ISA Introduces Three New Courses For Automation And Instrumentation Technicians

The International Society of Automation (ISA) recently announces the introduction of three new courses for automation and instrumentation technicians:

• PLC Fundamentals for the Technical Professional (TC40)
• Electrical Controls for the Control Systems Technician (TI23)
• Extreme Instrumentality: Electrical to Instrumentation Cross Training Boot Camp (XTBC)

Outlined below are descriptions and other important information on each course.

PLC Fundamentals for the Technical Professional (TC40) 
This course, conducted over four and one-half days, focuses on the role the programmable logic controller plays in the design of a control system and how proper selection, installation and maintenance can reduce operating costs and improve performance. It furnishes the technical expertise necessary to install and perform routine programming and maintenance, and apply proper troubleshooting and configuration techniques.

• Upon completion of this course, students can expect to be able to:
• Define terminology, software/hardware and demonstrate the concept of configuration
• Determine the necessary calculations and conversions using the binary, decimal, octal and hexadecimal number systems
• Apply correct programming, editing and documentation procedures
• Implement ladder logic instructions including: XIC, XIO, OTE, OSR, OTL, OTU, TON, TOF, RTO, RES, CTU, CTD, MOV, and COP
• Demonstrate the use of BCD and the seven-segment display, data manipulation, math, force function, multipoint and online editing
• Describe digital logic circuits and numbering systems
• Explain the operation of programmable logic controllers
• Convert ladder diagrams into programming schemes
• Incorporate timers and counters utilizing programmable logic controllers
• Execute and evaluate developed programming
• Install, maintain, repair or replace voltage to current (E/I), current to voltage (I/E), digital to analog, (D/A), and analog to digital (A/D) transducers
• Install and maintain electronic, digital and variable frequency drive (VFD) or variable speed drive (VSD) motor controllers
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, repair or replace PLC and process control networks

For more detail on the topics covered; classroom/laboratory exercises; course locations, dates and times; and how to register, visit the TC40 course page (https://www.isa.org/training-certifications/isa-training/instructor-led/course-descriptions/tc40/).

Electrical Controls for the Control Systems Technician (TI23) 
This course, conducted over four and one-half days, focuses on electrical controls that are frequently overlooked in a formal training program. The content begins with Ohm's Law and covers content all the way through technical troubleshooting aspects. The course is geared toward any level technician who wants a thorough review of electrical process concepts to reinforce his or her knowledge of basic electricity and develop skills required to install and maintain electrical control devices.

Upon completion of this course, students can expect to be able to:

• Use proper terminology and electrical symbols
• Describe the basics of power distribution
• Check various control devices for proper operation
• Make proper electrical connections
• Describe the purpose of control relays for various applications
• Explain the function of timing and counting relays.
• Apply schematics, wiring diagrams and electrical ladder logic to commission, troubleshoot and maintain electrical controls such as switches, pushbuttons, selector switches, solenoids, timing relays, counters, basic motion and speed control devices.
• Use electrical control devices to control the operation and failure modes for valve control applications.

Note that completion of ISA’s Electrical Systems and Principles (TI15) course or equivalent work experience is a pre-requisite for registering for this course.

For more detail on the topics covered; classroom/laboratory exercises; course locations, dates and times; and how to register, visit the TI23 course page (https://www.isa.org/training-certifications/isa-training/instructor-led/course-descriptions/ti23/).

Extreme Instrumentality: Electrical to Instrumentation Cross Training Boot Camp (XTBC)
This course, a fast-paced boot camp conducted over four and one-half days, focuses on the knowledge and skills-set required to function as an instrument maintenance technician. The electrical skills-set possessed by a trained electrician serves as the basis for expansion to include the skills-set required to maintain an instrument control system. Process measurement techniques, measurement and control equipment, calibrations techniques and calibration equipment will be discussed and utilized in numerous hands-on lab sessions. The knowledge and skills gained from completing this class will enable students to become valued members of an I&E maintenance team.

Who should attend?

• Electricians assigned the additional responsibilities of instrument maintenance
• Technicians with electrical skills cross training into the instrument discipline
• Supervisors needing to audit/evaluate a cross training program for their employees

Course objectives:

• Introduce students to instrument documentation for proper document interpretation
• Review physics terminology and definitions, math functions, and engineering unit assignments as used in the instrumentation field
• Introduce instrument calibration equipment and its proper utilization
• Discuss process control and measurement fundamentals and related equipment
• Discuss analog/digital transmission signals
• Relay proper use of HART communicators
• Discuss process control valve elements, makeup and function
• Provide proper calibration techniques for transmitters and control valves
• Practice loop wiring connections, calibrations, equipment configurations/operations
• Discuss instrument troubleshooting techniques
• Discuss process control fundamentals

Upon completion of this course, students can expect to be able to:

• Interpret P&ID documentation
• Explain the PID tuning process
• Utilize various process calibrators
• Properly design and construct a current (4-20 mA) loop
• Analyze and troubleshoot a current loop for proper operation
• Connect, test and calibrate various electronic analog transmitters
• Connect, configure, test and calibrate various digital (Smart) transmitters
• Test and calibrate an I/P
• Hook up, test and calibrate a pneumatic valve positioner
• Configure, test and calibrate a digital valve controller (DVC)

For more detail on the topics covered; classroom/laboratory exercises; course locations, dates and times; and how to register, visit the XTBC course page (https://www.isa.org/instructor-led-training/isa-intensive-boot-camp-technical-training-courses/xtbc/).

About ISA Education & Training
ISA is recognized worldwide as a leader in non-biased, vendor-neutral education and training programs for automation professionals. Industry professionals—whether an experienced engineer, practicing technician, or newcomer to the industry—can hone their skills at ISA’s regional training centers, through onsite training programs at their company, or via distance education.

About ISA
The International Society of Automation is a nonprofit professional association that sets the standard for those who apply engineering and technology to improve the management, safety, and cybersecurity of modern automation and control systems used across industry and critical infrastructure. Founded in 1945, ISA develops widely used global standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; hosts conferences and exhibits; and provides networking and career development programs for its 36,000 members and 350,000 customers around the world. For more information, visit www.isa.org.

ISA owns Automation.com, a leading online publisher of automation-related content, and is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org), an association of non-profit organizations serving as “The Voice of Automation.” Through a wholly owned subsidiary, ISA bridges the gap between standards and their implementation with the ISA Security Compliance Institute (www.isasecure.org) and the ISA Wireless Compliance Institute (www.isa100wci.org).