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/Elective |
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 hours 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:
- Assess the functionalities and applicability of various data communication protocols in specific Industrial scenarios
Bloom’s Level 5 - Assess media selection and noise mitigation approaches for Industrial Automation systems
Bloom’s Level 5 - Design and evaluate complex Ethernet, serial data communications and field bus technologies for Industrial networks
Bloom’s Level 6 - Design and evaluate appropriate wireless technologies and security measures for Industrial networks
Bloom’s Level 6
Bloom’s Taxonomy
The cognitive domain levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Bloom’s Level |
Bloom’s Category |
Description |
Verbs |
1 |
Remember |
Exhibit memory of previously learned material by recalling facts, terms, basic concepts, and answers. |
Choose, Define, Find, How, Label, List, Match, Name, Omit, Recall, Relate, Select, Show, Spell, Tell, What, When, Where, Which, Who, Why |
2 |
Understand |
Demonstrate understanding of facts and ideas by organizing, comparing, translating, interpreting, giving descriptions, and stating main ideas. |
Classify, Compare, Contrast, Demonstrate, Explain, Extend, Illustrate, Infer, Interpret, Outline, Relate, Rephrase, Show, Summarize, Translate |
3 |
Apply |
Solve problems to new situations by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques and rules in a different way. |
Apply, Build, Choose, Construct, Develop, Experiment with, Identify, Interview, Make use of, Model, Organize, Plan, Select, Solve, Utilize |
4 |
Analyse |
Examine and break information into parts by identifying motives or causes. Make inferences and find evidence to support generalizations. |
Analyse, Assume, Categorize, Classify, Compare, Conclusion, Contrast, Discover, Dissect, Distinguish, Divide, Examine, Function, Inference, Inspect, List, Motive, Relationships, Simplify, Survey, Take part in, Test for, Theme |
5 |
Evaluate |
Present and defend opinions by making judgments about information, validity of ideas, or quality of work based on a set of criteria. |
Agree, Appraise, Assess, Award, Choose, Compare, Conclude, Criteria, Criticize, Decide, Deduct, Defend, Determine, Disprove, Estimate, Evaluate, Explain, Importance, Influence, Interpret, Judge, Justify, Mark, Measure, Opinion, Perceive, Prioritize, Prove, Rate, Recommend, Rule on, Select, Support, Value |
6 |
Create |
Compile information together in a different way by combining elements in a new pattern or proposing alternative solutions. |
Adapt, Build, Change, Choose, Combine, Compile, Compose, Construct, Create, Delete, Design, Develop, Discuss, Elaborate, Estimate, Formulate, Happen, Imagine, Improve, Invent, Make up, Maximize, Minimize, Modify, Original, Originate, Plan, Predict, Propose, Solution, Solve, Suppose, Test Theory |
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 discipline. |
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. |
Graduate Attributes
Successfully completing this Unit will contribute to the recognition of attainment of the following graduate attributes aligned to the AQF Level 9 criteria, Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for the Professional Engineer and the Washington Accord and the Program Level Outcomes (PLO):
Graduate Attributes / Program Level Outcomes (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Professional and Personal Development) |
EA Stage 1 Competencies |
Learning Outcomes |
|
A. Effective Communication (PLO 1) |
|||
A1. Cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and organise information and ideas and to communicate those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms appropriate to the audience. |
2.2, 3.2 |
3, 4 |
|
A2. Ability to professionally manage oneself, teams, information and projects and engage effectively and appropriately across a diverse range of international cultures in leadership, team and individual roles. |
2.4, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 |
3, 4 |
|
B. Critical Judgement (PLO 2) |
|
||
B1. Ability to critically analyse and evaluate complex information and theoretical concepts. |
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1 |
1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
B2. Ability to creatively, proactively and innovatively apply theoretical concepts, knowledge and approaches with a high level of accountability, in an engineering context. |
1.5, 2.1, 3.3, 3.4 |
1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
C. Design and Problem Solving Skills (PLO 3) |
|
||
C1. Cognitive skills to synthesise, evaluate and use information from a broad range of sources to effectively identify, formulate and solve engineering problems. |
1.5, 2.1, 2.3 |
1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
C2. Technical and communication skills to design complex systems and solutions in line with developments in engineering professional practice. |
2.2, 2.3 |
1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
C3. Comprehension of the role of technology in society and identified issues in applying engineering technology ethics and impacts; economic; social; environmental and sustainability. |
1.5, 1.6, 3.1 |
4 |
|
D. Science and Engineering Fundamentals (PLO 4) |
|||
D1. Breadth and depth of mathematics, science, computer technology and specialist engineering knowledge and understanding of future developments. |
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 |
1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
D2. Knowledge of ethical standards in relation to professional engineering practice and research. |
1.6, 3.1, 3.5 |
4 |
|
D3. Knowledge of international perspectives in engineering and ability to apply various national and International Standards. |
1.5, 1.6, 2.4, 3.4 |
1, 2, 3, 4 |
|
E. Information and Research Skills (PLO 5) |
|||
E1. Application of advanced research and planning skills to engineering projects. |
1.4, 2.4, 3.6 |
3, 4 |
|
E2. Knowledge of research principles and methods in an engineering context. |
1.4, 1.6 |
3, 4 |
|
Unit Content and Learning Outcomes to Program Level Outcomes (PLO) via Bloom’s Taxonomy Level
This table details the mapping of the unit content and unit learning outcomes to the PLOs and graduate attributes at the corresponding Bloom’s Taxonomy level, specified by the number in the table.
|
Integrated Specification / Program Learning Outcomes |
|||||
PLO 1 |
PLO 2 |
PLO 3 |
PLO 4 |
PLO 5 |
||
Unit Learning Outcomes |
LO1 |
- |
5 |
5 |
5 |
- |
LO2 |
- |
5 |
5 |
5 |
- |
|
LO3 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
LO4 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Unit Study |
Assessments |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Lectures/Tutorials |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Max Bloom’s level |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Total PLO coverage |
5 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
5 |
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: Multi-choice test Example topics: Work to date |
After Topic 8 |
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
- Spurgeon, C.E., (2000), Ethernet - the Definitive Guide, 1st Edition, O’Reilly and Associates, Inc.
- TIA-232 Standard, Revision F, (2002) Telecommunications Industry Association
- TIA-485 Standard, Revision A, (2003) Telecommunications Industry Association
- Modbus Serial and Modbus TCP standards, modbus-ida.org
- Berge, J., (2002), Fieldbuses for Process Control: Engineering, Operation and Maintenance, 1st edition, ISA
- Roshan, P. and Leary, J., (2004), 802.11 Wireless LAN fundamentals, 1st edition, Cisco Press
- 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
- 11 specification (http://standards.ieee.org)
- 15.4 specification (http://standards.ieee.org)
- OPC specifications (http://www.opcfoundation.org)
- Miscellaneous journals and websites (advised during lectures)
- 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.
Topic 1
Introduction, OSI framework and protocols
- Industrial data communication concepts and challenges
- Abstraction models: OSI and TCP/IP
- Full vs. half-duplex protocols
Topic 2
Media and noise
- Radiated, copper and fibre media alternatives
- The noise mitigation strategies
Topic 3
Ethernet technologies
- Introduction to Industrial Ethernet: variants and components
- Ethernet strategies for high availability and real-time operation
Topic 4
TCP/IP
- The TCP/IP protocol suite
- Network design and addressing schemes (IPv4/IPv6)
Topics 5 and 6
Serial data communication technologies and MODBUS
- Synchronous and asynchronous communications
- Design and simulation of MODBUS Serial and MODBUS/TCP networks
- Integration of MODBUS Serial/TCP with TCP/IP/Ethernet infrastructures
- HART Communication Protocol
- DNP3 Communication protocol
Topics 7 and 8
Industrial networks
- First generation systems (Data Highway, Modbus Plus)
- Second generation systems (PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1)
- Third generation systems (PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, FOUNDATION Fieldbus HSE)
- High-speed deterministic Ethernet field buses
- Industrial Internet of Things (MQTT Protocol)
Topics 9 and 10
Fundamentals of wireless technologies
- RF bands and propagation characteristics 900 MHz- 80 GHz
- Fixed wireless systems: Wireless modems, VSat, 3G/4G, terrestrial microwave link design
- Industrial wireless networks: 11 Industrial WLANs, IEEE802.15 Industrial mesh networks
- OPC communication protocol
Topic 11
Security
- Security issues for industrial networks
- Specific wireless security issues
- Implementation of measures to safeguard industrial networks
Topic 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.
Software/Hardware Used
Software
-
Realterm
-
Modbus (Serial and TCP)
-
Wireshark
- OPC
Hardware
- N/A