Overview

This unit covers the monitoring and control of process variables in an industrial setting with the use of sensors, actuators, controllers, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).

Requisites

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-August-2026
01-November-2026
Last self-enrolment date
16-August-2026
Census date
01-September-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
22-September-2026
Results released date
08-December-2026

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Use instrumentation to investigate the characteristics of common elements used in process control applications
  2. Perform sensor calibration and data acquisition when performing engineering practical exercises
  3. Perform data analysis and signal conditioning when solving engineering problems
  4. Develop open and closed loop control systems when building engineering applications
  5. Create human machine interfaces for control systems when working on real world engineering applications
  6. Apply data communication protocols when solving engineering problems

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)

On-campus
Class

 3.00 16 weeks 48
On-campus
Class		 3.00 16 weeks 48
Unspecified Activities 
Independent Learning		 3.38 16 weeks 54
Total     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULOs
Portfolio Individual 10-20 % 1,4,6
Presentation and Report Individual 10-20 % 1,4,6
Project Individual/Group 40-50 % 2,3,4,5
Test Individual 20-30 % 1,3,6

Hurdle

As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must achieve:

(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) complete satisfactorily the practical project and practical task.

Content

  • Sensors and transducers characteristics
  • Equipment Calibration
  • Signal measurement using instruments and data acquisition equipment
  • Data analysis and visualisation
  • Mathematical modelling
  • Signal processing
  • Frequency analysis
  • Microcontroller and PC based control programs
  • PID control
  • Human machine interfaces
  • IIOT technologies
  • Communication protocols and networking
  • Computer interface circuits
  • Machine vision
  • Systems integration

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.