Module Details

Module Code: MECH7014
Title: Mechatronics 3 - PLC Control
Long Title: Mechatronics 3 - PLC Control
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This modules develops the basic principles underlying mechatronic systems integrating mechanical, electrical and control systems. Electro-pneumatic devices are used as the final control element.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse, simplify and solve logic circuits.
LO2 Discuss the concepts of open-loop and closed loop systems and the resulting effects on system gain, stability and sensitivity to parameter variation and external disturbances on control systems.
LO3 Select suitable feedback and final control elements for pneumatic control systems.
LO4 Design PLC controlled systems, to performance specifications, using standard software for electro-pneumatic systems.
LO5 Use an HMI to interact with a control system.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Boolean logic
Basic logic gates including AND, OR, NOT and NAND gates. Combinational circuits. Simplification of logic functions, Karnaugh maps. Sequential circuits.
Controller Design
Open and closed loop control systems. Control modes, two-step, proportional, derivative, integral. Speed and position control.
Sensors and signal conditioning
Digital sensors including micro-switch, limit switch and proximity sensors. Analogue inputs including temperature, distance, speed, flow, force and pressure measurement. Analogue to digital conversion, transducers, types of signal (0 to 10V, 4 to 20mA). NPN/PNP sensors.
PLC Control
Introduction to PLC operation, instructions and processing. Program and data organisation. Internal relays, timers, shift-registers and instructions. Programming methods and IEC languages.
HMI systems
Operating environment, advantages/limitations, pushbutton replacer, data handler, overseer. Connectivity.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Practical project consisting of designing and programming of an automation system to given specifications.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Formal report on PLC controlled automation systems. The brief for this report will be issued on week 6 of the module.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Formal class based lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab based work Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Formal class based lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab based work Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • W. Bolton. (2011), Mechatronics - Electronic and control systems in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, 5th. Pearson Education Limited, Harlow, [ISBN: 0273742868].
  • G. Hegde. (2009), Mechatronics, Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2009, [ISBN: 1934015296].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Michael J. Pinches & Brian J. Callea. (1996), Power Pneumatics, Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 0-13-489-790-0].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EMECH_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 5 Mandatory
CR_EMECN_7 Parttime - Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 6 Group Elective 1