This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to design electronic control systems.

It includes working safely, following design brief, applying knowledge of digital and analogue devices, interpreting device specifications, constructing prototypes, using appropriate development software, applying programming techniques, testing developed system prototype operation and documenting design and development work.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Identify electronic control system requirements

1.1

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) processes and workplace procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and applied

1.2

Hazards are identified, WHS/OHS risks assessed, and control measures and workplace procedures are implemented in preparation for work

1.3

Scope of the proposed electronic control system is determined from design brief in consultation with appropriate person/s

1.4

Design of electronic control system development work is planned to meet scheduled timelines in consultation with person/s involved on the worksite

1.5

Materials and devices/components required for work are determined on compatibility of their specifications with control system requirements and project budget constraints

2

Design electronic control system

2.1

WHS/OHS risk control work measures and workplace procedures are followed

2.2

Digital and analogue device elements used in control systems and relevant industry standards are applied to the design specification

2.3

Alternative design/s is considered based on the design brief

2.4

Safety, functional and budget considerations are incorporated in the design specification

2.5

Prototype devices and circuits are constructed, programmed and tested for compliance with design brief and regulatory requirements

2.6

Prototype faults are rectified and retested to ensure effective operation of design

2.7

Control system design specifications are documented for submission to appropriate person/s for approval

2.8

Solutions to unplanned situations are implemented in accordance with workplace policy

3

Obtain approval for electronic control system

3.1

Control system design is presented and explained to client representative and/or relevant person/s

3.2

Alterations to design are negotiated with relevant person/s within the constraints of workplace policy

3.3

Final system design is documented and approval obtained from appropriate person/s

3.4

Quality of work is monitored against performance agreement and/or workplace or relevant industry standards

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least two separate occasions and include:

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements

designing electronic control system

dealing with unplanned events/situations in accordance with workplace procedures in a manner that minimises risk to personnel and equipment

developing outlines of alternative designs

documenting and presenting design effectively

negotiating design alteration requests successfully

identifying and planning to design electronic control systems

obtaining design approval for electronic control systems design.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

designing control systems

control systems, including:

process controllers, programmable controllers and personal computers

control peripherals and suitable control

purpose built microprocessor controller with multiple inputs resulting in different or changed outputs

relevant job safety assessments or risk mitigation processes

relevant manufacturer specifications

relevant WHS/OHS legislated requirements

relevant workplace documentation

relevant workplace policies and procedures.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in suitable workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in suitable simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, facilities, equipment currently used in industry

resources that reflect current industry practices in relation to designing electronic control systems

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Designing electronic control systems must include at least the following:

one closed loop control system based on digital and analogue elements

one open loop control systems based on digital and analogue elements

a combination of inputs and outputs

Electrotechnology

Instrumentation & Control