COMP C3F01 - Advanced PLCs

Module Title:Advanced PLCs
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:7
Module Delivered In 4 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 develop an in-depth understanding and insight to control, analysis, and visualisation of advanced programming methods for dynamic systems using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI/SCADA), 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 Plan, develop and, debug control (PLC) and visual (HMI/SCADA) models using a combination of IEC PLC languages and embedded scripting.
LO2 Employ good and safe practice in control system design and development.
LO3 Set up industrial networks, communication protocols and security.
LO4 Specify and develop a PLC/HMI solution for a given application.
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
PLC programming languages
Use of different program languages such as Ladder (LAD), Function Block Diagrams (FBD) and Structured Control Logic (SCL).
Advanced PLC Programming
Function Blocks, Data Blocks, comparator operations, safety circuit classification and integration into projects, fail safe operation and safe shutdown of equipment. Analogue input and output modules, Digital to Analogue conversion, Analogue to Digital Conversion, resolution, step outputs, sampling frequency, and associated calculations.
HMI Programming
Design and program a HMI to include multiple screens, buttons, pictures, animations, access levels, alarms and trends.
Interfacing, industrial networking and communication protocols
Introduction to the integration of network protocols into PLC programs.
Automation Project Design
Develop and implement automation project individually/collaboratively (depending on complexity).
Assessment Breakdown%
Project30.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
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. 1,2,3,4 30.00 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 20.00 n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Various assessment(s) to reinforce learnings given throughout the semester. 1,2,3 50.00 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 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Laboratory 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Independent Learning Time 15 Weeks per Stage 4.33
Total Hours 125.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_EFARG_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Agricultural Systems Engineering 6 Elective
CW_EMMEC_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering 6 Elective
CW_EFARG_D Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Systems Engineering 6 Mandatory
CW_EEMEC_D Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 6 Elective