Module Details

Module Code: ELEC6022
Title: Industrial Automation
Long Title: Industrial Automation
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5220 - Electrical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the concept of automation. It develops the knowledge and skills required to integrate sensor circuits with a programmable logic controller (PLC) to drive a final control element.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe and specify types of sensors and actuators associated with PLC control of industrial processes.
LO2 Use appropriate number systems such as binary, binary coded decimal (BCD), hexadecimal and Gray code.
LO3 Specify the hardware requirements of a PLC and develop ladder programs to control actuators.
LO4 Perform as a member of a team to manage the design, implementation and test of a PLC-based project.
LO5 Complete a report in accordance with accepted engineering professional standards.
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).
14610 ELEC6024 Analog Industrial Electronics
14611 ELEC6025 Digital Industrial Electronics
14615 ELEC6022 Industrial Automation
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
Digital Sensors
Introduction to digital sensors, op-amp circuits, switches, capacitive and inductive proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors. Characteristics. Datasheets.
Digital Output devices
Contactors, solenoids and valves, sounders, standard operating voltages. Solid state switching.
PLC hardware
Block diagram of PLC architecture, power supply, memory, input/ output interface circuits, types of output switching.
PLC programming
Programming using ladder diagrams (LDs) and function block diagrams (FBDs). Use of set/ reset, latching, timers, counters, shift registers. Use of monitor and debug control.
Project
Activate an output in response to a changing input. Team-working (nominally three members), specifications and datasheets, health and safety. Develop check-sheet for testing operation.
Report
Project plan. Log book to document process, progress and outcomes. Communicate to a non-technical audience,
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Short exam on material covered. Students can bring one A4 sheet of revision work to the exam.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Team based project that incorporates sensors and switches, PLC control and electro-pneumatic actuation.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
A project demonstration to a technical/ non-technical audience and formal report will be completed by the team.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Students will write a short program and test it on a PLC.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

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 Lectures on automation Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Assessment of practical competency through laboratory-based project with report. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material, preparation of report for automation project and in class topics. 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 Lectures on automation Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact Assessment of practical competency through laboratory-based project with report. Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material, preparation of report for automation project and in class topics. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • William Bolton. (2018), Mechatronics: Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, 7th. Pearson, [ISBN: 978-013240763].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Edward Hughes. (2016), Electrical and Electronic technology, 12th. Pearson, [ISBN: 978-129209304].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EEPSY_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering 3 Mandatory
CR_EELEC_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering 3 Mandatory