Improve Workforce Efficiency

Course #: 086062
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: AC Principles (Block A22); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn: Identify the type of Component Testers for such "piece parts" as Resistors, Capacitors and Inductors; Calculate Turns Ratio; Show the correct connection scheme for testing Diodes, SCRS, and Transistors; Relate proper Soldering and Desoldering techniques; Cite the safety procedures to be used when handling Electronic Chemicals and Lubricants.

Special Notes: This updated course replaces course B0105.

Course #: 086063
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: AC Principles (Block A22); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn: Cite the use of Binary Math in Digital Circuits; Identify various types of Gate Circuits; Explain the use of a Logic Probe; Relate the differences between an Oscilloscope and a Logic Analyzer.

Special Notes: This updated course replaces course B0106.

Course #: VB14XX
Duration: 1.32 hours
What Students Learn: This program provides reinforcement of important math skills and will be useful when placed in the curriculum as support of those basic skills. In some respects, this program is truly an "Applied Math" series, for it takes abstracts and shows their application as related to the field of electronics. There are no prerequisites for this program, though knowledge of Basic Electricity could prove helpful.
Components: Powers of Ten and Metric Prefixes (VB1401); Working with Ohm's Law (VB1402); Series Circuits and Ohm's Law (VB1403); Parallel Circuits and Ohm's Law (VB1404);

Course #: Block B23
Duration: 42 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn: This seven unit block provides a detailed theory into the workings of common electronic components and circuits. Different types of diodes, transistors, switching devices and tubes are covered. The trainee learns to perform circuit measurement tests and troubleshooting techniques for each component.
Components: Basic Semiconductor Components: Diodes (086019); Basic Semiconductor Components: Transistors (086020); Switching Devices (086021); Electronic Sensors (086022); Special Rectifiers: Electron Tubes (086023); Optoelectronic and Fiber Optic Components (086024); Electronics Hardware (086040);
Special Notes: This updated course replaces Electronic Components, Block B03. Each study unit contains a progress examination.

Course #: 086019
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

• Describe how diodes work in a rectifier and how to determine if they are working properly.
• Explain how different types of diodes function.
• List a variety of diode uses in electronic systems.
• List the characteristics that make a particular diode useful in a given situation.
• Know how a diode works with other components in an electronic circuit.
• Perform basic measurements in diode circuits, that will assist in troubleshooting tests.
• Select a proper diode for replacement in a circuit.
  

Course #: 086020
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

• Learn how transistors control the flow of electricity in a circuit.
• Describe the construction of bipolar transistors.
• Explain how the operation of bipolar transistors resembles that of the diode.
• Discuss how biopolar transistors can control and amplify current in a circuit.
• Describe the construction and operation of JFETs and MOSFETs.
• How to use an ohmmeter to perform basic tests on bipolar transistors.
• Perform basic troubleshooting measurements and calculations on circuits that contain amplifying devices.
  

Course #: 086021
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

• Learn how a switch changes:
  - voltage levels and current levels.
  - the DC polarity of the delivered voltage.
  - the direction of direct current.
  - from one delivered frequency to another.
• Describe how the above functions can be performed by mechanical switches or by electronic circuitry.
• List the advantages and disadvantages of various switch types and how they function..
• Analyze basic relay ladder diagrams.
• Explain how a diode can be used as a switch.
• Name some of the problems of diode switching.
• Describe how very rapid electronic switching is accomplished.
• Explain the circumstances in which a mechanical switch may be preferable to a rapid electronic switch.
  

Course #: 086022
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

• Learn how certain electronic components are used as sensors and as parts in control mechanisms.
• Explain what sensors and transducers do.
• Describe important thermoelectric effects.
• Learn how these types of transducers operate and the effects they cause; electromagnetic, electroacoustical. piezoelectric, photoelectric, and electromechanical.
• Explain the importance of a bridge circuit in certain types of electronic instrumentation.
• Describe how certain nonlinear resistors are used in circuits.
• Explain how certain components can be used as protection devices for circuits.
• Define the scientific terms stress and strain.
  

Course #: 086023
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

• Learn how electron tubes work and how to troubleshoot tubes when necessary.
• Identify the four different methods of obtaining electronic emission.
• Explain how vacuum tubes and gas-filled tubes operate.
• Learn how the following special purpose tubes work: Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), Transmitter Tubes, Image Orthicon Tubes, Vidicon Tubes.
• Describe how a triode uses a control grid to control electron flow.
• Explain why a screen grid is used in a tetrode.
• Describe the function of a suppressor grid in a pentode.
• Describe how electron beams are controlled in a cathode ray tube (CRT).
• Understand half-wave and full-wave rectification.
• How to select a diode for replacement in a circuit.
• Troubleshoot a half-wave rectifier power supply.
  

Course #: 086024
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

• An introduction to the high technology field of optoelectronics.
• Discuss the theory and applications of the components used in this field; compact discs, bar code readers, lasers, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and light activated diodes (LADs).
• Explain why electronics and optics are natural partners.
• Identify the modern theories of light and the relationship to optoelectronic applications.
• Describe the basic theory of light communications.
• Learn how a fiber optic communications system works.
• Describe the operation of electron microscopes and their advantage over optical microscopes.
• Explain how fluorescent light and other light sources operate.
  

Course #: 086040
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

• Learn the uses and applications of these components that are critical to the repair and maintenance of an analog circuit or system: fasteners, connectors, jacks, component sockets, cables, strain gages, relays, wires, heat shrink tubing, batteries and UPSs.
• How to construct a circuit board for a personal computer.
• Learn correct and safe soldering techniques.
• Understand surface mount technology.
  

Course #: VS31XX
Duration: 0.53 hours
What Students Learn: This video series will help inspectors and technicians identify and classify defects. It is designed to enable them to recognize acceptable and rejectable work.
Components: Inspecting Boards, Tracks, and Connections (VS3101); Inspecting Components and Leads (VS3102);

Course #: Block B26
Duration: 36 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Electronic Components (Block B23);
What Students Learn: This troubleshooting block thoroughly covers the systems encountered in a modern plant or service facility, including the many machines controlled by personal computers (PCs). Malfunctions in modern systems are more likely to be resolved by replacing an entire module or subsystem, rather than troubleshooting specific circuit boards. Plant electricians must often interface with devices that are connected to, or controlled by, PCs or programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
The block examines the industrial components used to monitor or influence the manufacturing process. Study units specifically cover troubleshooting motor control circuits, solenoids, electronic displays, sensors, touch pads and other devices that are directly or indirectly controlled by a computer's output and input signals. The last two units in the series cover the types of problems encountered by Instrumentation, PC, and Network technicians, relating to cables, connectors, power supplies and interference generated by other electrical equipment.
Components: Industrial Electronic Troubleshooting (086064); Electronic Troubleshooting of Industrial Motor Controllers (086065); Industrial Computer Networks (086069); Troubleshooting Sensing Devices and Systems (086066); Troubleshooting Industrial Control Systems and Output Devices (086067); Troubleshooting Industrial Computer Systems and Software (086068);
Special Notes: This new course replaces Troubleshooting Electronic Equipment and Systems, Block B06. Each study unit contains a progress exam.

Course #: 086064
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Electronic Components (Block B23);
What Students Learn: Preview
In a modern industrial plant, thousands (or even tens of thousands) of components work together to make a product. Many machines can now operate for long periods of time without requiring service. This is mainly due to excellent engineering and advances in metallurgy, the construction of electronic components, and the composition of lubricants. As long as proper maintenance work is performed, a machine may last for a very long time. However, it is inevitable that, at some point, one of those thousands of components will fail. A component failure will result in an equipment shutdown or a faulty product. At this time, workers with troubleshooting experience become invaluable.
A number of different skills are required to troubleshoot a machine or a piece of equipment effectively. In this study unit, students will learn about some of the more abstract troubleshooting procedures. These procedures will require the troubleshooter to collect information and focus on the failed component, not just connect a meter to make measurements.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Explain why a safety inspection is the first inspection that should be made on a failed piece of equipment.
• Discuss how to make safety a part of all troubleshooting and repair procedures.
• Understand how to collect accurate data on trouble clues.
• Describe how to use system indicators to help you troubleshoot an electronic system problem.
• List the steps for proper basic troubleshooting, such as identifying failure trends, seeking obvious causes, and circuit board swapping.
• Describe how to perform advanced troubleshooting, such as using binary divide techniques and focusing on one of many failure possibilities.
• List the aptitude and attitude qualities needed to be a good industrial troubleshooter.

Contents
Introduction; Using Safe Work Practices; Basic Troubleshooting Procedures; Collecting Trouble Symptom Data; Advanced Troubleshooting Procedures.

Course #: 086065
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Electronic Components (Block B23);
What Students Learn: Preview
Industrial motor controllers are widely used in industry. You are probably familiar with some of the simple devices, such as multispeed and reversing AC across the line starters or contractors, used for controlling motors. In this study unit, we will cover the more complex solid state controllers used to control a motor's position and speed.
This study unit will begin by discussing how to troubleshoot simple DC motor controllers and stepper motor control systems. These systems are often used when the speed or position of a small motor must be controlled. Although small DC motors are covered in this unit, you can apply what you learn to larger DC motors since these motors simply have larger components.
This unit will also examine the electronic troubleshooting of servo systems. This section begins with the typical industrial DC servo system where a precision DC motor can be controlled to an exact location and speed. It then covers the troubleshooting of the newer DC brushless systems.
In the final section of this study unit, it will look at the troubleshooting of AC inverter drive systems. These drive systems control AC motors.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Describe various methods of controlling the speed and direction of a DC motor.
• Explain the proper steps for troubleshooting a DC motor controller.
• List the various types of stepper motor drives and explain how to troubleshoot these systems.
• Define how DC servo systems operate and explain the normal test points for locating faults in these systems.
• List the types of adjustable frequency drives and explain how to troubleshoot their circuits.
• Describe how brushless servo systems operate and how to troubleshoot various problems with these systems.

Contents
Troubleshooting DC Motor Controllers; Troubleshooting Stepper Motors; Troubleshooting DC Servo Motors; Troubleshooting Adjustable Frequency AC Drives; Troubleshooting DC Brushless Servo Systems.

Course #: 086066
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Electronic Components (Block B23);
What Students Learn: Preview
Sensors are a very important part of any industrial control system. Sensors are provided to the input devices that send signals to these components responsible for monitoring and controlling an industrial system. Input devices indicate when an output device can be safely turned on and how long they should remain on.
In the past, the most popular input device was the limit switch. Although limit switches are still used, non-contact sensors, such as proximity sensors and photoelectric sensors, are becoming more common in industrial applications. Likewise, thermocouples were once popular for sensing temperature. However, modern systems may employ many different types of thermocouples, resistance temperature devices (RTDs), or even semiconductor temperature sensors. Some input devices rely on fiber optics and lasers to perform tasks. These devices and others may rely on their own small IC microchip planted within the sensor. Microchip equipped sensors can be placed on a simple four wire system along with hundreds of other sensors, allowing for a networked grouping of input and output devices.
Students will learn about different types of industrial input devices. In addition, trainees will study some troubleshooting procedures that will prove useful when one of these devices has failed.
Objectives
When a student complete this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Identify the components of a typical limit switch and describe how to test these devices.
• Describe the operation of pressure switches.
• Identify, the components of, and troubleshooting procedures for, temperature sensing devices and level indicators.
• Describe, the operation of, and troubleshooting methods for, proximity, ultrasonic, photoelectric, fiber optic, and laser sensors.
• Define the proper troubleshooting methods for sensors that are connected to input modules.

Contents:
Troubleshooting Industrial Contact Sensors; Troubleshooting Proximity and Ultrasonic Sensors; Photoelectric Sensors; Industrial Sensor Input / Output Troubleshooting.

Course #: 086067
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Electronic Components (Block B23);
What Students Learn: Preview
The purpose of an industrial output device is to perform controlled work. These devices may be used to start a motor or to control the supply of pressurized air or hydraulic fluid to the actuators of a machine or a robot. In every automated industry, some type of output device controls the functions of a machine.
This study unit focuses on various forms of output devices, output modules, closed-loop systems, and human and machine interfaces. These devices and systems make up the majority of today's industrial systems. This study unit also covers troubleshooting procedures for these systems.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Describe the operation of relays and solenoids, and procedures for troubleshooting them.
• Explain how to troubleshoot across-the-line starters and contractors, including solid state controlled contactors.
• Explain the importance of arc suppression diodes and resistor and capacitor networks in ouput-device circuits.
• Define the operation of, and repair methods for, simple numeric readouts.
• Explain how DC and AC output modules operate and how to troubleshoot them.
• Identify different types of closed-loop control systems and methods to troubleshoot and repair them.
• Explain how to troubleshoot and repair human and machine interface systems.

Contents
Troubleshooting Output Devices; Troubleshooting Output Modules; Troubleshooting Closed-Loop Systems; Troubleshooting Human and Machine Interfaces.

Course #: 086068
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Electronic Components (Block B23);
What Students Learn: Preview
On today's factory floor, there are a wide variety of control systems. In the past, control systems were dedicated controllers, such as a motor's speed controller or a programmable logic controller (PLC). However, the type of dedicated controller is changing. The personal computer (PC) now controls or monitors many industrial processes. The personal computers that workers encounter may be standard models or specifically designed for industrial environments.
In addition to PCs, other equipment is used to identify each part of a manufactured product and the machines that created these parts. Bar code readers or scanners, and radio frequency tag systems perform these identification tasks. Vision systems listed above also identify component parts in an industrial environment. These systems employ a camera to closely analyze a component's features. All the systems require software to run the control or monitoring operations.
Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Discuss the principle parts and memory types of a computer motherboard.
• Identify power supply components and ratings.
• Locate the main power supply fuse and identify the type of power supply by its connectors.
• Identify the various types of computer drive systems and their cables.
• List the repair and troubleshooting procedures for computer hardware and software problems.
• Describe the operation of, and troubleshooting procedures for, optical and radio frequency identification systems.
• Explain the purpose of vision system hardware and software, and the troubleshooting procedures for them.

Contents
Industrial Computer Components; Industrial PC Components; Repairing Industrial Computers; Computer-based Identification Systems; Industrial Computer Software.

Course #: 086069
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Electronic Components (Block B23);
What Students Learn: Preview
In industry today, the use of networks is rapidly growing. Only a few years ago, industrial networking was just in an experimental stage. Today, however, most systems are equipped with standard Ethernet connections and preconfigured network operating systems. Many forms of equipment, such as motor drives and PLCs, are able to share a network controlled by one or more large personal computers.
This study unit provides students with an introduction to industrial networks. Trainees will become familiar with the terminology and learn about the components used in these systems. Trainees will realize that industrial networking is an exciting and fast growing field.
Objectives
When a student complete this study unit, he and she will be able to:

• Describe the methods of communication within networks.
• Explain the configurations of various types of industrial network systems.
• Identify and describe different types of network cables.
• Discuss various network protocols.
• Describe troubleshooting methods for networks.

Contents
Fundamentals of Industrial Communication Systems; Network Configurations; Network Systems; Network Operating Systems, Model, and Protocols; Troubleshooting Network Systems.