Learning path · 4 courses
Control theory to the loop
MATLAB and Simulink for the theory, PID control for the practice, instrumentation for the signals and VFDs for the actuators.
In order
The courses
Take them in this order. Each one is free and stands on its own.
- 1MATLAB and Simulink for Control SystemsControl engineering · Intermediate · 23 hours
- 2PID Control for PLC EngineersProcess control · Intermediate · 13 hours
- 3Industrial Instrumentation and Process ControlInstrumentation · Beginner · 16 hours
- 4Variable Frequency Drives: Wiring, Programming, PLC and Network ControlDrives · Beginner · 12 hours
Then
Practise the job and find one
- Instrumentation Engineer job simulation
Instrument index, datasheets, loop diagrams and calibration on a process plant. Days 1 to 5 are free.
- Instrumentation jobs in the UK
Live jobs, updated daily. Free to browse and apply.
- EDWartens Lab
Free browser simulators to practise what each course teaches.
Questions
Control theory to the loop: common questions
Is the Control theory to the loop path free?
Yes. All 4 courses are free: every lesson, quiz and final exam costs nothing. A verifiable certificate for a course is optional, at £19 including VAT once you pass its final exam. It is a certificate of completion, not a regulated qualification.
How long does it take?
About 64 hours of video across 4 courses, plus quizzes. At five hours a week that is roughly 13 weeks, and you can start or stop any course whenever you like.
Do I need hardware or paid software?
No PLC hardware is needed. Each course page lists the software it uses; most run in free or trial versions, and many have practice in the browser-based EDWartens Lab.
What can it lead to?
Practise the job itself with the free Instrumentation Engineer job simulation (the first five days are free, no card), then browse live UK Instrumentation jobs. Neither is a promise of a job.