There is a strong new trend in automation today - using of distributed control systems instead of central systems. Distributed control systems consist of smaller control units connected by communication network. There is no need to have all signals connected to central system but control is distributed and runs directly in particular parts of technology. This is the reason, why we call such systems - distributed control systems.
Lectures are attended to basics of theory of communication networks, used topologies, communication media, methodology of distributed control system design, distributed software design and using of basic industrial networks.
Students work with main types of the communication networks at practical exercises in laboratories, they develop distributed control systems practically. There are used programmable controllers, industrial networks and development kits for communication networks in laboratories.