Electrical Engineering Technology: Automation and Control
15 Electrical Engineering Technology: Automation and Control terms
Hello, my name is Ghiles Bounia and I have lived in Montreal for 15 years now. Passionate about technology and innovation, I chose to study in the Electrical Engineering Technology: Automation and Control program. This program trains technicians specializing in industrial automation, a key field in several industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation and many others. It covers essential topics such as control systems, programmable logic controller (PLC) programming, sensors, industrial networks and robotics. The objective is to design, program and maintain automated systems to improve equipment performance and efficiency. So, I will familiarize you with the terms of my program.
Actuator
An actuator is a device that receives an electrical signal and converts it into mechanical action, such as moving a piston or rotating a motor.
Example: In a production line, a pneumatic actuator pushes defective products off the conveyor belt.
Automation
Automation refers to using technology to perform tasks without human intervention. It includes robotics, artificial intelligence, and PLCs.
Example: A logistics warehouse uses an automated system to sort and ship packages without human assistance.
Control System
A control system is a set of electronic and software components that regulate an industrial process in real time. It can be open-loop (without feedback) or closed-loop (with automatic correction).
Example: A control system automatically adjusts a motor’s speed based on the applied load.
Electrical Control
Electrical control refers to the equipment needed to activate and protect motors or electrical circuits.
Example: An electrical control panel allows operators to turn production line machines on and off remotely.
Summary
Electropneumatics
Electropneumatics uses electrical signals to control systems that operate with compressed air.
Example: In a bottling plant, an electropneumatic system opens and closes the filling valves.
Embedded Systems
An embedded system is a small computer integrated into a device to perform a specific function.
Example: Modern cars use embedded systems to manage fuel injection and ABS braking.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
An HMI is a graphical interface that allows operators to interact with machines. It can be a touchscreen display or a control panel.
Example: A worker uses an HMI touchscreen to monitor production and adjust an industrial oven’s temperature.
Industrial Network
An industrial network enables machines, sensors, and PLCs to communicate with each other and coordinate actions within a factory.
Example: In a food processing plant, the industrial network transmits temperature and humidity data to PLCs to ensure optimal production conditions.
Industrial Robotics
Industrial robotics involves using robots to automate tasks such as assembly, welding, and material handling.
Example: In an electronics factory, industrial robots assemble circuit boards with high precision.
Industrial Supervision (SCADA - Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
Industrial supervision involves monitoring and controlling automated processes remotely via specialized software.
Example: An engineer monitors the energy consumption of a power plant from a remote supervision station.
Pressure Sensor
Definition: A pressure sensor measures the pressure of a liquid or gas in a system.
Example: A pressure sensor monitors the compressed air level in a pneumatic installation.
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
A PLC is a specialized computer used to automate industrial processes. It is programmed to perform specific tasks such as controlling machines, managing sensors, and activating motors.
Example: In an automotive factory, the PLC manages the assembly of parts by sending commands to robotic arms.
Sensor
A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity (temperature, pressure, light, proximity, etc.) and converts it into an electrical signal.
Example: A temperature sensor detects overheating in a machine and triggers a fan to prevent damage.
Servo Motor
A servo motor is a precise motor used to control specific movements in machines and robots.
Example: In an assembly line, a servo motor adjusts the positioning of parts before assembly.
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)
A VFD allows the modification of an electric motor’s speed by adjusting the supply frequency.
Example: In a textile factory, a VFD adjusts weaving machine speeds to prevent fabric tears.
