Module Details

Module Code: SYST C3604
Module Title: Control and Human Interfacing
Title: Control and Human Interfacing
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Frances Hardiman
Module Author:: Stephen Scully
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to introduce and develop understanding of control, analysis, and visualisation of programming methods for dynamic systems using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), safely and ethically as used in automated processes across a range of industrial applications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse the architecture of automation and control systems.
LO2 Explain the operating principles of control systems (discrete and analog).
LO3 Analyse how different process characteristics contribute to control system response and performance.
LO4 Compare and implement basic control (PLC) and visual (HMI) models using a combination of IEC PLC languages and embedded scripting in an integrated control environment.
LO5 Examine the principles of operation of control (e.g.: On/Off, PID) loops.
LO6 Examine good and safe practice in control system design and development.
LO7 Develop a PLC/HMI project in an integrated control environment.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Architecture
Block diagram (e.g.: process, inputs, outputs, controller, feedback). Elements of control (e.g.: controlled, manipulated, measured, disturbance, error, set point, output). Basic process types, characteristics, and data gathering. Control: On-Off, Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID), P, PI and PD. Pros and Cons of automated control.
Operation
Describe different control systems (e.g.: numerical, servo, sequential, robotic and process).
Performance
Timing diagrams, ladder diagrams, Boolean expressions, sequential function charts, state diagrams. State the methods used to optimise/tune control systems, self-tuning.
Integrated control environment
Introduction to the architecture (e.g.: memory, I/O) and programming of PLC's using industry standard IEC languages to control basic systems. Safety and ethical use of Automatic Control systems.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Introduction to, and configuration and scripting of, an HMI to interface between the PLC and the operator. Architecture of a SCADA system (e.g.: PLC linked tags, animated graphics, errors, archiving, alarms, and trends).
Automation Project Design
Develop and implement automation project individually/collaboratively (depending on complexity).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project40.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 7
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A group/solo (depending on complexity) project based on real-world scenarios.
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A set of practical exercises to complement the theory elements of the module.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A final assessment to evaluate students' learning.

Part Time

No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 7
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A group/solo (depending on complexity) project based on real-world scenarios.
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A set of practical exercises to complement the theory elements of the module.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
A final assessment to evaluate students' learning.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 5.00 5
Laboratory Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Time Non Contact No Description Every Week 9.00 9
Total Weekly Contact Hours 9.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Curtis D. Johnson. Process Control Instrumentation Technology, 8th.
  • William C. Dunn. Fundamentals of Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control, 2nd.
  • Thomas A. Hughes. Measurement and Control Basics, 5th.
  • Stuart A. Boyer. Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: