450-2054/01 – Hardware Platforms II (HWP II)

The objective of the first half of the course is to acquaint students with industrial control systems based on microprocessors used which are used in automation. Especially, the course is focused on devices for real-time control and human-machine interface. In this course students learn to work with PLCs, operator panels and computer visualization systems. After completing the course they will be able to create a basic control application in programmable controller and basic human- machine interface. In the programmable logic devices is the objective of the course to familiarize students with techniques for solving hardware logic functions on a platform of FPGA and CPLD programmable devices. Individual lessons provide students with essential basis for a proper understanding of the design procedures for implementing custom logic into these circuits. Students will better understand the differences between hardware and software solutions of logic functions and algorithms. They will be also able to explain their advantages and disadvantages. After completing the course, students are able to choose appropriate development tools for solving the tasks and to design and implement simple combinational and sequential logic functions based on specified requirements. The students are able to make a schematic or VHDL design entry. Subsequently, they are able to debug the logic design in a logic simulator.

Number of technical devices, which are based on computer technology and information systems, is used in the industry today. In the area of real-time control, as main platforms are used programmable logic controllers and their variants, systems for the realization of human-machine interface based on operator panels or computer visualization systems. A typical application of these systems in the industry is a control system realized by programmable controller and a user interface realized by computer visualization with SCADA software. The basic goal of the course is to demonstrate to students how to design and implement such control and information system. In the programmable logic devices the subject deals with the FPGA and CPLD techniques. This is a technology that has unique role in the future in an ever-evolving digital world. There is described the internal architecture of these components on several typical representatives. Description of circuits using schematic and VHDL is included to the design techniques. Special attention is paid to the differences in design techniques in comparison with the general logic circuits of small and medium-density integration. In the practical part, students are introduced to the development environment for design, simulation and implementation of the project. The students also experimentally verify the results on the development boards.

PARNELL, Karen and Nick MEHTA. Programmable Logic Design Quick Start Handbook. 4th ed. [s.l.]: Xilinx Inc., 2003. 225 s. ASHENDEN, Peter J. The Designer's Guide to VHDL. San Francisco(USA): Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 1999. 688 s. ISBN 1-55860-270-4. KAMEL, K; KAMEL, E. Programmable Logic Controllers. McGraw-Hill Education, 2014. ISBN 978-0-07-181045-6.

During the semester, students are working on two individual projects on the selected topics. Progress of work will be continuously assessed. Credit conditions: Students have to demonstrate the functionality of applications solved within the projects and submit a reports of the projects.