Core principles of open-loop and closed-loop control, feedback and feedforward mechanisms, block diagram algebra, transfer functions, and real-world examples in industrial machinery.

Hierarchy of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning; supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning paradigms; real industry use-cases in predictive maintenance, vision inspection, and process optimization.

Understanding analog vs. digital signals, sampling theory (Nyquist), quantization, ADC/DAC principles, signal resolution, and how raw industrial data is captured, stored, and transmitted across automation networks.

Overview of industrial communication standards: Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and OPC-UA; network topologies, data rates, master/slave vs. publisher/subscriber models, and protocol selection criteria.

Key sensor performance metrics: sensitivity, accuracy, precision, resolution, repeatability, drift, hysteresis, and response time. Introduction to calibration procedures and signal-to-noise ratio considerations in industrial environments.

Comprehensive overview of all five IEC 61131-3 standard languages: Ladder Diagram (LD), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Sequential Function Chart (SFC), Structured Text (ST), and Instruction List (IL). When to use each language and hybrid programming strategies. Normally open/closed contacts, output coils, set/reset latches. Timer instructions (TON, TOF, RTO), counter instructions (CTU, CTD, CTUD), and building practical programs: motor start/stop, interlock circuits, and sequential machine logic.

Structured Text syntax: variables, data types, assignment, IF-THEN-ELSE, CASE, FOR/WHILE loops. Creating reusable Function Blocks with input/output/in-out variables. FBD wiring conventions and building a PID function block from scratch.