INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING NC III – TESDA COURSE MODULE

TESDA TRAINING REGULATIONS FOR INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING NC III COURSE

The TESDA INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING NC III COURSE consists of competencies that a person must achieve to enable him/her to loop check, maintain, and repair various instrumentation & control devices and systems, as well as microcomputer hardware, operating systems, common user applications, network systems, and various common peripherals in a manufacturing or processing environment.

This Qualification is packaged from the competency map of the Electronics Industry (Service sector).

A student who has achieved this Qualification is competent to be:

• Instrumentation and Control Technician 3
• Process Automation Technician

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students wishing to enroll in INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING NC III course should possess the following requirements:

• Can recognize abstract and 3-dimensional figures
• Must be physically and mentally fit to undergo training
• With good moral character
• Must have completed training in Instrumentation & Control Servicing NC II or equivalent in experience

INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING NC III – TRAINING AND REGULATION MODULE

Course Title: INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING
Level: NC III
Nominal Training Duration :

(Basic Competency) 36 Hours
(Common Competency) 60 Hours
(Core Competency) 80 Hours

Total Duration: 176 Hours

This course is designed to develop & enhance the knowledge, skills, & attitudes of
an Instrumentation & Control Technician, in accordance with industry standards. It covers
the basic & common competencies in addition to the core competencies such as loop
checking, maintaining and repairing Instrumentation & control devices.

The nominal duration of 176 hours covers only the basic, common and core units at Instrumentation & Control Servicing NC III. TVET providers can however, offer a longer, ladderized course covering both NC II and NC III basic, common and core units.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING NC III

This units of competency comprising this qualification include Basic, Common, and Core Competencies.

To obtain this TESDA course in INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING NC III, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

These units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE	CORE COMPETENCIES (80 Hours)
ELC724304	Loop Check Instrumentation and Control Devices
ELC724305	Maintain and Repair Instrumentation and Control Devices
UNIT CODE	COMMON COMPETENCIES (60 Hours)
ELC311205	Use Hand Tools
ELC311201	Perform Mensuration and Calculation
ELC311202	Prepare and Interpret Technical Drawing
ELC311204	Apply Quality Standards
ELC311203	Perform Computer Operations
ELC311206	Terminate and Connect Electrical Wiring and Electronic Circuits
UNIT CODE	BASIC COMPETENCIES (36 Hours)
500311109	Lead Workplace Communication
500311110	Lead Small Teams
500311111	Develop and Practice Negotiation skills
500311112	Solve Problems Related to Work Activities
500311113	Use Mathematical Concepts and Techniques
500311114	Use Relevant Technologies

This section gives the details and contents of the units of competency required in INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING NC III. These units of competency are categorized into basic, common and core competencies.

CORE COMPETENCIES

This section gives the details of the contents of the core units of competency required in INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SERVICING NC III.

UNIT TITLE : LOOP-CHECK INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL LOOPS
UNIT CODE : ELC724304

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to loop-check instrumentation and control loops

1. Plan and prepare for loop checking
   • Loop checking is planned and prepared in line with the job requirements.
   • OHS policies and procedures are followed in line with job requirements.
   • Instrumentation and Control standards are followed in line with the job requirements
   • Appropriate personnel are consulted to ensure that the work is effectively coordinated
   • Loop checking parameters are identified from appropriate documentation and/or requirements
   • Tools, equipment and testing devices needed for loop checking are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety
   • Instrumentation and control loops to be loop checked are identified from the Job/Service Order or instructions
2. Conduct loop checking
   • Appropriate personal protective clothing is used in line with standard operating procedures.
   • Devices’ defects are diagnosed using specified testing procedures from manufacturer’s manual.
   • Defect/s and fault/s on the devices & loops are identified and reported in line with standard operating procedures.
   • Contingency measures are managed and implemented in accordance with established procedures
3. Test the loops that were checked
   • Instrumentation & control loops are tested to ensure safe operation.
   • Unplanned events or conditions are responded to in accordance with established procedures
   • Report is prepared/completed according to company procedures.

UNIT TITLE : MAINTAIN AND REPAIR INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL DEVICES
UNIT CODE : ELC724305

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to maintain and repair instrumentation and control devices.

1. Plan and prepare for maintenance/repair
   • Maintenance or repair is planned and prepared in line with job requirements.
   • OHS policies and procedures are followed in line with job requirements.
   • Instrumentation and Control standards are followed in line with job requirements
   • Instrumentation and control devices for maintenance or repair are checked against specifications and requirements.
   • Materials necessary to complete the work are obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked against job requirements.
   • Tools, equipment and testing devices needed for the maintenance/repair are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety
   • Instrumentation and control devices maintained or repaired are identified based on Job/Service Order or instructions
2. Maintain instrumentation and control devices
   • Appropriate personal protective equipment is used as per OH&S procedure.
   • Normal function of instrumentation and control devices is checked in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions & standard procedures.
   • Scheduled/periodic maintenance is performed in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements.
   • Unplanned events or conditions are responded to in vaccordance with established procedures
3. Repair instrumentation and control devices
   • Appropriate personal protective equipment is used in line with standard procedures.
   • Normal function of instrumentation and control devices is checked in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
   • Fault/s or problem/s in system or component is/are diagnosed in line with the standard operating procedures.
   • Unplanned events or conditions are responded to in accordance with established procedures
4. Inspect and test the repaired instrumentation and control devices
   • Final inspections are undertaken to ensure that the testing conducted on the device conforms with the manufacturer’s instruction/manual
   • Instrumentation and control devices are checked to ensure safe operation.
   • Work site is cleaned and cleared of all debris and left in safe condition in accordance with company procedures
   • Report is prepared and completed according to company requirements

COMMON COMPETENCIES

UNIT TITLE : USE HAND TOOLS
UNIT CODE : ELC724201

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes on the safe use, handling and maintenance of tools.

1. Plan and prepare for tasks to be undertaken
   • Tasks to be undertaken are properly identified
   • Appropriate hand tools are identified and selected according to the task requirements
2. Prepare hand tools
   • Appropriate hand tools are checked for proper operation and safety
   • Unsafe or faulty tools are identified and marked for repair according to standard company procedure
3. Use appropriate hand tools and test equipment
   • Tools are used according to tasks undertaken
   • All safety procedures in using tools are observed at all times and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are used
   • Malfunctions, unplanned or unusual events are reported to the supervisor
4. Maintain hand tools
   • Tools are not dropped to avoid damage
   • Routine maintenance of tools undertaken according to standard operational procedures, principles and techniques
   • Tools are stored safely in appropriate locations in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or standard operating procedures.

UNIT TITLE : PERFORM MENSURATION AND CALCULATION
UNIT CODE : ELC311201

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes and values needed identify, care, handle and use measuring instruments

1. Select measuring instruments
   • Object or component to be measured is identified
   • Correct specifications are obtained from relevant source
   • Measuring tools are selected in line with job requirements
2. Carry out measurements and calculation
   • Appropriate measuring instrument is selected to achieve required outcome
   • Accurate measurements are obtained for job
   • Calculation needed to complete work tasks are performed using the four basic process of addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (x), and division (/)
   • Calculation involving fractions, percentages and mixed numbers are used to complete workplace tasks.
   • Numerical computation is self-checked and corrected for accuracy
   • Instruments are read to the limit of accuracy of the tool.
3. Maintain measuring instruments
   • Measuring instruments are not dropped to avoid damage
   • Measuring instruments are cleaned before and after using.
   • Proper storage of instruments undertaken according to manufacturer’s specifications and standard operating procedures.

UNIT TITLE : PREPARE AND INTERPRET TECHNICAL DRAWING
UNIT CODE : ELC311202

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes and values needed to prepare/interpret diagrams, engineering abbreviation and drawings, symbols, dimension.

1. Identify different kinds of technical drawings
   • Correct technical drawing is selected according to job requirements.
   • Technical drawings are segregated in accordance with the types and kinds of drawings
2. Interpret technical drawing
   • Components, assemblies or objects are recognized as required.
   • Dimensions of the key features of the objects depicted in the drawing are correctly identified.
   • Symbols used in the drawing are identified and interpreted correctly.
   • Drawing is checked and validated against job requirements or equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures.
3. Prepare/make changes to electrical/electronic schematics and drawings
   • Electrical/electronic schematic is drawn and correctly identified.
   • Correct drawing is identified, equipment are selected and used in accordance with job requirements.
4. Store technical drawings and equipment/instruments
   • Care and maintenance of drawings are undertaken according to company procedures.
   • Technical drawings are recorded and inventory is prepared in accordance with company procedures.
   • Proper storage of instruments is undertaken according to company procedures.

UNIT TITLE : APPLY QUALITY STANDARDS
UNIT CODE : ELC315202

This unit covers the knowledge, skills, (and) attitudes and values needed to apply quality standards in the workplace.

The unit also includes the application of relevant safety procedures and regulations, organization procedures and customer requirements

1. Assess quality of received materials or components
   • Work instructions are obtained and work is carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Received materials or component parts are checked against workplace standards and specifications
   • Faulty material or components related to work are identified and isolated
   • Faults and any identified causes are recorded and/or reported to the supervisor concerned in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Faulty materials or components are replaced in accordance with workplace procedures
2. Assess own work
   • Documentation relative to quality within the company is identified and used
   • Completed work is checked against workplace standards relevant to the task undertaken
   • Faulty pieces are identified and isolated
   • Information on the quality and other indicators of production performance is recorded in accordance with workplace procedures
   • In cases of deviations from specified quality standards, causes are documented and reported in accordance with the workplace’ standards operating procedures
3. Engage in quality improvement
   • Process improvement procedures are participated in relation to workplace assignment
   • Work is carried out in accordance with process improvement procedures
   • Performance of operation or quality of product or service to ensure customer satisfaction is monitored

UNIT TITLE : PERFORM COMPUTER OPERATIONS
UNIT CODE : ELC311203

This unit covers the knowledge, skills, (and) attitudes and values needed to perform computer operations which include inputting, accessing, producing and transferring data using the appropriate hardware and software

1. Plan and prepare for task to be undertaken
   • Requirements of task are determined
   • Appropriate hardware and software are selected according to task assigned and required outcome
   • Task is planned to ensure OH&S guidelines and procedures are followed
2. Input data into computer
   • Data are entered into the computer using appropriate program/application in accordance with company procedures
   • Accuracy of information is checked and information is saved in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Inputted data are stored in storage media according to requirements
   • Work is performed within ergonomic guidelines
3. Access information using computer
   • Correct program/application is selected based on job requirements
   • Program/application containing the information required is accessed according to company procedures
   • Desktop icons are correctly selected, opened and closed for navigation purposes
   • Keyboard techniques are carried out in line with OH&S requirements for safe use of keyboards
4. Produce/output data using computer system
   • Entered data are processed using appropriate software commands
   • Data printed out as required using computer hardware/peripheral devices in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Files, data are transferred between compatible systems using computer software, hardware/peripheral devices in accordance with standard operating procedures
5. Maintain computer equipment and systems
   • Systems for cleaning, minor maintenance and replacement of consumables are implemented
   • Procedures for ensuring security of data, including regular back-ups and virus checks are implemented in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Basic file maintenance procedures are implemented in line with the standard

UNIT TITLE : TERMINATE AND CONNECT ELECTRICAL WIRING AND ELECTRONICS CIRCUIT
UNIT CODE : ELC724202

This unit covers the knowledge, skills, (and) attitudes and values needed to terminate and connect electrical wiring and electronic circuits

1. Plan and prepare for termination/connection of electrical wiring/electronic s circuits
   • Materials are checked according to specifications and tasks
   • Appropriate tools and equipment are selected according to tasks requirements
   • Task is planned to ensure OH & S guidelines and procedures are followed
   • Electrical wiring/electronic circuits are correctly prepared for connecting/termination in accordance with instructions and work site procedures
2. Terminate/connect electrical wiring/electronic circuits
   • Safety procedures in using tools are observed at all times and appropriate personal protective equipment are used
   • Work is undertaken safely in accordance with the workplace and standard procedures
   • Appropriate range of methods in termination/connection are used according to specifications, manufacturer’s requirements and safety
   • Correct sequence of operation is followed
   • Accessories used are adjusted, if necessary
   • Confirmed termination/connection is undertaken successfully in accordance with job
     specification
3. Test termination/connections of electrical wiring/electronics circuits
   • Testing of all completed termination/ connections of electric wiring/electronic circuits is conducted for compliance with specifications and regulations using appropriate procedures and equipment
   • Wiring and circuits are checked using specified testing procedures
   • Unplanned events or conditions are responded to in accordance with established procedures

BASIC COMPETENCIES

The BASIC COMPETENCIES refer to non-technical skills (knowledge, skills and attitudes) that everybody will need in order to perform satisfactorily at work and in society and are considered portable and transferable irrespective of jobs and industrial settings.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : LEAD WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE : 500311109

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to lead in the dissemination and discussion of ideas, information and issues in the workplace.

1. Communicate information about workplace processes
   • Appropriate communication method is selected
   • Multiple operations involving several topics areas are communicated accordingly
   • Questions are used to gain extra information
   • Correct sources of information are identified
   • Information is selected and organized correctly
   • Verbal and written reporting is undertaken when required
   • Communication skills are maintained in all situations
2. Lead workplace discussions
   • Response to workplace issues are sought
   • Response to workplace issues are provided immediately
   • Constructive contributions are made to workplace discussions on such issues as production, quality and safety
   • Goals/objectives and action plan undertaken in the workplace are communicated
3. Identify and communicate issues arising in the workplace
   • Issues and problems are identified as they arise
   • Information regarding problems and issues are organized coherently to ensure clear and effective communication
   • Dialogue is initiated with appropriate personnel
   • Communication problems and issues are raised as they arise

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : LEAD SMALL TEAMS
UNIT CODE : 500311110

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes to lead small teams including setting and maintaining team and individual performance standards.

1. Provide team leadership
   • Work requirements are identified and presented to team members
   • Reasons for instructions and requirements are communicated to team members
   • Team members’ queries and concerns are recognized, discussed and dealt with
2. Assign responsibilities
   • Duties, and responsibilities are allocated having regard to the skills, knowledge and aptitude required to properly undertake the assigned task and according to company policy
   • Duties are allocated having regard to individual preference, domestic and personal considerations, whenever possible
3. Set performance expectations for team members
   • Performance expectations are established based on client needs and according to assignment requirements
   • Performance expectations are based on individual team members duties and area of responsibility
   • Performance expectations are discussed and disseminated to individual team members
4. Supervised team performance
   • Monitoring of performance takes place against defined performance criteria and/or assignment instructions and corrective action taken if required
   • Team members are provided with feedback, positive support and advice on strategies to overcome any deficiencies
   • Performance issues which cannot be rectified or addressed within the team are referenced to appropriate personnel according to employer policy
   • Team members are kept informed of any changes in the priority allocated to assignments or tasks which might impact on client/customer needs and satisfaction
   • Team operations are monitored to ensure that employer/client needs and requirements are met
   • Follow-up communication is provided on all issues affecting the team
   • All relevant documentation is completed in accordance with company procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : DEVELOP AND PRACTICE NEGOTIATION SKILLS
UNIT CODE : 500311111

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to collect information in order to negotiate to a desired outcome and participate in the negotiation.

1. Plan negotiations
   • Information on preparing for negotiation is identified and included in the plan
   • Information on creating non verbal environments for positive negotiating is identified and included in the plan
   • Information on active listening is identified and included in the plan
   • Information on different questioning techniques is identified and included in the plan
   • Information is checked to ensure it is correct and up-to- date
2. Participate in negotiations
   • Criteria for successful outcome are agreed upon by all parties
   • Desired outcome of all parties are considered
   • Appropriate language is used throughout the negotiation
   • A variety of questioning techniques are used
   • The issues and processes are documented and agreed upon by all parties
   • Possible solutions are discussed and their viability assessed
   • Areas for agreement are confirmed and recorded
   • Follow-up action is agreed upon by all parties

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : SOLVE PROBLEMS RELATED TO WORK ACTIVITIES
UNIT CODE : 500311112

This unit of covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to solve problems in the workplace including the application of problem solving techniques and to determine and resolve the root cause of problems.

1. Identify the problem
   • Variances are identified from normal operating parameters; and product quality
   • Extent, cause and nature are of the problem are defined through observation, investigation and analytical techniques
   • Problems are clearly stated and specified
2. Determine fundamental causes of the problem
   • Possible causes are identified based on experience and the use of problem solving tools / analytical techniques.
   • Possible cause statements are developed based on findings
   • Fundamental causes are identified per results of investigation conducted
3. Determine corrective action
   • All possible options are considered for resolution of the problem
   • Strengths and weaknesses of possible options are considered
   • Corrective actions are determined to resolve the problem and possible future causes
   • Action plans are developed identifying measurable objectives, resource needs and timelines in accordance with safety and operating procedures
4. Provide recommendation/s to manager
   • Report on recommendations are prepared
   • Recommendations are presented to appropriate personnel.
   • Recommendations are followed-up, if required

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : USE MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS AND TECHNIQUES
UNIT CODE : 500311113

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in the application of mathematical concepts and techniques.

1. Identify mathematical tools and techniques to solve problem
   • Problem areas are identified based on given condition
   • Mathematical techniques are selected based on the given problem
2. Apply mathematical procedure/solution
   • Mathematical techniques are applied based on the problem identified
   • Mathematical computations are performed to the level of accuracy required for the problem
   • Results of mathematical computation is determined and verified based on job requirements
3. Analyze results
   • Result of application is reviewed based on expected and required specifications and outcome
   • Appropriate action is applied in case of error

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : USE RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES
UNIT CODE : 500311114

This unit of competency covers the knowledge, skills, and attitude required in selecting, sourcing and applying appropriate and affordable technologies in the workplace.

1. Study/select appropriate technology
   • Usage of different technologies is determined based on job requirements
   • Appropriate technology is selected as per work specification
2. Apply relevant technology
   • Relevant technology is effectively used in carrying out function
   • Applicable software and hardware are used as per task requirement
   • Management concepts are observed and practiced as per established industry practices
3. Maintain/enhance relevant technology
   • Maintenance of technology is applied in accordance with the industry standard operating procedure, manufacturer’s operating guidelines and occupational health and safety procedure to ensure its operative ability
   • Updating of technology is maintained through continuing education or training in accordance with job requirement
   • Technology failure/ defect is immediately reported to the concern/responsible person or section for appropriate action

DEFINITION OF TERMS

GENERAL

• Certification – is the process of verifying and validating the competencies of a person through assessment
• Certificate of Competency (COC) – is a certification issued to individuals who pass the assessment for a single unit or cluster of units of competency
• Common Competencies – are the skills and knowledge needed by all people working in a particular industry
• Competency – is the possession and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform work activities to the standard expected in the workplace
• Competency Assessment – is the process of collecting evidence and making judgments on whether competency has been achieved
• Competency Standard (CS) – is the industry-determined specification of competencies required for effective work performance
• Context of Assessment – refers to the place where assessment is to be conducted or carried out
• Core Competencies – are the specific skills and knowledge needed in a particular area of work – industry sector/occupation/job role
• Critical aspects of competency – refers to the evidence that is essential for successful performance of the unit of competency
• Elective Competencies – are the additional skills and knowledge required by the individual or enterprise for work
• Elements – are the building blocks of a unit of competency. They describe in outcome terms the functions that a person performs in the workplace.
• Evidence Guide – is a component of the unit of competency that defines or identifies the evidences required to determine the competence of the individual. It provides information on critical aspects of competency, underpinning knowledge, underpinning skills, resource implications, assessment method and context of assessment
• Level – refers to the category of skills and knowledge required to do a job
• Method of Assessment – refers to the ways of collecting evidence and when, evidence should be collected
• National Certificate (NC) – is a certification issued to individuals who achieve all the required units of competency for a national qualification defined under the Training Regulations. NCs are aligned to specific levels within the PTQF
• Performance Criteria – are evaluative statements that specify what is to be assessed and the required level of performance
• Qualification – is a cluster of units of competencies that meets job roles and is significant in the workplace. It is also a certification awarded to a person on successful completion of a course in recognition of having demonstrated competencies in an industry sector
• Range of Variables – describes the circumstances or context in which the work is to be performed
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – is the acknowledgement of an individual’s skills, knowledge and attitudes gained from life and work experiences outside registered training programs
• Resource Implication – refer to the resources needed for the successful performance of the work activity described in the unit of competency. It includes work environment and conditions, materials, tools and equipment
• Basic Competencies – are the skills and knowledge that everyone needs for work
• Training Regulations (TR) – refers to the document promulgated and issued by TESDA consisting of competency standards, national qualifications and training guidelines for specific sectors/occupations. The TR serves as basis for establishment of qualification and certification under the PTQF. It also serves as guide for development of competency-based curricula and instructional materials including registration of TVET programs offered by TVET providers
• Underpinning Knowledge – refers to the competency that involves in applying knowledge to perform work activities. It includes specific knowledge that is essential to the performance of the competency
• Underpinning Skills – refers to the list of the skills needed to achieve the elements and performance criteria in the unit of competency. It includes generic and industry specific skills
• Unit of Competency – is a component of the competency standards stating a specific key function or role in a particular job or occupation; it is the smallest component of achievement that can be assessed and certified under the PTQF

SECTOR SPECIFIC

• Actuator: In a closed-loop control system, that part of the final control element that translates the control signal into action by the control device.
• ANSI: American National Standards Institute.
• ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
• Assembler: A program that translates assembly language instructions into machine language instructions.
• Assembly Language: A machine oriented language in which mnemonics are used to represent each machine language instruction. Each CPU has its own specific assembly language.
• Automation: (1) The conversion to and implementation of procedures, processes, or equipment by automated means. (2) Industrial open- or closed-loop control systems in which the manual operation of controls is replaced by servo operation.
• Calibration: The process of adjusting an instrument or compiling a deviation chart so that its reading can be correlated to the actual value being measured.
• Control system: The deliberate guidance or manipulation of the elements in a system in order to achieve a prescribed value or performance of a system to complete a defined process.
• Conveyor: A horizontal, inclined or vertical device for moving or transporting bulk materials, packages, or objects in a path predetermined by the design of the device and having points of loading and discharge fixed, or selective.
• DAS: Also known as Data Acquisition System, DAQ is a system of one or more sensors, devices and communication links used to scan or collect and forward data to a central location for further processing, display, or archiving.
• DCS: Distributed Control System (DCS) is a big Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) that is typically networked to other controllers, PLCs or field devices. It typically has a workstation to interface with the controller and can be very expensive due to built-in security and fail-over features.
• Ergonomics –“The systematic application of knowledge about the psychological, physical, and social attributes of human beings in the design and use of all things which affect a person’s working conditions: equipment and machinery, the work environment and layout, the job itself, training and the organization of work.” (Humansystems Inc).
• PID control: Proportional plus Integral plus Derivative control is used in processes where the controlled variable is affected by long downtimes.
• PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) : A class of industrially hardened devices that provides hardware interface for input sensors and output actuators. PLCs can be programmed using relay ladder logic to control the outputs based on input conditions and / or algorithms contained in the memory of the PLC.
• Process automation: Includes objectives of control and also those of enterprise management. This requires an integrated approach to plant operations and enables a variety of applications such as production scheduling, inventory control, performance monitoring, statistical process control, maintenance management and environmental audit.
• Process control: Automatic monitoring and control of a process by an instrument or computer programmed to respond appropriately to feedback from the process.
• SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a common process control application that collects data from sensors on the shop floor or in remote locations and sends them to a central computer for management and control.
• Sensor: A transducer whose input is a physical phenomenon and whose output is a quantitative measure of the phenomenon.
• Sequence control: The control of a series of machine movements, with the completion of one movement initiating the next. The extent of movements is typically not specified by numerical input data.
• Software: The entire set of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with a computer.
• Static Calibration: A calibration recording pressure versus output at fixed points at room temperature.
• Systems integration: The ability of computers, instrumentation, and equipment to share data or applications with other components in the same or other functional areas.
• Transducer: A device that converts signals from one physical form to another.