MODULE DETAILS

SCADA Systems DIASCA617

Nominal duration: 36 hours total time commitment

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers the specification, design, installation, commissioning and troubleshooting of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems used in Industrial plants.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of the module is for participants to build general knowledge of critical aspects of SCADA systems in industry: specification, design, installation, commissioning and fault correction.

MODIFICATION HISTORY

Original module approved in 2007 (51935); June 2011 (52403WA); 2014 (52708WA).  This version: V4.0

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Modules that must be delivered and assessed before this module:

Wireless Ethernet and TCP/IP Networking DIAWEN615

Radio Telemetry Systems DIARTL616

Modules that must be delivered concurrently with this module:

None

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Identify and explain a basic SCADA system infrastructure
2. Compare WAN communication technologies for SCADA systems
3. Outline the role of OPC technology in SCADA system operation
4. Evaluate security issues related to SCADA systems

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learning outcomes specify what students will be able to do as a result of the learning.

Assessment criteria provide the criteria by which achievement of the learning outcomes will be judged.

1

Identify and explain SCADA system infrastructure

1.1

Compare commercially available SCADA software packages

1.2

Outline core functions of components of SCADA systems, specifically:

(a) Servers

(b) Historians

(c) HMIs

(d) RTUs

(e) Firewalls

1.3

Design a basic ethernet-based SCADA system at component level

1.4

Apply fundamental processes for basic configuration of SCADA software

1.5

Outline redundancy concepts as related to SCADA systems

2

Compare WAN communication technologies for SCADA systems

2.1

Compare the basic attributes of WAN technologies used for SCADA, including:

(a) T1/E1

(b) Packet Switching (X.25)

(c) Frame Relay

(d) ATM

(e) SDH/SONET

(f) Leased lines

2.2

Compare the features, benefits and likely issues of wireless technologies in SCADA systems, including:

(a) Point-to-point microwave

(b) Cellular

2.3

Explain applications of the following communication protocols in SCADA systems:

(a) TCP/IP

(b) MODBUS

(c) DNP3

3

Outline the role of OPC technology in SCADA system operation

3.1

Outline fundamental OPC concepts

3.2

Analyse SCADA tag values via OPC

4

Evaluate security issues related to SCADA systems

4.1

Outline possible cyber threats against SCADA installations

4.2

Formulate an overall security philosophy for SCADA systems

4.3

Outline firewall requirements and placement within SCADA systems

DELIVERY MODE

Online and/or face-to-face

SPECIALISED RESOURCES

N/A

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments may be open book assessment and may be completed off campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.