Module Details

Module Code: PHYS7004
Title: Industrial Comms & Networks
Long Title: Industrial Comms & Networks
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2020/21 ( January 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module covers the underlying principles behind today's industrial communications systems. The OSI model (and variations) is studied as a means of understanding the relevant functional layer tasks which underpin the comms protocols. Practical protocols & network buses are emphasised, such as Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus, ControlNet, EtherNet/IP etc. Wireless industrial protocols are also addressed.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Interpret, select and use a range of different Industrial Network architectures, from the plant floor to the interface with the Enterprise, including key components, infrastructure, security, etc.
LO2 Demonstrate a detailed description of the OSI reference model and operate the basic principles of communications protocols and systems are derived from this.
LO3 Identify and solve the architectural structure of a communication system within an industrial plant.
LO4 Execute and operate commonly deployed wired Industrial protocols including Modbus, Profibus & Ethernet.
LO5 Demonstrate the principles of Wireless communication technologies and their use in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) / Industry 4.0 and how this new field can solve existing challenges in industry.
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
Overview of Data Communications
Standards, Protocols. Physical standards review; EIA 232, EIA 423, EIA 422, EIA 485. Abstract of Distributed Control System (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), SCADA systems and Smart Instrumentation Systems.
Network Models & Open Systems Interconnection Model (OSI)
Layered tasks. 7-layer OSI theoretical model. Individual OSI Layers & functions. OSI analogy. Simplified OSI model. 5-layer model & TCP/IP. Data Link layer, Network layer, Transport layer. Industrial 3-layer model. Interoperability. New “User” layer.
Flow control protocols & the Data Link Layer
What are Protocols? Message Framing concepts. Flow Control Protocols. Character based and Bit based protocols. Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) schemes. Sliding Windows.
Practical Industrial Protocols
“Industrial” vs. “Commercial”? Modbus protocol. Memory based characteristic. Frame formats & typical exchanges. Allen-Bradley, DH plus (Data Highway plus). CANBus (Controller Area Network). HART. Bus access schemes. Non-deterministic. CANBus & OSI. Media Access Schemes (MAC); Master-Slave, Token Passing, Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA).
High level Industrial Networks & Buses
Network architecture overview. Sensors with network capability. Source-destination & producer-consumer models. Data exchange methods DeviceNet. Foundation-FieldBus. ControlNet. EtherNet/IP. Summary.
FieldBuses (Foundation FieldBus & PROFIBUS)
Overview & historical development. World Factory Instrument Protocol (WorldFIP) and Interoperable Systems Project (ISP) Fieldbus Foundation (FF). Process FieldBus (PROFIBUS). Foundation FieldBus. Features, function blocks, Control block. How FF fits with OSI model. DeltaV and Foundation Fieldbus.
Wireless Communication for Industrial Applications
Wired vs. Wireless. The IEEE 802.11 standard. Industrial wireless protocols and criteria. Data throughput capacity. Wireless HART. IIoT & Industry 4.0. ZigBee Protocols and the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. 'Mesh' Networks.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Assessment Description
MCQ
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Assessment Description
MCQ
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Case Study
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Laboratory Practicals
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 Delivery of course material Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Laboratory Practical Assignments. Includes demonstration and a sample of reports. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case Studies, Extra Reading & Study Material 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 Delivery of course material Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory Practical Assignments. Includes demonstration and a sample of reports. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Case Studies, Extra Reading & Study Material 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
  • Louis E., Jr. Frenzel. (2015), Handbook of Serial Communications Interfaces, Elsevier Science & Technology, [ISBN: 9780128006719].
  • Knapp, Eric D; Langill, Joel Thomas. (2015), Industrial Network Security, 2. Elsevier, Elsevier Science & Technology Books, Syngress, [ISBN: 978012420114].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • B. A. Forouzan. (2007), Data Communications & Networking, 4th. McGraw-Hill, [ISBN: 0072967757].
  • Lawrence M. Thompson,. (2007), Industrial Data Communications, ISA, America, [ISBN: 978-1-934394-24-3].
  • D. Caro. (2004), Automation Network Selection, Instrument Society of America, [ISBN: 1-55617-861-1].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 6 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 6 Mandatory