Study Guide

Objective

Students will be competent in analysing the structures and functions of the control systems used in machine automation systems. They will be able to utilise the IEC standardised programming tools and to develop reliable and energy efficient control software and a user interface for a materials handling device.

Content

- Structural programming (sequence)
- Function block programming
- Standard functions (timers, calculators, comparisons and other commonly used functions)
- Analogue signals
- Recipes
- User interfaces.

Students will engage in hands-on learning of pneumatically and electrically controlled actuators for automation systems using programmable logic and touch screens.

Materials

* Lecturers' handouts
* Lecture demonstrations
* Assignments
* Product and programming manuals

Teaching methods

* Lectures
* Demonstrations
* Programming exercises

Student workload

Total work load of the course: 88 h,
- of which scheduled studies 35 h
- of which self-access learning 53 h

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student knows and masters satisfactorily the basics of using the IEC standard programming tool. He is able to make a functional and safe logic program for a simple automation device using ready-made models.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student knows well the basic concepts which are related to the machine automation and the standard programming methods. He is able to adapt and use ready-made function blocks to solve various problems. The student can test the operation of the automation program and can track possible mistakes which endanger safety by using simulation.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student can create and debug independently a clear structured standard logic program. He can make, test and adapt own function blocks to different applications without forgetting safety.
The student understands the function of the programmable devices which are used in the machine automation and can locate and repair errors by using different simulation and diagnostics tools.

Assessment methods and criteria

Approved assignments, homework and an exam

Qualifications

- Basics of automation
- Programmable logic controllers