28556 - Control Systems Technologies

Learning outcomes

Structure and use of the main hw/sw tools for control systems in automation (PLC,....). Introduction to the design of automation sw.

Course contents

The course can be divided into two main areas:
- architectures and components of industrial control and automation systems;
- software tools and standards to implement industrial control and automation.
In the first area, hardware architectures of control and automation systems are briefly introduced, mapping the classical “functional schemes” of the Automatic Control theory in “technological schemes”. Afterward, the main classes of devices used in control and automation are introduced. For each class, some components are considered, enlightening selection and sizing criteria.
As far as the second area is concerned, the main issues related to the software implementation of control algorithms (continuous events) and automation sequences (discrete events) are presented. The design and the SW implementation of automation sequences according to the IEC61131 standard are deeply analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the implementation on PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), which are a standard de facto in automation systems. By means of a CAD tool for the design and simulation of automation sequences, many examples are presented to the students. This is also instrumental for the students to carry out the automation sequence design for a specific plant, as required to take the examination.
Detailed list of arguments:
- Technological architecture of control systems.
- Transducers: definitions, classification (sensors and actuators), characteristics.
- Most common sensors for automation.
Position: potenziometer, resolver, encoder.
Speed: encoder, resolver, dynamo.
Strain, Force and Pressure: strain gauges.
Temperature: termocouples, RTD
Electric current: resistive shunt, Hall-effect based.
- Interface electronics:
Differential and instrumentation amplifiers. Multiplexer and Sample/Hold. A/D D/A converters.
- Introduction to digital control unit in automation
Microcontrollers and DSP. PLC. Industrial PC.
- Software for control and automation
Introduction to a real-time system for control applications
Automation sequences for plant and machines
General criteria for automation and control SW design. IEC-61131.
Automation sequence design. Examples. CAD tool for automation software design and simulation.
A brief introduction to advanced design methodology for automation software
- Brief introduction to communication systems in automation
- Introduction to Motion Control Systems
Basics and architectures
A standard for programming

Readings/Bibliography

Slides and Material provided by the teachers.

Books (not necessary, for possible deeper study on some topics):

Bonivento, Gentili, Paoli "Sistemi di automazione industriale - Architetture e controllo" McGraw-Hill, ISBN 88-386-6440-4 (In Italian; recommended, but not mandatory; the part on sensors and interfacing electronics is not covered in this book)

Bonfatti, Monari, Sampieri "IEC 1131-3 Programming Methodology" CJ International (For further details on logic control and PLC programming).

Teaching methods

Traditional classes, supported by PC presentations.

Some classes are used to introduce a CAD tool to design logic control of automation systems according to IEC61131-3 languages.

Some parts of the course and exercises are developed only by using the blackboard

Assessment methods

Examination is composed by three parts, the first and the second are mandatory, while the third is optional:

1. Written examination (3.5 hours long) with some open questions with "short" answers and exercises

2. Presentation of an automation software project to control a specific plant (each project can be carried out by groups with three students at most)

Further important information are provided in a specific document uploaded on the same platform containing the course slides. Students are asked to read it very carefully.

Office hours

See the website of Christian Conficoni

See the website of Nicola Mimmo

See the website of Andrea Testa