MMAW NC II study plan

Explain how voltage, current, resistance, and power relate in series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits, and calculate unknown values using Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's laws.

Identify common electrical and electronic components (resistors, capacitors, relays, diodes, transistors, contactors, fuses, terminal blocks) by appearance, markings, and schematic symbol, and state each one's function in a control circuit.

Trace a simple relay-ladder control circuit from a schematic and predict which loads energize for a given combination of input states.

Describe the internal architecture of a PLC (CPU, memory, input/output modules, power supply, backplane) and explain the scan cycle: input scan, program execution, output update.

Convert simple relay logic to ladder logic and explain the difference between sinking and sourcing input wiring.

Write, enter, and monitor ladder programs using the core instruction set: normally open and normally closed contacts, output coils, set/reset, timers (TON, TOF), and counters (CTU).

Design a program for a start-stop motor control with seal-in, overload input, and an emergency-stop condition, and explain each rung's purpose.

Differentiate digital from analog I/O, explain resolution and scaling of raw analog values to engineering units, and describe common signal ranges (4-20 mA, 0-10 V).

Identify the causes of a PLC 'fault' or 'stop' mode and outline a step-by-step troubleshooting sequence from power supply to I/O module to field device.

Describe the wiring practice for connecting discrete sensors and actuators to a PLC, including common, fuse, and grounding considerations.

Identify pneumatic and hydraulic components (compressor, FRL unit, directional control valve, flow control valve, check valve, cylinder, pump, relief valve, accumulator) by symbol and describe each one's function.

Read and draw circuit diagrams in standard ISO 1219 symbol form, including a 5/2 and 3/2 directional control valve, and trace the power and return flow paths.

Explain the difference between meter-in and meter-out speed control and predict cylinder speed behavior for each.

Describe how sensors and actuators interface with control systems: inductive, capacitive, and photoelectric proximity sensors, reed and limit switches, solenoids, and stepper or servo drives, including PNP/NPN output behavior.

Select the correct sensor type for a given detection task (metal only, any material, transparent object, position feedback) and justify the choice.

Combine a pneumatic or hydraulic circuit with a PLC-controlled sequence and produce a complete I/O list mapping each valve solenoid and sensor to a PLC address.

Write a ladder program that sequences two cylinders in a defined order with sensor-confirmed transitions and interlocks against simultaneous motion.

Explain and apply safety interlocks in fluid power circuits, including trapped-pressure release and emergency stop behavior.

Diagnose common fluid power faults (leaking seals, stuck spool, clogged filter, low pressure, air in hydraulic lines) and describe the symptoms and test method for each.

Explain how a PLC program can be validated using simulation or forced I/O before live commissioning.

Apply 5S principles to a workbench layout and justify each sort, set-in-order, shine, standardize, and sustain action.

Identify workplace hazards and select the correct control using the hierarchy of controls, including lockout/tagout, PPE, and electrical safety precautions.

Describe the environmental rules relevant to a mechatronics workplace: waste segregation, safe handling and disposal of lubricants, solvents, and electronic waste, and spill response.

Read and record measurements with vernier calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, and multimeters to the correct resolution and state the reading uncertainty.

Perform zero and calibration checks on measuring instruments and detect common measurement errors such as parallax, wrong range, and worn jaws.

Interpret orthographic and isometric drawings, including third-angle projection, section views, and dimension and tolerance notation, and extract the information needed to assemble a part.

Read a pneumatic or electrical schematic alongside a mechanical drawing and confirm that part numbers, ratings, and connections agree.

Execute a mechanical assembly and alignment task: mount, align, and torque components in the correct sequence, and check alignment with a dial indicator and feeler gauge.

Explain fits, clearances, and tolerances, and select the right bearing, coupling, or belt tension for a given application.

Build a preventive maintenance schedule for a mechatronic station covering lubrication, belt and chain tension, filter replacement, fastener torque checks, and electrical terminal inspection.

Apply a structured fault-finding method (symptom, hypothesis, test, conclusion) to electrical, pneumatic, and PLC faults, and document the reasoning trail.

Use a multimeter, pressure gauge, and PLC monitoring tools to isolate a fault to a field device, wiring, or program segment.

Describe the commissioning sequence for a mechatronic station: pre-power checks, safety verification, manual and jog testing, I/O verification, sequence testing, and handover.

Distinguish hardware faults from software faults and describe how forcing and simulation can confirm or eliminate each.

Write a test and acceptance record for a system, including pass/fail criteria and a corrective action entry.

Complete a full-length timed practice set across all nine domains and score each domain to identify residual weak areas.

Re-derive the highest-yield formulas and rules from memory: Ohm's law, power, series and parallel rules, analog scaling, cylinder force, and pressure relationships.

Re-write from memory the standard symbol set for electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic components and the PLC instruction set.

Explain the safety and environmental rules that most often appear in exam scenarios, including lockout/tagout, PPE selection, and waste handling.

Build a personal error log of recurring mistakes and a final review checklist for exam day.