After successful completion of the course, students are able to use programmable logic controllers (PLC) and microcontrollers in distributed industrial environments and to design programs for them. This includes the analysis of technical processes, the derivation of suitable process models, and the implementation and testing of programs for the control as well as for the human-machine interface.

The first part of the course deals with programming a very basic system built from standard industrial automation components, which comprises a PLC connected to several sensors/actuators via ASi.

The second part extends the solution from part one with a Human Machine Interface (HMI). By using a touchpanel process data as well as historic data will be visualized and the process flow can be influenced.

In the third part, basic communication between microcontroller-boards connected via a CAN-bus will be implemented. 

The course is divided into 3 phases. Each phase begins with a lecture, followed by a practical phase in which the students apply what they learned in the teachings, in a practical example. They are supported by tutors.

Estimation of effort: 4 ECTS, amounting to about 100 work hours.

• Preliminary talk plus three lectures: 6 hours
• Practical tasks (TILab): 93 hours
• Exercise interviews: 1h

Note: Lack of previous knowledge (see below) may increase the total effort considerably.

In each phase there are points for the laboratory protocol. Each phase is also concluded with a discussion, where there are points for the implementation of the problem and theoretical questions about the subject matter.

This enrollment is for the course. Additionally, starting from Oct. 8th,  you need to register for one of three groups (on the Tab 'Groups'), each of which has a particular timeslot associated with it. Presence is in your timeslot is not mandatory; however, during your timeslot you will have precedence over students enrolled for a different group.

Apart from basic C/C++ programming skills, knowledge and skills taught in preceding courses will be at least partially required, in particular:

• Microcontroller programming
• Basic knowledge in electrical engineering and real time systems