Learning Path - Control Engineers

Target Audience

Control automation professionals with experience in PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems focusing on reliable control, operator UI, and field device integration.

Learning Objectives

• Connect and configure industrial devices
• Design effective operator UI
• Implement alarm management strategies
• Create control logic and calculations
• Build trending and historical displays

Week 1: Foundation

Day 1-2: Device Communication

Exercise 1: Driver Selection

1. Navigate to Designer → Devices
2. Review available drivers:
   • Allen-Bradley (EtherNet/IP)
   • Siemens (S7)
   • Modbus (TCP/RTU)
   • OPC UA
3. Document which drivers match your PLCs

Lab: Connect to Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

1. Create Channel:
   • Protocol: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix
   • Connection: Ethernet
   • Timeout: 3000ms
2. Add Node:
   • IP Address: Your PLC IP
   • Slot Number: 0
3. Import Tags:
   • Use automatic tag import
   • Map to UNS namespace
4. Verify Communication:
   • Check status indicators
   • Monitor update rates

Day 3-4: HMI Design Fundamentals

Standard Display Layout

???????????????????????????????
? Header (Title, Time, Alarms)?
???????????????????????????????
?                             ?
?   Main Process Graphic      ?
?   (P&ID representation)     ?
?                             ?
???????????????????????????????
?      Navigation Bar         ?
???????????????????????????????

Exercise: Build Motor Control Faceplate

1. Create new symbol "MotorControl"
2. Add elements:
   • Status indicator (Running/Stopped)
   • Start/Stop buttons
   • Speed display (if VFD)
   • Fault indicator
   • Local/Remote mode
3. Link to Motor UDT
4. Test in runtime

Day 5: Alarm Configuration

Alarm Priority Matrix

Lab: Configure Process Alarms

Tank Level Alarm Configuration:

Week 2: Advanced Topics

Day 1-2: Control Logic Implementation

Pump Control Script Example

public void PumpControl()
{
    // Read process values
    float tankLevel = @Tag.Tank01.Level;
    float setpoint = @Tag.Tank01.Setpoint;
    bool pumpAvailable = @Tag.Pump01.Available;
    
    // Control logic
    if (pumpAvailable)
    {
        if (tankLevel < (setpoint - 5))
        {
            @Tag.Pump01.StartCmd = true;
            @Tag.Pump01.Speed = CalculateSpeed(tankLevel, setpoint);
        }
        else if (tankLevel > (setpoint + 2))
        {
            @Tag.Pump01.StartCmd = false;
        }
    }
    
    // Alarm generation
    if (!pumpAvailable && tankLevel < 10)
    {
        @Tag.Alarms.LowLevelNoPump = true;
    }
}

private float CalculateSpeed(float level, float sp)
{
    float error = sp - level;
    return Math.Max(30, Math.Min(100, error * 5));
}

Day 3-4: Trending Configuration

Trend Setup Parameters

Exercise: Build Trending Display

1. Create new display "ProcessTrends"
2. Add trend object
3. Configure 4 pens for related process values
4. Add time navigation controls
5. Include data export button

Day 5: Performance Optimization

Optimization Guidelines

Standard Component Library

Motors

• Motor_Simple (On/Off)
• Motor_VFD (Variable Speed)
• Motor_Reversing (Forward/Reverse)

Valves

• Valve_OnOff
• Valve_Control (Analog)
• Valve_3Way

Process Equipment

• Pump_Centrifugal
• Tank_Level
• Heat_Exchanger

Instruments

• Transmitter_Analog
• Switch_Digital
• Controller_PID

Communication Quick Reference

Troubleshooting Guide

Certification Path

FrameworX Control Specialist

• Prerequisites: FrameworX Certified Developer + control experience
• Focus Areas: Advanced control logic, PLC integration, alarm management
• Format: Online exam + practical project
• Duration: 4 hours

Additional Resources

• Device Configuration Guide
• HMI Design Standards
• Alarm Management Best Practices
• Control Logic Examples
• Community Forum - Devices Section