Module Title:Control and Human Interfacing
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:7
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be delivered through a mix of lectures, laboratory assignments and projects including a professional write up. It will employ a mixture of active/task-based learning, reflective learning and problem-based learning.
Module Aim: 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 should be able to:
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.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

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).
Assessment Breakdown%
Project40.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project A group/solo (depending on complexity) project based on real-world scenarios. 7 40.00 n/a
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation A set of practical exercises to complement the theory elements of the module. 1,2,3,4,5,6 20.00 n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam A final assessment to evaluate students' learning. 1,2,3,4,5,6 40.00 End-of-Semester
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project A group/solo (depending on complexity) project based on real-world scenarios. 7 40.00 n/a
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation A set of practical exercises to complement the theory elements of the module. 1,2,3,4,5,6 20.00 n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam A final assessment to evaluate students' learning. 1,2,3,4,5,6 40.00 End-of-Semester

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 5.00
Laboratory Every Week 4.00
Independent Learning Time Every Week 9.00
Total Hours 18.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_EEROB_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Robotics and Automated Systems 5 Mandatory
CW_EEROO_D Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics and Automated Systems 5 Mandatory