CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University is one of the University

found at Zamboanga City offering several of Vocational Education programs in

baccalaureate and non-degree programs. The bachelor of technical vocational teacher

education major in electrical technology is one of the programs offered in Zamboanga

Peninsula Polytechnic State University. Which provides both theoretical and hands on

knowledge of recent electrical devices, circuits, motor control, connection,

programming, automation, wiring, design layout and problem solving. Moreover, one of

the major concerns of electrical technology students and professors is the

programmable logic controller (PLC) where in it allows students to perform the

programming, automation, wiring design of circuits and problem solving.

The programmable Logic Controllers provide one of the principle source of

monitoring, control production process, building systems and for industrial automation to

automate different electro-mechanical process. The newly innovated PLC come with

multiple input/output devices such as push buttons (normally open) circuit breaker 24V,

voltmeter 24V, delta contactor 24V, PLC 24V, relays 24V, indicator light 24V, power

supply, electric motor (ac), magnetic contactors, switches and sensors as an integral

parts of the design of the newly innovated basic PLC trainer.

In Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, it has been observed that

it is lacks of instructional devices that are very useful in shop instruction in both
theoretical and hand-on aspect in Electrical shop laboratories. The Electrical

Technology students of ZPPSU have a hard time to understand the programming,

automation and cabling connection in PLC because of the absence of instructional

devices to be used in the laboratory. Moreover, electrical technology students are not

able to perform the given task. As the saying goes “learning takes place by doing and

experiencing.”

Based from the above observation the researches are motivated/encouraged to conduct

a study that aims to develop the basic programmable logic controller trainer as training

device for Electrical Technology students in a subject matter of programmable logic

controller to improve the shop laboratories instruction.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to innovate PLC determine its level of acceptability among

electrical technology faculty and electrical engineers.

Specifically, it sought to find answer to the following questions.

1. to innovate basic programmable logic controller trainer

2. to determine the level of acceptability of the innovated basic programmable logic

controllers as assessed by electrical technology faculty and electrical engineers

in terms of the following:

a. Design

b. Functionality; and

c. Cost
Significance of the Study
This research study offers significance to the Electrical Technology Instructors,

Professors and students of Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University the

knowledge in producing a new design of PLC trainer. The result of the study will help

the Electrical Technology Instructor/Professor and so with the student to demonstrate

and perform the cabling connections, wiring and designing circuit layout in PLC.

Moreover, it will help the Electrical Technology students to adopt and enhance skills in

designing circuit layout, wiring and automation and coding.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research study is focused on the innovation of basic programmable logic controller

trainer and its effects to the achievements of Electrical Technology students.

Furthermore, a description survey design is applied using survey design is applied using

survey questionnaires among electrical students and professors of Zamboanga

Peninsula Polytechnic State University.

Moreover, the evaluation of this research study is the electrical technology

instructor/professor from Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University to assess

the features in terms of the design and functionality of the trainer.

 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES

This chapter presents the related literatures and findings from the related studies that

provide a clear reference for this study. This also serves as a basis in forming the

conceptual framework, directing the hypothesis, selecting the variables and lending

support to the findings for the enrichment of this study.

Related Literature

Ahmad Fovad Alwan (2012) explain a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a digital

computer used. For automation of electromechanical processes; which is a type of

computer family and they have commercial and industrial applications. The

development of programmable logic controller (PLC) makes it possible to do the

required changes to the program without changing the electrical circuit connections.
Related Studies

According to Burhan A. Acman and S. Talib 2015 Multiple input/output

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) module for educational purposes is fabricated

because of current PLC kit that was unable to enhance learners theoretical

understanding and hands-on skill especially for programming, wiring, design of circuit

and problem solving.

Awingot, Richard Akparibo in his article development of a Programmable Logic

Controller Training Platform for the Industrial Control of Processes (2016) it states that

Portable Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) training platform for the industrial control

of processes. The proposed system employs Delta DVP14SS2 PLC, WPL Soft

software, a programming device, switches as inputs and pilot lamps as output. The

training system gives one the flexibility to wire and program any type of inputs and

outputs of one’s choice and can be easily carried in one’s laptop bag giving one the

freedom to learn the PLC anywhere at one’s own comfort.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual model which guided this study is depicted in a form paradigm

show in figure 1.

Input

Alternative ideas from related

Supplies and materials

Tools and equipment

Cost

Throughput

Innovating and education

Innovated basic PLC trainer in terms of

Design

Functionality
 Cost

Output

Level of acceptability Innovation Basic PLC Trainer

Figure 1. The Conceptual Model of the Study

The conceptual framework of this study is shown in Figure 1 which illustrates the

interrelationship of input, throughput and output variable of the research study.

The input of the research study illustrates the concept how the study was

conceptualizing with the ideas coming from related studies and related literature as well

as the necessary tools and requirement needed to make the research study possible.

The throughput variables of the research study are the innovation and evaluation

of design, cost and functionality of the Innovated Basic PLC trainer as evaluated by

Electrical Technology Instructor of Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University.

The output variable of the research study is the acceptance of Innovated Basic PLC

trainer as innovative newly design trainer.

Operational Definition of Key Variables

 In order to have a clearer perspective and comprehension of key terms used in

this study, the following terms are operationally defined;

Cost- it is the total of money spent in Innovated Basic PLC Trainer.

Design- refers to the actual appearance of Innovated Basic PLC Trainer that makes it

similar to a PLC Machine.

Innovated Basic PLC Trainer- is an innovative design of Programmable Logic

Controller using Metal and Aluminum Fitting with the combination of Acrylic Plastic.

Electrical Technology Instructors- Are the respondents of research study who

evaluated the level of acceptability of Innovated Basic PLC Trainer.

Metal and Aluminum Fitting with the combination of Acrylic Plastic- is the raw

materials utilize in the study to make the trainer more compact and durable.

Level of acceptability- refers to the level of acceptance of the Innovated Basic PLC

Trainer as evaluated by Electrical Technology Instructor in terms of its design, cost and

functionality.