Information Technology Systems for Automation (SIA)

The objective of this subject is for students to familiarise themselves with the intimate and direct relationship that exists between the technology behind automated production processes and information technology. Students will learn concepts and techniques and the skills to be able to:
-  Choose the platforms upon which to execute applications with real time restrictions.
-  Understand the basics of control.
-  Use development tools to simulate, generate and configure applications that can exchange and store information.
-  Program and configure process monitoring systems.

Knowledges

1. Acquisition of the concepts and principles underlying industrial automation and computing.
2. Understanding the needs of real-time operating systems. Choosing the most suitable operating system in the light of automation requirements.
3. Learning the techniques involved in integrating various automation elements.
4. Knowing how to analyze and choose control systems meeting given requirements.
5. Understanding the various types of programming for automated processing control systems.
6. Learning the concepts for analyzing needs and developing supervision and monitoring functions in automated systems.
7. Learning the concepts for defining and choosing data storage systems compatible with manufacturing processes.
8. Acquiring the knowledge to analyze needs and to design a communication system providing both the horizontal (intra-level) and vertical (inter-level) integration of information required for automation purposes.

Abilities

1. Acquiring the methodology for development work in highly automated settings.
2. Ability to use various elements in automated environments (PC-I, PLCs, PIDs, HMMI, SCADA systems, Communications Systems, etc.).
3. Integration of automation elements, choosing, developing and choosing the tools required for this purpose.
4. Analysis and selection of suitable technologies for carrying out wholesale automation in manufacturing environments.
5. Ability to structure the information to be treated and handled, depending on the level in the CIM pyramid.
6. Using communication systems for both horizontal and vertical applications.
7. Using calculation and development tools for computing engineering applications.
8. Knowing how to analyze and evaluate the enhancements provided by new technologies in automated settings.

Competences

1. Developing a critical spirit enabling one to analyze and question one"s own decisions.
2. Teamwork evidencing the advantages of co-operation.
3. Rigorous development of the chosen methodology.
4. Fostering enthusiasm for continued learning.
5. Expressing ideas through schema and diagrams.
6. Rendering technology and the environment compatible in the light of criteria for sustainable development.

(-)

Fnal grade= 0.55*Theory grade + 0.45* Lab Grade



Theory grade = 0.4*P + 0.6*F o F (if F > Theory grade).



P : Part exam



F : Final exam.



Lab grade:= 0.1*L1 + 0.2*L2 + 0.1*L3 + 0.2*L4 + 0.4*L5







(All grades out of 10)







Assessment of practical work







Assessment will be made of the five reports and the software submitted in the lab sessions.







Submission 1



Data capture systems using a system operating in real time): 10%



Submission 2



Automata practice: 20%



Submission 3



Use of engineering calculation tools (Simulink, Matlab, etc.): 10%



Submission 4



SCADA practice: 20%



Submission 5



Automation application: 40%











The following will be taken into account when grading submitted work:







The student"s individual contribution to the results obtained by his or her group.



Achievement of objectives: The reports submitted, the completeness of the programmes submitted and the extent to which they operate properly and in accordance with the agreed specifications.







The teacher will not accept any submissions which are obviously incomplete. Should this be the case, the grade awarded will be "Assignment not submitted".

1. Knowledge: Principles of systems operating in real time, databases, and communication networks.
2. Skills: Learn how to use the tools needed to develop applications using the foregoing knowledge.