Module Code and Title : XXXXXX Distributed Control System (DCS)
Programme : BE in Instrumentation and Control
Credit : 12
Module Tutor : Shankar Raj Giri
Module Coordinator : Shankar Raj Giri
General objective
This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Distributed
Control Systems (DCS) and their applications in the field of Instrumentation & Control
Engineering. The module covers the fundamental principles of DCS, including system
architecture, communication protocols, programming languages, and software applications.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, the students will be able to:
1) Explain the basic principles and architecture of Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
2) To provide a fundamental understanding of the different languages used for PLC
Programming
3) Discuss the different communication protocols used in DCS and their applications
4) Design and implement DCS control strategies using programming languages
5) To give an overview of the automation technologies such as PLCs, SCADA and DCS
used in industries.
6) Analyze and troubleshoot DCS systems using software tools and applications
7) Evaluate the performance of DCS control strategies and optimize the system parameters
for improved efficiency and productivity.
8) Develop and implement human-machine interfaces (HMI) for DCS, ensuring effective
and efficient communication between operators and the control system.
9) Develop and implement human-machine interfaces (HMI) for DCS, ensuring effective
and efficient communication between operators and the control system.
10) Apply DCS principles and skills in real-world industrial applications
Learning and teaching approach used:
Approach Hours per Week Total Credit Hours
Lecture 4 60
Case study 2
60
Independent study 2
Total
120
Assessment:
Sl. Marks
Mode of Assessment Nos. Marks (%)
No. Allocated
1 Continuous Assessment (Theory)
1.1 Term Test (one-hour duration in 8th week) 1 10
1.2 Self-Reflection 1 20
Assignment: The assignment will include the case
study of DCS system in nearby industries.
Students are divided into groups and each group
will chose their own nearby industry to carry out the
case study. The assignment is carried out in end of
12th week. The assignment is practical based.
Students will have to make a report using available
software.
The assignment is graded out of 20 marks with
following criteria:
Case study report 50
The report is graded out of 10 marks with following
1.2 criteria: - 1 20
1. Identification of DCS
2. Identification of lopes and control elements
3. Types of data network used in industry
4. It’s implementation and purpose
Report presentation
Presentation
The presentation is graded out of 10 marks with
following criteria:
Presentation technique (3)
Content (7)
Semester Examination: closed book, 3 hours
3 1 50 50
duration
Pre-requisite: ISM303 Industrial Instrumentation & NWC304 Industrial Data Network
Subject Matter:
Unit I: Introduction to Distributed Control System (DCS)
1.1 Introduction to DCS and its application, history of the evolution of process control
systems as a control system for modern industrial applications.
1.2 Comparison between DCS & other control systems
1.3 System architecture and components of DCS, sensors, controllers, actuators,
communication networks, and human-machine interfaces (HMI)
1.4 Future of DCS and its potential for further development and innovation, internet of Things
(IoT) and Industry 4.0 and future of process control.
Unit II: Communication Protocols in DCS
2.1 Introduction to communication protocols used in DCS
2.2 Profibus, Modbus, Foundation Fieldbus, and Ethernet/IP
2.3 Applications of communication protocols in DCS
.
Unit III: Programming Languages in DCS
3.1 Introduction to programming languages used in DCS, Function Block Diagram (FBD)
Sequential Function Chart (SFC), Ladder Diagram (LD), Structured Text (ST) and
Instruction List (IL)
3.2 Applications of programming languages in DCS, development tools used for
programming, Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), programming software.
features of each development tool and the factors when choosing a development tool.
3.3 Configuring and maintaining programming in DCS, role of the DCS engineer in
configuring and maintaining programming
Unit IV: DCS Software and its Applications
4.1 Introduction to DCS software applications, need for application software and the types of
application software used.
4.2 DCS programming software, configuration software, and simulation software
4.3 Types of application software used in DCS, including supervisory control and data
acquisition (SCADA), human-machine interface (HMI), and historian software. Features
and advantages of each type of software, selection of software.
4.4 Development tools used for creating application software in DCS, including software
development kits (SDKs) and specialized development environments for SCADA, HMI,
and historian software.
4.5 Applications of DCS software in real-world industrial applications
Unit V: Introduction to DCS analysis and troubleshooting
5.1 Introduction to DCS analysis and troubleshooting
5.2 Analysing DCS system performance using software tools Provide, overview of DCS
analysis and troubleshooting, systematic approach to diagnosing and solving problems
in a DCS system.
5.3 Troubleshooting DCS system faults and errors, discuss the tools and techniques used in
DCS analysis and troubleshooting, such as system diagnostics, data analysis, and fault
detection software.
5.4 Importance of DCS analysis and troubleshooting: Emphasize the importance of
conducting regular DCS analysis and troubleshooting to identify and address problems
5.5 Common issues and challenges in DCS systems, such as communication errors,
configuration issues, and hardware failures.
Unit VI: DCS Applications in Industrial Control
6.1 Introduction to DCS applications in industrial control
6.2 Review of DCS standards and guidelines
6.3 Data Management’s systems store and manage process data, and how data can be
used for troubleshooting, process optimization, and performance analysis.
6.4 Safety Systems: DCS systems can be used to implement safety systems, emergency
shutdown systems, fire and gas detection systems, and safety instrumented systems.
6.5 Cybersecurity: importance of cybersecurity in DCS systems and how to implement
cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats.
6.6 Case studies: illustrate how DCS has been applied in various industries such as oil and
gas, chemical, power generation, and manufacturing.
6.7 Review of DCS standards and guidelines
Reading list
Essential
1. Maurice J. Naef and James H. Christensen. (1992) "Distributed Control Systems: Their
Evaluation and Design" Published by ISA - The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation
Society
2. C.S.R. Anjaneyulu and B.S. Viswanadham. (2007) “Distributed Control Systems: Concepts
and Applications” Prentice-Hall of India
3. N.K. Sinha. (2005) "Distributed Control Systems: A Practical Approach" CRC Press
4. Alok Sinha. (2003) "Introduction to Distributed Control Systems: The Basics and the
Applications" John Wiley & Sons Publication.
5. Alexandre Bazanella and Luiz Affonso Guedes. (2014) "Distributed Control Systems: Theory
and Practice" Published by CRC press
6. Frank Kraft. (2019) "Distributed Control Systems: A Modern Approach". published by CRC
Press
Additional:
1. Dale R. Patrick, Stephen W. Fardo, and Steven T. Frank. (2009) "Industrial Process
Control Systems" published by Elsevier
2. B. Wayne Bequette. (2003) "Process Control: Modeling, Design, and Simulation" Prentice
Hall
3. (IEEE Std 399-1997), (IEEE Std 141-1993) standard documents
