3/10
Duration
6 weeks, 4 hours/week
Classes
35
Master advanced PLC programming techniques using Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, and Structured Text languages. This course provides in-depth knowledge of industrial automation programming paradigms and best practices for complex control systems.
Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text on Coursera is a six-week course designed for automation professionals seeking to deepen their PLC programming skills. The course covers advanced techniques across three key industrial languages, Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, and Structured Text, with a focus on complex control systems. It serves technicians, engineers, and programmers who already have a basic understanding of PLC concepts and want to master multi-language programming for industrial automation.
What you'll learn in Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text
Our Review of Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text
The structure of Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text is built around a six-week schedule with 35 lectures, suggesting a methodical progression through its three core programming paradigms. The teaching format, delivered by Packt on Coursera, is lecture-based, which is typical for conveying programming syntax and design principles. The course's depth is signaled by its 'advanced' title and prerequisite of basic PLC knowledge, indicating it moves beyond introductory concepts to tackle optimization, debugging, and the implementation of complex automation tasks across multiple languages.
The learning outcomes and curriculum suggest a learner who completes this course will be able to write sophisticated Ladder Logic, design control logic with Function Block Diagrams, and develop programs in Structured Text. The practical skills emphasized include code optimization for performance and maintainability, as well as troubleshooting multi-language applications, which are critical for real-world industrial systems. The pricing model, offering free auditing and a $49 certificate, provides flexibility, allowing professionals to access the content for skill development without a financial barrier, while the paid certificate offers formal recognition for those needing it for career advancement.
Pros and cons of Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text
Pros
- Covers three essential PLC programming languages (Ladder, FBD, Structured Text) in a single course
- Focuses on advanced, practical outcomes like code optimization and multi-language debugging
- Free to audit model makes the core educational content accessible to all
- Structured six-week format with clear weekly time commitment aids planning
- Certificate option at $49 provides affordable formal recognition
Things to consider
- Requires a basic understanding of PLC concepts, not suitable for complete beginners
- Lecture-based format may lack hands-on simulator or hardware practice
- Advanced focus means foundational topics in each language are not covered
Who should take Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text?
This course is best for industrial automation technicians or control systems engineers who already work with PLCs and need to advance their skills specifically in writing, integrating, and troubleshooting programs using Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, and Structured Text. It fits those seeking a structured, theory-focused curriculum to understand advanced paradigms and best practices for complex control systems.
Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text at a glance
| Provider | Coursera |
|---|---|
| Instructor | Packt |
| Level | Advanced |
| Time to complete | 6 weeks, 4 hours/week |
| Pricing | Free to audit, $49 for certificate |
| Certificate | Certificate |
| Prerequisites | Basic understanding of PLC concepts |
Fit
Best for
Not ideal for
The bottom line on Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text
Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text delivers focused, advanced training on three key PLC languages, making it a strong value for upskilling professionals, especially with its free audit option. The main trade-off is the lack of hands-on lab components, so learners should be prepared to apply the concepts in their own work environment.
Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text: frequently asked questions
What exactly does the Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text course teach?
The Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text course teaches you to write advanced PLC programs using Ladder Logic, design and implement control logic with Function Block Diagrams, and develop complex automation tasks in Structured Text, with additional focus on code optimization and multi-language debugging.
What background do I need before taking this PLC programming course?
You need a basic understanding of PLC concepts before taking Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text, as it is an advanced course that builds upon foundational knowledge rather than teaching it from scratch.
How much does the Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text certificate cost and is it worth it?
The certificate for Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text costs $49. It is worth it if you require formal proof of completion for your resume or employer, as you can audit the full course content for free without it.
How does this Coursera course compare to other PLC training that might include hands-on simulators?
Compared to PLC courses with integrated simulators, Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text focuses on lecture-based instruction in programming paradigms and best practices, so you will need to apply the concepts separately in a practical environment.
What is the best way to get the most out of this advanced PLC programming course?
To get the most from Advanced Programming With Ladder, FBD, Structured Text, commit to the suggested 4 hours per week for 6 weeks, take notes on the 35 lectures, and actively practice the programming techniques on real or simulated PLC hardware alongside the lessons.