Basics

Question 1

Controller logic cycle

Answer 1

Is continue and never ends as long as the operation is running

Question 2

Safety instrumented system (SIS)

Answer 2

A redundant system that has the objective of preventing the operation from failing and protecting human lives and any potential losses

Question 3

Data Historian

Answer 3

Ingests data in realtime from the operation into the database

Question 4

Discrete manufacturing

Answer 4

Parts assembled into products, generally made of pieces. You can reverse it to the original parts

Question 5

Process manufacturing

Answer 5

Changed to raw material, generally measured by weight or volume. Cannot reverse it into its original part - like cooking or chemical processes

Question 6

Distributed Control System (DCS)

Answer 6

Integrated systems that includes the control and supervisory from the same manufacturer. Connected locally at a very high speed, and very reliable with redundant components and connections. Controllers are distributed, and a process oriented system.

Question 7

Human machine interface (HMI)

Answer 7

Graphical display of the operation, the operator stations. View process warnings and alarms, monitor production

Question 8

Engineering workstation

Answer 8

Used by engineers. Used for firmware upgrades, creating program logic, designing HMI, etc.

Question 9

ICS

Answer 9

Industrial control system. Refers to the facilities, systems, and equipment that compromise the operational real time control environment, services, diagnostics and functional capabilities necessary for the effective and reliable operation of automation systems

Question 10

SCADA

Answer 10

A large scale distributed measurement and control system. Typically used in the transmission and distribution of oil, gas, water, and electricity.

Question 11

DCS

Answer 11

Distributed control system. A system where control is achieved by the distribution of live data throughout the controlled system. Used in power generation, chemical processing, oil refining, and wastewater treatment

Question 12

Process Control System

Answer 12

A general term that encompasses several types of control systems including SCADA and DCS. Also encompasses PLCs. Used in water treatment, chemical processing, mining, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing

Question 13

Energy management system (EMS)

Answer 13

A system of computer-aided tools used by operators of electric utility grids to monitor, control, and optimize the performance of the generation and/or transmission system

Question 14

Automation System (AS)

Answer 14

A technology concerned with performing a process by means of programmed commands combined with automatic feedback control to ensure proper execution of the instructions. Used in material handling and discrete manufacturing

Question 15

Discrete manufacturing

Answer 15

Results in the creation of products that can be easily differentiated. Not continuous, so can be started or stopped at any time depending on production requirements.

Question 16

Process manufacturing

Answer 16

Involves using formulas, much like a recipe, to take a set of ingredients to make a final product. It cannot be taken apart to get the original components.

Question 17

Field Controllers

Answer 17

Devices that consolidate inputs and outputs, taking the instructions from the operators to make changes in the field. Most do not authenticate to make sure they are receiving commands from a specific source

Question 18

Field devices

Answer 18

The instruments and sensors that measure progress parameter and the actuators that control the process. This is the interface between the IVS and the physical process

Question 19

Field devices input (discrete)

Answer 19

Support binary events including alarms and states. Examples are: the tank is full, the door is closed, the pressure is too high, or the pump is turned on.

Question 20

Field devices input (analog)

Answer 20

Aka transmitters. Measure continuous processes such as flow, level, or pressures within a range of they transmit this information to field controllers using an analog signal such as 4 to 20-mA

Question 21

Field devices input (digital)

Answer 21

Similar to discrete and analog as they measure congruous processes and support binary events. However; instead of using an analog loop signal or clean contacts, they use a digitally encoded ICS communications protocol format signal to relay the data

Question 22

Field devices output (discrete)

Answer 22

Binary appliances. Field controller tells it what to do - such as open or close a breaker. Can communicate directly with discrete input devices. They can also make control decisions and are programmable like a field controller.

Question 23

Field devices output (analog)

Answer 23

Transmit analog signals (voltage or current) that operate controls. Predominately used to control actuators, valves, and motors in industrial environments. The field controller would send a varying electrical signal that can open or close the valve as needed

Question 24

Field devices output (digital)

Answer 24

Allows you to control the voltage with a computer. They can communicate more quickly and reliably, and are more useful in environments more critical.

Question 25

Remote terminal unit (RTU)

Answer 25

A microprocessor controlled electronic device that interacts objects in a physical world to a distributed control system or SCADA by transmitting telemetry data to a master surren, and by using messages from the master supervisory system to control connected objects. Key characteristic unit is that it relays information from a remote location over long distances to a centrally located host using/supporting a variety of communications mediums and ICS protocols

Question 26

Intelligent Electronic Device (IED)

Answer 26

A term used in the electric power industry to describe microprocessor based controllers of power system equipment. Used to monitor and control electrical power devices such as circuit breakers, capacitors and transformers.

Question 27

Programmable logic controller (PLC)

Answer 27

A ruggedized computer used for industrial automation and was created to respond to the needs of the automotive industry. These controllers can automate a specific process, machine function, or even an entire production line.

Question 28

Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)

Answer 28

Loosely used to deceive any type of automation controller that incorporates higher-level instructions. Used for machinery in a wide range of industries, including those involved in critical infrastructure. Provide a highly reliable, high performance control platform for discrete logic control, motion control, and process control