HMI Design, Alarms, and Data Logging
This course delves into the advanced principles and practical applications of Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design, industrial alarming systems, and data logging within modern Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) environments. Students will learn to design intuitive, effective, and secure HMI screens, adhering to industry best practices and human factors engineering. The curriculum emphasizes the selection and implementation of appropriate HMI hardware and software, integrating seamlessly with PLC logic and SCADA systems. Beyond HMI design, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of alarm management philosophies, including alarm rationalization, prioritization, and display, to ensure operators receive timely and actionable information. Students will also master various data logging techniques, from short-term process trending to long-term historical data archiving, exploring different storage solutions and communication protocols. The course balances theoretical concepts with extensive hands-on laboratory exercises using industry-standard HMI/SCADA software platforms and PLCs, preparing students for real-world industrial automation challenges.
Prerequisites
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
**Course Objectives:** Upon completion, students will be able to: 1. Design effective, user-friendly, and secure HMI screens considering human factors and industrial standards. 2. Implement advanced alarm strategies, including prioritization, suppression, and notification, for industrial processes. 3. Develop robust data logging solutions for process variables, events, and historical data archiving. 4. Integrate HMI, alarm systems, and data logging with PLC control logic and databases using standard protocols. 5. Evaluate and select appropriate HMI/SCADA hardware and software platforms for specific industrial applications. **Topics by Week:** Week 1: Introduction to HMI/SCADA Systems & Human Factors in Design Week 2: HMI Software Platforms & Basic Screen Development Week 3: Advanced Graphics, Animation, and Navigation Week 4: Data Entry, Recipes, and Security Implementation Week 5: Introduction to Industrial Alarming & Alarm Philosophy Week 6: Alarm Configuration, Prioritization, and Rationalization Week 7: Alarm Displays, Notifications, and Event Logging Week 8: Midterm exam Week 9: Introduction to Data Logging & Trending Week 10: Historical Data Archiving & Database Integration Week 11: Data Analysis, Reporting, and OEE Calculations Week 12: Communication Protocols for HMI/SCADA/Datalogging (OPC UA, Modbus TCP) Week 13: System Integration, Redundancy, and Cybersecurity for HMI/SCADA Week 14: Final project **Grading Policy:** Midterm Exam: 25% Laboratory Assignments & Quizzes: 35% Final Project (Design & Implementation): 30% Class Participation & Homework: 10%