Course details

Industrial Automation refers to the use of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in a range of industrial and manufacturing applications. Students will meet all the industry leading PLCs and will learn to install, maintain and programme the PLCs in real-life applications. This is a very practical course designed to give the student the skills they need to get a job in this broad and buoyant area.

Programme Modules

  • Industrial Automation 1 (10 Credits, Level 6)
  • Industrial Automation 2 (10 Credits, Level 7)
  • Work Placment (10 Credits, Level 7)

Learning Outcomes:

Industrial Automation 1

  • Select and install the panel wiring cables, accessories and protective devices required for 'direct on line', 'forward/reverse' 'star/delta and sequence starting of motors.
  • Install a safety relay circuit incorporating an emergency stop.
  • Develop and interpret schematic diagrams of the listed motor power and control circuits.
  • Install a soft start controller on a three phase motor and identify suitable applications.
  • Install a thermistor relay on a direct-on-line motor control circuit.
  • Fault find on various motor control exercises utilising schematic drawings, test instruments and manufacturers' technical data.
  • Describe the operation and layout of various PLC systems
  • Select input/output modules for a given application
  • Read and interpret basic ladder diagrams/statement lists on a programmable console.
  • Assemble and wire a PLC system using a number of inputs and outputs. Install programmes and test for function.
  • Back up a PLC program on hard disk or diskette/usb drive.

Industrial Automation 2

  • Configure PLC hardware including I/O devices Analogue and Digital .
  • Write program blocks for Programmable Controllers using a variety of programming languages.
  • Explain the operation and utilisation of various sensors and actuators for automated systems for the purpose of data acquisition.
  • Develop and test control solutions for automated systems, both electronic and pneumatic.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of and be able to implement safety measures in the design of automated systems.

Work Placement/ Project

  • Apply the transferable skills you have learnt so far.
  • Gain experience of technical industry and thereby increase their employability upon graduation.
  • Gain practical experience relevant to at least one area of their programme
  • Put theory into practice.
  • Enhance your interpersonal skills and communications by working as part of a team.

Syllabus:

Industrial Automation 1 (10 Credits, Level 6)

  • Industrial safety: House rules, safe practice, safety precautions, workshop safety, accidents reports, first aid, electric shock treatment.
  • Wiring Systems: Basic wiring, accessories, circuits, cable slection, testing equi[pment, trunking/conduit installation, earthing and testing.
  • Hard Wired Control Systems: International symbols, Wiring and schematic control circuits, relay logic, interlocking, starting methods, motor control, fault finding, dianostics.
  • Programmable Controller Hardware: Architecture, Central Proccessor Unit, Memory, Input/output modules, Programming Units, Modular Systems.
  • Programming Of PLC Systems: Ladder language, List language, System flow chart, Standard PLC functions and Features e.g. timers, counters, special function relays, Fault finding.
  • System Operation and Programming Techniques: PLC systems, Modes of operation, Program scanning, Connection of peripheraals, Monitoring/Diagnostics.

Industrial Automation 2

  • Programmable logic Control/Human machine Interfacing/ including various programming languages e.g. Ladder/Instruction List/Sequential flow chart.
  • Control system principles
  • Safety in automated systems. Health and Safety Directives.
  • PLC hardware/selection and configuration of; power supply modules, CPU, digital input/output modules..
  • Principle of operation of transducers/sensors and actuators, Plant control circuitry/Hybrid design. Data acquisition. Simulation control will also achieved using Automation suite/LabView.
  • Pneumatics/Compressors/Valve actuators
  • Case studies/Control Building Blocks.
  • Fault finding and Diagnostics.
  • Laboratory Exercises:- These will include:
  • Introductory Applications e.g Timers, retentive Timers, Counters, Cascading Counters.
  • Programming Techniques e.g. MCR, JUMP and Force Control.
  • Sequencers. Interlocking both 'Hard Wired and Using Monitoring Contacts. Sequential Function Chart (SFC), Function Block Diagram (FBD).
  • Practical Projects e.g. Safety Relays, Control Relays, Power Switching, Explosive Atmospheres, Spray Painting, Saw Bench Cutting, Faulty Batch Detector, Car Park project including Pneumatic Control System.

Work Placement/ Project

The period of Work Placement will form an integral part of the course and will consist of a specified minimum period in a workplace as listed in the Work Placement Guidelines document.Work placement will be managed by a committee consisting of the head of department; programme co-ordinator and the academic supervisor. Each work placement will be supervised by an academic supervisor and an industry supervisor. The student will be invited to find a suitable placement and obtain ratification from the academic supervisor. Assistance will be given to students who have difficulties in securing an appropriate placement. Placement will normally be obtained with industry relevant to the core qualification of the programme.

When a suitable training place has been obtained, the academic supervisor will agree:

  1. An industry supervisor within the placement company to whom the student will be responsible.
  2. A training programme which takes into account the aims of industrial placement as stated above.

During the placement period the student will be visited on at least one occasion by the academic supervisor. During this visit, assessment will be made of the student's progress within the agreed programme and any necessary alterations, modifications or adjustments will be made after consultation with the student and industry supervisor

Updated on 08 November, 2015

About Galway-Mayo IT - Castlebar

The Mayo Campus is located next to Mayo General Hospital, less than ten minutes walk from Castlebar Town.

It opened its doors to students in 1994, in the west wing of the Hospital.  The entire building has been sensitively restored to retain as much as possible of the original architecture, while providing the modern facilities and services required for students and staff.  

The Mayo Campus specialises in nursing and outdoor education, as well as offering courses in business, technology, health sciences and more.  

In 2011, it became the first Institute of Technology campus in Ireland to be awarded Green Campus status.

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