Description
The Industrial Controllers Unit, “CECI”, is based on a modular design structure whose functionality is divided into different modules to allow the student a better understanding of the unit. The modules included in the unit are: industrial controller, digital voltmeter, set point generator, system simulator and communication module.
- Industrial Controller: the controller has two analog inputs and analog/digital output. The analog inputs plugs are used to connect the process value (PV) and set point value (SP) signals. The analog/digital output plug is used for the output process signal (OP). The controller also has two configurable relays. In addition of configuration through the software, the industrial controller parameters can also configured with the industrial controller front panel.
- Digital Voltmeter: this module allows visualize the amplitude of a dc signal.
- Set Point Generator: this module allows to generate a step signal by switching between two different selectable voltages. The voltage levels can be adjusted using two potentiometers.
- System Simulator: this module represents a first order lag system. The time constant of the system is 20 s. The gain of the system can be adjusted using the corresponding potentiometer.
- Communication module: this module consists of an infrared to USB adapter mounted in a mobile structure. The structure allows us to fix the adapter in order to align it with the controller.
The software provided with the “CECI” unit is the commercial software ABB device type manager (DTM), configuration software for Control Master industrial controller versions. This software allows students learn with real industrial controller software.
The software allows selection of type of control, industrial controller parameters, setting of alerts and alarms, type of system loop, etc. The access to configuration of different parameters is through a comprehensible Blocks scheme of the system process.
