Modification History
New unit
Unit Descriptor
This unit of competency covers the design of an engineering application using a programmable logic controller (PLC). It includes sustainability implications, occupational health and safety (OHS) and automation safety.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to the control of machines, equipment or processes that may have thermodynamic, hydrodynamic, fluid power or mechanical system elements using a PLC. Control functions may be digital and analog and may include feedback. Network and remote control may be used. The unit is suitable for mechatronics and automated systems designers, systems maintenance, machine and process control, or computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) designers. Design activities may also include reverse engineering, and design rectification or modifications of an existing design.
Prior experience in the evaluation of PLC systems, application of computing, controllers, mathematics, and basic electrical and electronics safety procedures is required. Additionally, experience in mechanical, fluid power, thermodynamic, manufacturing methods and processes may be required by particular system designs.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills..
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 |
Clarify client brief or contract requirements |
1.1 |
Establish, in consultation with the client, the required features and functions of the application and establish control requirements |
1.2 |
Determine technical, commercial and environmental parameters to the brief or contract |
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1.3 |
Determine stakeholders to be consulted in the design and application process |
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1.4 |
Provide initial advice to client on the feasibility of the project |
2 |
Prepare concept proposal |
2.1 |
Carry out initial investigations and measurements |
2.2 |
Carry out required modelling or simulations and calculations, using appropriate software and validation techniques |
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2.3 |
Generate a range of PLC application solutions |
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2.4 |
Check feasibility and evaluate solutions against design criteria ensuring conformity to OHS, regulatory, sustainability and environmental requirements |
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2.5 |
Prepare a PLC proposal that may include results of feasibility study, consideration of expert opinion, initial calculations and modelling, and the use of judgment and discretion |
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2.6 |
Review concept proposal with client and select preferred solution |
3 |
Design PLC control application |
3.1 |
Finalise selected control application design |
3.2 |
Provide documentation, drawings, specifications and, instructions |
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3.3 |
Consult with client and stakeholders to obtain sign-off on design |
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3.4 |
Monitor installation and commissioning with stakeholders, when required, and make any necessary modifications |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Required skills include:
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Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes:
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Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
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Method of assessment |
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Guidance information for assessment |
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Client |
Client may be:
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Parameters to the brief |
The design brief may include the design of new equipment or fault analysis, rectification or modification to an existing design. Parameters to the design brief may include:
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PLC solutions |
PLC solutions may include consideration of:
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Applications |
Applications may include:
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OHS, regulatory, sustainability and environmental issues |
OHS, regulatory, sustainability and environmental issues may include:
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Unit Sector(s)
Engineering practice
Custom Content Section
Not applicable.