34437 - Automation of Industrial Processes M

Academic Year 2018/2019

  • Moduli: Alessandro Macchelli (Modulo 1) Umberto Scarcia (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Engineering Management (cod. 0936)

Learning outcomes

This course aims at giving basic notions on modern industrial automation systems. After a general introduction on modern automation systems and on main technological architectures, the course focuses on the following main topics: modeling and analysis of production systems using Petri nets, logic control via PLCs and motion control systems.

Course contents

Industrial automation architectures

  • Modern industrial automation
  • Historical background
  • Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
  • Control hierarchy
  • Motion control systems
  • Real time control systems
  • Computer network for automation

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)

  • Historical notes
  • Hardware and software architecture
  • IEC61131-3 standard
  • Ladder diagrams
  • Programming via Sequential Functional Chart (SFC)

Modelling physical processes through Petri nets

  • Introduction to Discrete Event Systems (DES)
  • Definition and properties of Petri nets
  • Model building using Petri nets
  • Analysis of Petri nets using matrices
  • Graphical analysis of Petri nets

Readings/Bibliography

"Sistemi di automazione industriale - Architetture e controllo," Claudio Bonivento, Luca Gentili, Andrea Paoli, McGraw-Hill Italia, ISBN: 9788838666933, 2010.

Teaching methods

Standard theoretical lessons and practical training.

Assessment methods

The exam consists in a written test composed by three parts: the first one regards theoretical questions; the second part requires the student to design a PLC software using SFC; the third part regards analysis and modeling with Petri nets.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Macchelli

See the website of Umberto Scarcia