Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines modern industrial control systems and applications. Topics include: review of industrial sensors and actuators; computer interfacing; ladder logic and programmable logic controllers; industrial computer and programming methods; industrial networks; human-machine interfaces; supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA); manufacturing execution systems; and enterprise-wide integration. Students with credit for ENSC 484 may not take MSE 481 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Z-Domain Digital Control Systems. Divided into two parts, the course covers fundamental concepts, practical applications, and hands-on experiences to equip students with the necessary skills to work with PLCs and digital control systems effectively.

Part 1: Introduction to PLC In the first part of the course, students will explore the basics of PLCs, their architecture, and their role in industrial automation. The following topics will be covered:

1. Introduction to PLCs:

• Understand the purpose and significance of PLCs in industrial control systems.
• Explore the evolution of PLC technology and its advantages over traditional control methods.

2. PLC Hardware and Architecture:

• Study the components and organization of a typical PLC system.
• Learn about input/output (I/O) modules, central processing units (CPUs), and memory types in PLCs.

3. PLC Programming Languages:

• Gain familiarity with various PLC programming languages, such as ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text.
• Understand the syntax, conventions, and best practices for PLC programming.

4. PLC Communication and Networking:

• Learn about communication protocols used in PLC systems, such as Modbus and Ethernet/IP.
• Explore networking concepts and their applications in PLC-based control systems.

5. PLC Applications:

• Study real-world applications of PLCs in industrial automation, including motor control, process control, and sequential control.
• Understand the design considerations and implementation techniques for PLC-based systems.

Part 2: Z-Domain and Digital Control Systems The second part of the course focuses on Z-Domain Digital Control Systems, which are widely used in various fields, including robotics, aerospace, and power electronics. The following topics will be covered:

1. Introduction to Digital Control Systems:

• Understand the basics of digital control systems and their advantages over analog control systems.
• Learn about the discrete-time domain and the Z-transform as a mathematical tool for system analysis.

2. Z-Domain Analysis and Design:

• Study the Z-transform representation of discrete-time signals and systems.
• Learn how to analyze and design digital controllers using methods such as difference equations and transfer functions in the Z-domain.

3. Z-Domain Controller Implementation:

• Gain practical experience in implementing digital controllers in real-time systems.
• Explore techniques for the discretization of continuous-time controllers and anti-aliasing filtering.

4. Stability and Performance Analysis:

• Understand the stability criteria for digital control systems, including the Z-plane stability analysis.
• Learn how to analyze the performance of digital control systems in terms of transient response, steady-state error, and frequency response.

There are two group projects for the course:
Project 1: Design and implementation of a PLC control system using LogixPro 500 PLC Simulator”
Project 2:  Simulation of a Digital Control System using MATLAB

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students learn:

1. Design of PLC-Based Control Systems:

• Gain proficiency in designing control applications for industrial systems using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Identify and select appropriate components and hardware for PLC-based control systems.
• Develop detailed program designs using Ladder Logic, considering system requirements and specifications.

2. Modeling, analysis, and design of Discrete-Time control systems:

• Develop the ability to construct discrete-time models for control applications.
• Understand the principles and techniques of discretization of continuous-time models.
• Learn how to analyze and interpret discrete-time models to understand system dynamics and behavior.
• Acquire the skills to design practical discrete-time control algorithms for digital controllers.
• Study different control techniques, such as PID control
• Gain proficiency in analyzing the stability, performance, and robustness of discrete-time control systems.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students need to work with LogixPro a PLC Simulator.