Module Descriptors
DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEMS
MECH50710
Key Facts
School of Creative Arts and Engineering
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: David Dyke
Email: David.Dyke@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- PORTFOLIO weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
Introduction
Historical description and development of distributed control systems; study of automation sensor technology, open communication protocol for Controller Area Network (CAN), application programming, production cell evaluation PLCs sensors and transducers used in automation industries; distributed control system concept; Flexible manufacturing systems; Information Technology (IT) and the Just In Time (JIT) concept; a distributed control system arena and the components of a production unit; networking concept and benefits; production quality; example of network topology and protocols; network selection for specific application; Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and Human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
Communication networks and standards used in automation industry
IEE standards; other standards; criteria for bus selection; ISO/OST seven layer reference model; reduced ISO/OSI layers; example of latest I/O devices used by system integrators; PLC and use of microcontroller concept in I/O devices and comparison; embedded system with network capability; CAN bus and CAN open protocols.
Sensors and actuators
Examples of sensors and actuators used in automation environment and their classifications; signal conditioning circuits, output amplifiers and drivers, PLC programming concept; coordination of input and output data handling; interfacing concept using examples; input /output buffers; interrupt facilities.
Historical description and development of distributed control systems; study of automation sensor technology, open communication protocol for Controller Area Network (CAN), application programming, production cell evaluation PLCs sensors and transducers used in automation industries; distributed control system concept; Flexible manufacturing systems; Information Technology (IT) and the Just In Time (JIT) concept; a distributed control system arena and the components of a production unit; networking concept and benefits; production quality; example of network topology and protocols; network selection for specific application; Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and Human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
Communication networks and standards used in automation industry
IEE standards; other standards; criteria for bus selection; ISO/OST seven layer reference model; reduced ISO/OSI layers; example of latest I/O devices used by system integrators; PLC and use of microcontroller concept in I/O devices and comparison; embedded system with network capability; CAN bus and CAN open protocols.
Sensors and actuators
Examples of sensors and actuators used in automation environment and their classifications; signal conditioning circuits, output amplifiers and drivers, PLC programming concept; coordination of input and output data handling; interfacing concept using examples; input /output buffers; interrupt facilities.
Module Additional Assessment Details
100% Portfolio assessing Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3
Module Learning Strategies
12 hours lectures
24 hours practicals and tutorials
Theory in the form of handouts, recommended reading, tutorials and lectures will be complemented with practical laboratory sessions.
24 hours practicals and tutorials
Theory in the form of handouts, recommended reading, tutorials and lectures will be complemented with practical laboratory sessions.
Module Texts
Cela, A., Gaid, M. B., Li, X.-G., Niculeascu, S.-I., Optimal Design of Distributed Control and Embedded Systems, Springer (2013), ISBN/ISSN: 331902728X
Lewis, R.W., Modelling Distributed Control Systems Using IEC 61499, Institution of Engineering and Technology (2001), ISBN/ISSN: 0852967969
Voss, W., A Comprehensive Guide to Controller Area Network, Copperhill Media Corporation (2005), ISBN/ISSN: 0976511606
Lewis, R.W., Modelling Distributed Control Systems Using IEC 61499, Institution of Engineering and Technology (2001), ISBN/ISSN: 0852967969
Voss, W., A Comprehensive Guide to Controller Area Network, Copperhill Media Corporation (2005), ISBN/ISSN: 0976511606
Module Resources
Laboratory facilities consisting of MATLAB and control systems training facilities. PC, control software, interface cards, servo motors, oscilloscopes, digital storage oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, PLCs, etc.
Library resources (books, journals accessible online, full IEEE Xplore access to academic papers, and various magazines)
Library resources (books, journals accessible online, full IEEE Xplore access to academic papers, and various magazines)
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.