README

Arduino Opta PLC Student Training Platform

Modular, student-friendly Arduino Opta PLC training system with ladder logic and SCADA readiness

This repository supports the development and deployment of a secure, modular, and repeatable student training platform using the Arduino Opta micro-PLC. It is designed for high school and undergraduate use in cybersecurity, systems engineering, and industrial automation education.

Status: Faculty-approved curriculum with Fall 2025 pilot deployment scheduled at University of Idaho.
Validation: Summer 2025 Undergraduate Research Grant recipient with institutional repository adoption approved.

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Project Impact

This research addresses critical workforce development challenges by making industrial automation accessible to cybersecurity students without electrical engineering prerequisites.

Recent Milestones

• Faculty Validation - Successful presentation to UI Computer Science Department (August 2025)
• Institutional Adoption - Repository approved for UI CDA CS Department integration
• Pilot Deployment - Fall 2025 bootcamp implementation scheduled

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Educational Innovation

This project introduces students to:

• PLC Hardware & Relay Logic (Arduino Opta platform)
• IEC 61131-3 Programming (Ladder Logic and Structured Text)
• Industrial Communication (Modbus TCP/IP protocols)
• SCADA Integration (Ignition visualization systems)
• Cybersecurity Applications (Cyber-physical system security and ICS hardening)

Key Innovation: Zero Electrical Prerequisites

All curriculum modules use pre-wired hardware systems, eliminating traditional barriers while maintaining industry-standard programming practices and professional development environments.

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Repository Structure

Folder	Purpose	Status
00_overview/	Research context, objectives, and deployment guidance	Complete
01_modules/	Complete curriculum modules (00–03) with instructor guides	Faculty Approved
02_code_samples/	Structured Text and Ladder Logic with documentation	Tested
03_assets/	Wiring diagrams, system outputs, and visual resources	Validated
04_hardware/	Equipment specifications and 3D-printable test beds	Production Ready
devlog/	Development logs and systematic research documentation	Comprehensive
docs/	Research proposals, presentations, and institutional reports	Professional
printable_guides/	PDF exports for classroom and lab distribution	Ready

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Quick Start

For Educators

1. Review 00_overview/ for comprehensive implementation guidance
2. Examine 01_modules/ for complete curriculum with instructor support
3. Access printable_guides/ for immediate classroom distribution
4. Reference docs/ for institutional adoption framework

For Students

1. Begin with Module 00 (Foundation) in 01_modules/
2. Power Arduino Opta via USB-C and connect DIN Simul8 hardware
3. Open Arduino PLC IDE and load provided code samples
4. Follow step-by-step guides with integrated assessments
5. Progress through modules 01-03 for complete competency development

For Researchers

1. Study devlog/ for systematic development methodology
2. Review docs/ for research foundation and validation process
3. Examine 00_overview/ for replication and adaptation guidance

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Academic Validation

University of Idaho Recognition

• Summer 2025 Undergraduate Research Grant recipient through competitive application process
• Faculty Advisor Oversight by Dr. Mary Everett and Dr. John Shovic

Educational Standards

• Systematic research methodology with comprehensive documentation
• Faculty review cycles ensuring academic rigor and practical applicability
• Assessment strategies aligned with learning objectives and competency measurement
• Reproducible framework enabling multi-institutional deployment

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Industry Relevance

Workforce Development Focus

Addresses documented cybersecurity workforce challenges where professionals require industrial control systems knowledge for critical infrastructure protection but face educational accessibility barriers.

Professional Standards

• IEC 61131-3 compliant programming maintaining industry transferability
• Cross-platform compatibility supporting Linux and Windows development environments
• Modern communication protocols including Modbus TCP/IP and SCADA integration
• Real hardware experience with industrial-grade Arduino Opta platform

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Reference & Attribution

Academic Foundation

This project extends concepts from Arduino's official PLC curriculum under CC BY-SA 4.0 license:

• Arduino PLC Course – Getting Started
• DIN Simul8 Projects

All content has been systematically rewritten for structured curriculum development, educational accessibility, and reproducible deployment in academic environments.

Research Team

• William Hall – Principal Investigator, University of Idaho – Coeur d'Alene
• Dr. Mary Everett – Faculty Advisor and Research Supervisor
• Dr. John Shovic – Faculty Advisor and Laboratory Director

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Licensing & Usage

Licensed under MIT License for maximum educational accessibility.

Attribution Requirements

When adapting or deploying this curriculum:

• Retain original attribution to research team and institution
• Cite source repository in educational materials and publications
• Reference funding source (University of Idaho Summer 2025 Research Grant)
• Maintain open-source commitment for collaborative educational development

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Future Development

Immediate Extensions (Fall 2025)

• Pilot deployment through UI bootcamp with student outcome measurement
• Faculty training workshop development for broader institutional adoption
• Assessment validation through real classroom implementation

Advanced Modules (Research Phase 2)

• SCADA Integration Labs using Ignition Gateway tools and advanced visualization
• ICS Security Challenges demonstrating Modbus TCP/IP vulnerabilities and protection
• Multi-institutional deployment with shared best practices and outcome data

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Contact & Collaboration

Implementation Support

For curriculum adoption, faculty development, or institutional partnership opportunities:

• Technical Questions: Repository issues and discussions
• Educational Consultation: Contact through University of Idaho channels
• Research Collaboration: Faculty advisor coordination preferred

Professional Network

• Repository: github.com/tank208/plc-student-demo-platform
• Institution: University of Idaho – Coeur d'Alene, Computer Science Department
• Professional Contact: Through institutional channels and faculty advisor coordination

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Current Status: Institutionally validated curriculum ready for deployment
Latest Milestone: Faculty presentation and repository adoption approval (August 2025)
Next Phase: Fall 2025 pilot implementation with outcome measurement and research continuation

This repository represents systematic undergraduate research addressing real workforce development challenges through innovative educational design, validated by academic rigor and institutional adoption.