Pideya Learning Academy

PLC Troubleshooting and Fault Analysis

Upcoming Schedules

  • Live Online Training
  • Classroom Training

Date Venue Duration Fee (USD)
20 Jan - 24 Jan 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
17 Feb - 21 Feb 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
05 May - 09 May 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
02 Jun - 06 Jun 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
18 Aug - 22 Aug 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
01 Sep - 05 Sep 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
13 Oct - 17 Oct 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750
08 Dec - 12 Dec 2025 Live Online 5 Day 2750

Course Overview

In today’s highly automated industrial landscape, the efficiency and reliability of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have become mission-critical to minimizing operational disruptions and maintaining process continuity. As automation systems grow more complex, the ability to swiftly diagnose and resolve PLC-related faults is a vital skill for engineering and maintenance teams. The PLC Troubleshooting and Fault Analysis training program by Pideya Learning Academy is designed to equip technical professionals with a structured approach to identifying, analyzing, and mitigating PLC issues across various industrial environments.
Global reliance on automation is intensifying. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global PLC market is projected to grow from USD 13.4 billion in 2023 to over USD 18 billion by 2030, driven by the expansion of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives. However, with increased complexity comes greater vulnerability. Aberdeen Strategy & Research estimates that unplanned downtime costs industrial manufacturers as much as USD 260,000 per hour. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for competent personnel who can proactively address automation system failures and reduce production risks.
This comprehensive training offers both foundational principles and advanced strategies in fault detection and analysis. Participants will explore PLC hardware components, signal flow, and fault origins within industrial control systems. A significant focus is placed on ladder logic interpretation and how to use this programming language to trace, isolate, and resolve faults. Additionally, the course delves into troubleshooting communication issues between devices, synchronization problems, and analyzing system logs for predictive insights.
A unique feature of the course is its emphasis on integrating structured diagnostic workflows, such as signal tracing, logic scanning, software error mapping, and component-level evaluation. These methodologies enable participants to identify the root causes of malfunctions and implement sustainable corrective actions. The training also includes exposure to industry-standard fault analysis tools and techniques that support data-driven decision-making.
Moreover, attendees will be introduced to emerging trends in PLC diagnostics such as remote monitoring, fault simulation modeling, and predictive maintenance frameworks. These insights allow participants to move beyond reactive troubleshooting and adopt a more proactive stance in system reliability management.
As part of Pideya Learning Academy’s commitment to excellence in industrial training, this program blends theoretical rigor with real-world relevance. Designed for a diverse audience of professionals, the training ensures that both entry-level technicians and experienced engineers find substantial value in enhancing their fault analysis capabilities.
Participants can expect to benefit from key highlights including:
In-depth exploration of various PLC fault types, causes, and their implications on process performance
Logical analysis methods to identify issues through ladder programming and system workflows
Application of diagnostic flags, status indicators, and fault logs for accurate issue identification
Communication error diagnostics involving protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP
Program optimization techniques to reduce recurrence of failures and improve operational stability
Introduction to predictive diagnostics and condition monitoring for future-ready fault prevention
Familiarity with widely-used troubleshooting tools and industrial automation software platforms
By the end of the PLC Troubleshooting and Fault Analysis training course, participants will have the ability to swiftly evaluate PLC-related incidents, reduce downtime, and contribute to higher system availability. The course reinforces Pideya Learning Academy’s mission of delivering future-oriented, skills-based education that directly supports workforce capability, technological adaptation, and process excellence in complex industrial environments.

Key Takeaways:

  • In-depth exploration of various PLC fault types, causes, and their implications on process performance
  • Logical analysis methods to identify issues through ladder programming and system workflows
  • Application of diagnostic flags, status indicators, and fault logs for accurate issue identification
  • Communication error diagnostics involving protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP
  • Program optimization techniques to reduce recurrence of failures and improve operational stability
  • Introduction to predictive diagnostics and condition monitoring for future-ready fault prevention
  • Familiarity with widely-used troubleshooting tools and industrial automation software platforms
  • In-depth exploration of various PLC fault types, causes, and their implications on process performance
  • Logical analysis methods to identify issues through ladder programming and system workflows
  • Application of diagnostic flags, status indicators, and fault logs for accurate issue identification
  • Communication error diagnostics involving protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP
  • Program optimization techniques to reduce recurrence of failures and improve operational stability
  • Introduction to predictive diagnostics and condition monitoring for future-ready fault prevention
  • Familiarity with widely-used troubleshooting tools and industrial automation software platforms

Course Objectives

After completing this Pideya Learning Academy training, the participants will learn:
How to interpret and analyze PLC system architecture and component interactions
Techniques to identify, trace, and resolve typical and complex PLC faults
Utilization of ladder logic for systematic fault isolation and resolution
Diagnosis of communication and synchronization issues in PLC networks
Strategies to optimize control programs and minimize failure recurrence
Methods to implement fault-prevention measures and performance enhancement
Application of industry standards in PLC troubleshooting and diagnostics
Integration of predictive diagnostics to reduce downtime and extend asset life

Personal Benefits

Participants attending this course will gain:
Proficiency in PLC fault diagnosis and troubleshooting techniques
Competence in reading and interpreting automation programs
Confidence in managing control system anomalies effectively
Enhanced value as a key technical asset within their teams
Exposure to latest developments in industrial automation diagnostics
Capability to implement solutions that improve plant performance

Organisational Benefits

Organizations that nominate participants to this course will benefit by:
Enhancing system reliability and minimizing costly downtimes
Building internal capacity for quick resolution of automation issues
Reducing maintenance costs and production interruptions
Supporting operational continuity and process optimization
Improving plant safety by addressing control system vulnerabilities
Enhancing technical skillsets aligned with digital transformation

Who Should Attend

This Pideya Learning Academy training program is ideal for professionals involved in industrial automation, system maintenance, and control system support, including:
Electrical Engineers
Control and Automation Technicians
Instrumentation Engineers
Maintenance and Operations Personnel
Industrial Electricians
Automation Supervisors
SCADA/PLC Support Teams
Technical Staff responsible for systems reliability

Course Outline

Module 1: Fundamentals of Industrial Automation and PLC Systems
Basic automation concepts and control systems Functional role of PLCs in automation Major components of a PLC system Input/output configurations and types Operational safety in control systems Industrial applications of PLCs
Module 2: PLC Hardware Architecture and Configuration
Types of PLC processors and I/O modules Signal types and wiring interfaces Memory layout and addressing structure Power supply systems and redundancy Communication ports and expansion modules Environmental and enclosure considerations
Module 3: Core Programming Concepts in PLCs
Programming structures and scan cycles Data types, tags, and memory allocation Bit, word, and double-word operations Addressing conventions and mapping Introduction to IEC 61131-3 programming languages Version control and code management
Module 4: Ladder Logic Programming and Implementation
Ladder logic syntax and interpretation Contact and coil operations Implementation of timers, counters, and comparators Latching and interlocking circuits Program modularization and reusability Fault-tolerant logic designs
Module 5: Structured Programming Approaches
Function Block Diagram (FBD) logic creation Instruction List (IL) programming overview Structured Text (ST) for complex calculations Sequential Function Charts (SFC) for process flows Creating and invoking custom function blocks Modular programming and libraries
Module 6: Communication Networks and Protocols
Industrial communication standards (Modbus, Profibus, Profinet) Fieldbus versus Ethernet-based networks Device addressing and baud rate settings Serial communication (RS-232/RS-485) Data integrity and signal encoding techniques Network diagnostics and monitoring
Module 7: System Diagnostics and Monitoring Tools
Use of LED indicators and diagnostics ports System status registers and fault codes Trend monitoring and trace analysis Remote access diagnostics Diagnostic data logging and archiving Hardware loop checks and system validation
Module 8: I/O Troubleshooting and Signal Integrity
Input/output module fault isolation Testing digital and analog signals Contact bounce and signal noise reduction Intermittent signal faults and grounding issues Shielding and cable routing best practices Diagnostic use of oscilloscopes and multimeters
Module 9: PLC Logic Debugging Techniques
Identifying logic conflicts and scanning errors Step-by-step logic verification Handling program execution delays Resolving memory overflow issues Logic simulation and breakpoint setup Recording logic sequences for analysis
Module 10: HMI and SCADA Integration with PLCs
HMI architecture and interface design Protocols for HMI-PLC communication Real-time data mapping and tag linking Alarm and trend configuration in HMI Troubleshooting HMI interaction failures Secure and efficient SCADA connectivity
Module 11: Fault Isolation and Root Cause Analysis
Structured troubleshooting workflows Cross-referencing logic and wiring diagrams Use of fishbone diagrams and 5-Whys analysis Diagnosing firmware and configuration mismatches Analyzing historical fault trends Documenting fault histories and resolutions
Module 12: Advanced Fault Diagnosis Techniques
Signal tracing under dynamic conditions Identifying processor-specific fault behavior Clock drift and synchronization issues Input debouncing and output failures Advanced communication error handling Diagnostic use of simulation environments
Module 13: Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Strategies
Inspection schedules and maintenance checklists Environmental impact mitigation techniques PLC system health monitoring tools Predictive analytics using PLC data System backup and recovery procedures Maintenance record-keeping practices
Module 14: PLC Performance Enhancement and Optimization
Performance benchmarking of PLC cycles Resource allocation and optimization Minimizing scan time and improving throughput Code optimization techniques Reducing memory usage and task delays Energy efficiency in PLC programming
Module 15: Industrial Use Cases and Application Scenarios
Sector-specific implementations (Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Utilities) Troubleshooting success stories and diagnostics Real-time system adaptation strategies Cross-platform integration examples Resilience building through redundancy Technology upgrades and migration paths

Have Any Question?

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