Distributed Control Fundamentals (ADC01)

Learn the fundamentals of Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and the evolution of computer control systems.

Prerequisites

This lesson is designed for participants familiar with process operations, digital electronic theory, and test instruments and devices.

Description

This lesson provides an understanding of the fundamentals of Distributed Control Systems (DCS). The evolution of computer control systems is discussed and the architecture of contemporary DCS is described in detail. The lesson covers hardware, configuration, data communications, user interface and 1/0 devices.

Objectives

Describe direct digital control. Describe a supervisory control system. Identify an advantage of supervisory control over direct digital control. Describe a Distributed control system. Identify the advantages of DCS. Identify some of the control functions of a distributed control system. Explain DCS terminology. Explain hardware requirements for distributed control systems. Describe how control loops are implemented in a DCS. Explain communications between modules and external devices. Describe two types of data transmission. Explain how signal integrity is maintained. Define system interfacing. Define communication protocols and their function in data transmission. Name two primary types of human interface. Describe DCS input devices and describe types of available displays.