Principles of Control Systems

Launch your career as a Controls Expert. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career with Amazon and earn a certificate. Experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.

This is an 80-hour, self-paced online course that helps prepare learners for a career in control systems, for example as a Control Systems Technician, Control Systems Lead or Controls Expert in the field of mechatronics. Through this course, learners will develop their skills through formal learning and hands-on work with virtual simulations. The course gives a strong foundation in technical skills, industrial communication networks, and leadership and communication skills. Through this course, learners will also have completed a significant portion of the coursework for the SACA micro-credential, Certified Industry 4.0 Automation Systems Specialist.

In this course you will learn how to connect, upload, download, troubleshoot and replace motor controls and networks, and develop troubleshooting skills to ensure motor controls are working properly. In addition, this course focuses on tips and techniques for leading and communicating with teams.

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Describe the role of a Controls Expert and the skills required to effectively work in this role.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of safety and be ready to apply safe practices to the workplace.
3. Explain electric circuits, electric motor control, and variable frequency drive systems. including function, operation, and troubleshooting.
4. Understand the role, function, and operation of sensor logic systems and programmable controller systems and be able to troubleshoot these systems.
5. Explain the role of pneumatics and describe fluid systems, key components, and approaches to troubleshooting.
6. Explain the function of Industry 4.0, describe how systems are connected within advanced manufacturing, and practice several methods of troubleshooting these systems.
7. Describe the function, operation, and programming of smart sensors.
8. Describe the set-up, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial communication networks, including ethernet, PROFIBUS, and AS-i.
9. Describe techniques for effective leadership and communication in an advanced manufacturing environment.