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Unit Name INDUSTRIAL DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Unit Code ME510
Unit Duration 12 weeks
Award

Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Industrial Automation)
Duration: 1 year


Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation)
Duration: 2 years  
Year Level 1st
Unit Creator / Reviewer D Ngo
Core/Sub-Discipline: Core
Pre/Co-requisites None
Credit Points


3


Grad Dip total course credit points = 24
(3 credits x 8 (units))


Masters total course credit points = 48
(3 credits x 12 (units) + 12 credits (Thesis))
Mode of Delivery On-Campus or Online
Unit Workload 10 hours per week:
     Lecture - 1 hour
     Tutorial Lecture - 1 hour
     Practical / Lab - 1 hour (where applicable)
     Personal Study recommended - 7 hours (guided and unguided)

Unit Description and General Aims

This unit aims to provide the requisite specialist knowledge to manage modern Ethernet-based industrial networks, field buses and industrial wireless systems. It consolidates all of the aspects associated with the specification, design, synthesis, simulation and configuration of such networks. Although a range of theoretical concepts are addressed, the focus is upon using cutting-edge modern technologies such as those required for redundancy and real-time operation

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject/unit, students are expected to be able to:

  1. Assess the functionalities and applicability of various data communication protocols in specific Industrial scenarios
    Bloom’s Level 5
  2. Assess media selection and noise mitigation approaches for Industrial Automation systems
    Bloom’s Level 5
  3. Investigate and evaluate complex Ethernet, serial data communications and field bus technologies for Industrial networks
    Bloom’s Level 6
  4. Investigate and evaluate appropriate wireless technologies and security measures for Industrial networks
    Bloom’s Level 6

Student assessment

Assessment Type
(e.g. Assignment - 2000 word essay (specify topic)
Examination (specify length and format))

When assessed

(e.g. After Topic 5)

 Weighting (% of total unit marks) Learning Outcomes Assessed

Assignment 1


Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Role Play / Self-Assessment / Presentation


Example topics: Work to date

 After Topic 4 20% 1, 2

Assignment 2


Type: Test (invigilated)


Example topics: Work to date

 After Topic 7 30% 3

Assignment 3 - Final Project or Short Answer


Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Role Play / Self-Assessment / Presentation


Example topics: Work covered to date

 After Topic 11 35% 1, 2, 3, 4

Assignment 4 – Practical


Type: Practical Communication Simulation

 Final Week 10% 1, 2, 3, 4

Attendance

 Continuous 5%  

Prescribed and Recommended Readings

Required textbook

  • Forouzan, Data Communications and Networking, 5th Edition, 2012, ISBN 978-0-07-337622-6
  • Sen, Fieldbus and Networking in Process Automation. CRC Press, 2014 – ISBN: 978-1466586765


Reference Materials

  1. Spurgeon, C.E., (2000), Ethernet - the Definitive Guide, 1st Edition, O’Reilly and Associates, Inc.
  2. TIA-232 Standard, Revision F, (2002) Telecommunications Industry Association
  3. TIA-485 Standard, Revision A, (2003) Telecommunications Industry Association
  4. Modbus Serial and Modbus TCP standards, modbus-ida.org
  5. Berge, J., (2002), Fieldbuses for Process Control: Engineering, Operation and Maintenance, 1st edition, ISA
  6. Roshan, P. and Leary, J., (2004), 802.11 Wireless LAN fundamentals, 1st edition, Cisco Press
  7. Stevens, W.R., (1994), TCP/IP Illustrated Volume I (The Protocols), 1st edition, Addison Wesley Park, John; Mackay, Steve; Wright, Edwin (2003), Practical Data Communications for Instrumentation and Control
  8. 11 specification (http://standards.ieee.org)
  9. 15.4 specification (http://standards.ieee.org)
  10. OPC specifications (http://www.opcfoundation.org)
  11. Miscellaneous journals and websites (advised during lectures)
  12. IDC/EIT notes and reference texts as advised

Unit Content

One topic is delivered per contact week, with the exception of part-time 24-week units, where one topic is delivered every two weeks.

Topics 1

Introduction, OSI framework and protocols

  1. Industrial data communication concepts and challenges
  2. Abstraction models: OSI and TCP/IP
  3. Full vs. half-duplex protocols

Topics 2

Media and noise

  1. Radiated, copper and fibre media alternatives
  2. The noise mitigation strategies

Topics 3

Ethernet technologies

  1. Introduction to Industrial Ethernet: variants and components
  2. Ethernet strategies for high availability and real-time operation

Topics 4

TCP/IP

  1. The TCP/IP protocol suite
  2. Network design and addressing schemes (IPv4/IPv6)

Topics 5 and 6

Serial data communication technologies and MODBUS

  1. Synchronous and asynchronous communications
  2. Design and simulation of MODBUS Serial and MODBUS/TCP networks
  3. Integration of MODBUS Serial/TCP with TCP/IP/Ethernet infrastructures
  4. HART Communication Protocol
  5. DNP3 Communication protocol

Topics 7 and 8

Industrial networks

  1. First generation systems (Data Highway, Modbus Plus)
  2. Second generation systems (PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1)
  3. Third generation systems (PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, FOUNDATION Fieldbus HSE)
  4. High-speed deterministic Ethernet field buses
  5. Industrial Internet of Things (MQTT Protocol)

Topics 9 and 10

Fundamentals of wireless technologies

  1. RF bands and propagation characteristics 900 MHz- 80 GHz
  2. Fixed wireless systems: Wireless modems, VSat, 3G/4G, terrestrial microwave link design
  3. Industrial wireless networks: 11 Industrial WLANs, IEEE802.15 Industrial mesh networks
  4. OPC communication protocol

Topics 11

Security

  1. Security issues for industrial networks
  2. Specific wireless security issues
  3. Implementation of measures to safeguard industrial networks

Topics 12

Project and Course Review

In the final week students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity will be provided for a review of student work, to clarify any outstanding issues, and to work on finalising the major assessment report.

 

Engineers Australia


The Australian Engineering Stage 1 Competency Standards for the Professional Engineer, approved as of 2013. This table is referenced in the mapping of graduate attributes to learning outcomes and via the learning outcomes to student assessment.

 

Stage 1 Competencies and Elements of Competency

1.

Knowledge and Skill Base

1.1

Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

1.2

Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.

1.3

In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering

1.4

 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.

1.5

 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.

1.6

Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.

2.

Engineering Application Ability

2.1

Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem-solving.

2.2

Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

2.3

Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

2.4

Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

3.

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1

Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

3.2

Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

3.3

Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

3.4

Professional use and management of information.

3.5

Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

3.6

Effective team membership and team leadership.

Software/Hardware Used

Software

  • Realterm

  • Modbus (Serial and TCP)

  • Wireshark

  • OPC

Hardware

  •  N/A

Unit Changes Based on Student Feedback

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