Module C: Programmable Control Systems

A brief history of control systems.

Areas of programmable logic control application (industry, energetics, traffic…)

Fundamental and other logical functions: binary, memory, timer, counter.

Application of digital and analog sensors and actuators.

Flowchart and types of control: combination control, step control.

Safety measures.

Concepts and structures of PLCs. Input and output signals, addressing, data types.

Methods of user control software development: statement list (STL), ladder diagram (LAD), function block diagram (FBD). Most important instructions and functions.

Software development tools for user control program development and user interface design. Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Communication among PLCs and other intelligent peripherals.

Digital twins and Industry 4.0.

The student will learn about programmable control system components and their features. He will accomplish knowledge to solve control problems by using programmable logic controllers (PLCs), where proper hardware selection/configuration, control software development and user interface are needed.

With systematic approach he will reduce occurrence of deadlocks in controlled process and carefully address all safety issues. As well, student will become aware of necessity of clear requirements, perfect documentation and efficient communication among the project team.

Lectures (30 hours) and laboratory work (30 hours); optional: project work on R&D activities within the Laboratory of Control Engineering and Power Electronics. For exchange students (if there are only few of them and holding  lectures is not justified): consultations in English and project work.