Introduction
In this interactive 3-month live online course, you will learn:
The fundamentals of SCADA systems
The essentials of SCADA software configuration
Tricks and tips in the installation of SCADA systems
The essentials of telecommunications links
The use of Industrial Ethernet in SCADA systems
OPC and SCADA systems
SCADA network security issues
How to troubleshoot SCADA systems
How to specify PLC hardware and installation criteria
How to describe PLC software structure
How to write medium level PLC programmes (using ladder logic)
How to troubleshoot a typical PLC system
About specifying PLC systems
Course Details
This comprehensive course covers the essentials of SCADA and PLC systems, which are often used in close association with each other. A selection of case studies is used to illustrate the key concepts with examples of real-world working SCADA and PLC systems in the water, electrical and processing industries.
This course will be an excellent opportunity to network with your peers, as well as to gain significant new information and techniques for your next SCADA / PLC project. Although the emphasis of the course will be on practical industry topics highlighting recent developments, using case studies, the latest application of SCADA, PLC technologies and fundamentals will be covered.
The inevitable question is which PLC is being used. We present this course focusing on the generic PLC and use the open programming IEC 61131-3 standard. For specific examples, we use the Allen Bradley range, but are not selling Allen Bradley or for that matter any other PLC!
This course is designed to benefit you with practical up-to-date information on the application of PLC systems to the automation and process control industries. It is suitable for people who have little or no exposure to PLCs but expect to become involved in some or all aspects of PLC installation. It aims to give practical advice from experts in the field, to assist you to correctly plan, programme and install a PLC with a shorter learning curve and more confidence. While the course is ideal for electricians, technicians and engineers who are new to PLCs, much of the material covered will be of value to those who already have some basic skills, but need a wider perspective for larger and more challenging tasks ahead. The information covered advances from the basics to challenge even the most experienced engineer in the industry today.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction
Introduction and a brief history of PLCs
Alternative control systems - where do PLCs fit in?
Why PLCs have become so widely accepted
Lingering concerns about PLCs
Fundamentals of PLC Hardware
Block diagram of typical PLC
PLC processor module - memory organisation
Input and output section - module types
Power supplies
Module 2: Background to SCADA
Fundamentals and definition of terms
Comparison of SCADA, DCS, PLC and
Smart instruments
Typical SCADA installations
SCADA SystemHardware
Comparison of SCADA, DCS, PLC and Smart instruments
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) structure
Analog and digital input/output modules
Application programmes
PLCs used as RTUs
Master site structure
Communications architectures
Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint systems
System reliability and availability
Configuration of a master station
Module 3: Fundamentals of PLC Software
Methods of representing Logic, Boolean Algebra, instruction code and graphical presentation
Fundamental ladder logic instruction set
Comparison of different manufacturers, memory and data representation and instruction code
Using Ladder Logic for Simple Digital Functions
The basic rules
Comparison of relay ladder diagrams
The concept of the 'scan' and how to apply it
Infinite fan-out
Contact 'normal' states
Positive and negative logic
Basic Boolean functions
The usefulness of DeMorgan's Law
Using Registers (WORDS)
Number systems, Timers, Types of register data, Counters, Bit shift and rotate, Table functions and Register (Matrix) logic functions
Module 4: SCADA Systems Software
Components of a SCADA system
Software - design of SCADA packages
Configuration of SCADA systems
Building the user interface
Connecting to PLCs and other hardware
SCADA system design
The Twelve Golden Rules
Module 5: Good Programming Habits
Keeping track of addresses and data used
Looking ahead - how will programmes be maintained?
Practical methods to improve quality: organisation of code, thorough documentation and simplifying changes
Good Installation Practice
Location of hardware
Good wiring practice
Cable spacing, power distribution and wire numbering
Reducing noise and interference
Screening and shielding
Module 6: Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
Human and ergonomic factors
HMI configuration
Design and layout
Alarming and reporting philosophies
Alarm system design
Good Installation Practice
Recommended installation practice
Ergonomic considerations
Module 7: Advanced Control with PLCs
The concept of reusable logic
Examples, drive logic and alarm handling
Use of advanced programming functions
Matrix logic
Table functions and indirect addressing
Example: simple display driver
Batch Processes and Sequential Control
Remembering the programme state
Creating a 'stepper'
Step advance
Fault detection and recovery
Operator intervention
Multiple recipes or alternative paths
Sequential function charts
PID Control
The importance of timing and scan time
When PID is not always appropriate:
Intermittent measurements
Long transport delays
Safety Programmable Systems
Why regular PLCs should not be used for safety functions
Programmable electronic logic solvers
Safety certification
Certified programming systems
Application examples
Growth of networked safety devices and certified networks
Integrated safety systems
Module 8: Landline Media
Background to cables
Noise and interference on cables
Twisted pair cables and fibre optic cables
The public network provided services
Wide Area Network (WAN) Technologies
Digital hierarchies, T1 and E1
Packet switching
Frame relay
ATM
SDH/sonnet
Local Area Networks (LANs)
Ethernet networks
Industrial Ethernet
TCP/IP
LAN connectivity: bridges, routers and switches
Redundancy options
Web-based Industrial SCADA
Wireless
OPC
Module 9: Introduction to IEC 61131-3
Concepts
Common elements
Programming languages: structured text
Function block diagrams
Module 10: SCADA Network Security
Introduction
Authentication and encryption
SCADA firewalls
Firewall architectures and guidelines
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Troubleshooting SCADA systems
Maintenance tasks
Specification of Systems
Common pitfalls, Standards, Performance criteria, Testing, Documentation and Future trends
Module 11: Building a PLC Panel, as well as General Commissioning, Testing and Upgrading
Electrical Design and construction
Commissioning and installation
Simulation and testing
Problem isolation and faultfinding
Upgrading of control systems
Module 12: Industrial Communications Protocols
RS-232 interface standard
RS-485 interface standard
Fieldbus
Modbus
DNP3.0
Modems
Introduction and principles
Asynchronous/synchronous
Modulation techniques
Error detection and correction
Troubleshooting
Please note: Course content is subject to change. Due to rapidly changing technology and based on feedback from students and instructors, the Engineering Institute of Technology courses are continuously being updated and improved.
Benefits of Online Learning to Students
Cost-effective: no travel or accommodation necessary
Interactive: live, interactive sessions let you communicate with your instructor and fellow students
Flexible: short interactive sessions over the Internet which you can attend from your home or office.
Practical: perform exercises by remotely accessing our labs and simulation software
Expert instructors: instructors have extensive industry experience; they are not just 'academics'
No geographical limits: learn from any location, all you need is an Internet connection
Constant support: from your instructor(s) and a dedicated Learning Support Officer for the complete duration of the course
International insight: interact and network with participants from around the globe and gain valuable insight into international practice
Benefits of Online Learning to Employers
Lower training costs: no travel or accommodation necessary
Less downtime: short webinars (60-90 minutes) and flexible training methods means less time away from work
Retain employees: keep staff who may be considering a qualification as a full-time study
Increase efficiency: improve your engineering or technical employees’ skills and knowledge
International insight: students will have access to internationally based professional instructors and students
How Does it Work?
EIT Online Learning courses involve a combination of live, interactive sessions over the Internet with a professional instructor, set readings, and assignments. The courses include simulation software and remote laboratory applications to let you put theory to practice, and provide you with constant support from a dedicated Learning Support Officer.
Practical Exercises and Remote Laboratories
As part of the groundbreaking new way of teaching, our online engineering courses use a series of remote laboratories (labs) and simulation software, to facilitate your learning and to test the knowledge you gain during your course. These involve complete working labs set up at various locations of the world into which you will be able to log to and proceed through the various practical sessions.
These will be supplemented by simulation software, running either remotely or on your computer, to ensure you gain the requisite hands-on experience. No one can learn much solely from lectures, the labs and simulation software are designed to increase the absorption of the materials and to give you a practical orientation of the learning experience. All this will give you a solid, practical exposure to the key principles covered and will ensure that you obtain maximum benefit from your course.
Testimonials
The instructor was fantastic and very knowledgeable. Ryan Atkinson, Australia
The theoretical material was very useful. Andreas Mpounovas, Greece
The course provides a good knowledge foundation for learning the concepts, principles and information regarding the subject of Industrial Automation. Alan Rushton, United Kingdom
Overall great course, definitely a start on the concepts of the PLC and will help me out at work greatly. Javier Cortes, United States
