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Industrial Automation

Semester 1

This course provides the student with basic skills useful in identifying the concepts of automated machines and equipment and describes the terms and phrases associated with industrial automation. A range of automated control systems will be studied in depth with special emphasis on the use of ladder Logic and F- Logic for PLC programming. The industry standards and protocols is covered. The design and operation of distributed control systems (DCS) is emphasized. The methods of programming for the various automated controllers are an integral part of this course. Examples of automation in selected industries are discussed to highlight the various applications of the automated systems. The practical component for this class will be covered in the advanced electronics lab course.

Syllabus: 

Plant wide Control Systems and Automation Strategy:

Evolution of instrumentation and control, Role of automation in industries, Benefits of automation; Automation tools PLC, DCS, SCADA, Hybrid DCS/PLC, Automation strategy evolution, Control system audit, performance criteria, Safety Systems. Advance Applications of PLC and SCADA: PLC programming methods as per IEC 61131, PLC applications for batch process using SFC, Analog Control using PLC, PLC interface to SCADA/DCS using communication links (RS232, RS485) and protocols (Modbus ASCII/RTU).

Instrumentation Standard Protocols.

Distributed Control Systems (DCS) Basics - DCS introduction, functions, advantages and limitations, DCS as an automation tool to support Enterprise Resources Planning, DCS Architecture of different makes, Latest trends and developments. Distributed Control Systems Engineering and Design. Application development and Automation for industry verticals: Application development and automation for following industries. Power, Water and Waste Water Treatment, Food and Beverages, Cement, Pharmaceuticals, Automobile and Building Automation.

Evaluation: 

One 2-hour final exam                                                  60%

One 1-hour in-course test                                                         20%

PLC programming project                                                        20%

Learning Objectives: 

After completing this course, students should be able to:

  • Explain the general function of industrial automation and distinguish different controllers as used in industries
  • Identify safety in industrial automation
  • Program PLCs for basic operation
  • Interface industrial sensors to automated systems
  • Troubleshoot and repair faulty PLC systems
  • Explain the operation and application of distributed control systems
  • Design a basic automated process for a manufacturing plant
ECNG2009
  • Industrial Automation and Robotics
    • Gupta, A. K. & Arora, S. K.
    •  Laxmi Publication Ltd.
    • Edition: 1st (2007)
  • Industrial Control Electronics: devices, systems, and applications.
    • Bartelt, T. L. M.
    • Thomson Delmar Learning
    • Edition: 3rd
  • Modern Industrial Automation Software Design.(Supplemental)
    • Wang, L & Tan, K. C.
    • John Wiley & Sons- IEEE Press
    • Edition: 1st (2006)

Internet Resources:

Course Code: 
ELNG3040
Credits: 
3 Credits
Level: 
Level 3
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