• An understanding of the basic principles of data communications
• The application of basic faultfinding techniques covering RS232 up to RS485
• An overview of the wide range of Fieldbus options
• An overview of Ethernet data communication and its main network components.
• Ability to differentiate between the use of Modbus, Modbus Plus, Asibus, DeviceNet, Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus
• An overview of TCP/IP and its associated protocols
• Application of basic TCP/IP utilities

Designed for both novice and experienced engineers and technicians, this course starts at fundamental principles and progresses through basic coding and formatting systems, error detection, and protocols through to advanced fieldbus and device networking concepts.

Throughout the course, participants will learn through active participation using exercises and questionnaires covering:

• RS 232
• RS 485
• Modbus
• Ethernet Networking
• TCP/IP

Personal impact:

On successful completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles of data communications
• Apply basic faultfinding techniques covering RS232 up to RS485
• Apply Modbus in a practical manner and make use of troubleshooting techniques
• Differentiate between the use of Modbus, Modbus Plus, ASI, DeviceNet, Profibus, and Foundation Fieldbus
• Understand the basics of Ethernet
• Understand TCP/IP and its associated protocols
• Apply some of the basic TCP/IP utilities

• Professionals involved in designing, selecting, sizing, specifying, installing, testing, operating and maintaining data communication systems.
• Any professional needing to get to grips with the ever expanding and complex field of data communications and Fieldbus systems:

• Automation Engineers
• Chemical Engineers
• Consulting Engineers
• Electrical Engineers
• Electricians
• Industrial IT specialists
• Installation and maintenance technicians
• Instrumentation and Control Engineers
• Maintenance Engineers
• Operations Engineers
• Process Engineers
• Process Operators
• Production Managers
• Project Managers
• System Integrators
• Other professionals who want a better understanding of the subject matter

The course maintains a balance between lecture and in-class exercises and between theory and application. 
 
A variety of in-class exercise sessions are evenly dispersed throughout the course to emphasize the principles covered. Students are encouraged to put into practice the fault-finding techniques covered during the course.

Introduction to data communications

• Overview
• Modern Instrumentation and Control Systems
• “Smart” Instrumentation

Basic principles

• Overview
• Transmission Modes
• Digital systems
• Asynchronous frame
• ASCII Code
• Standards

Data communications standards

• RS-232 interface standard
• RS-423 interface standard
• RS-422 interface standard
• EIA-RS-485 interface standard
• Interface Converters

ISO OSI model

• Introduction
• Details of Individual layers
• Layer interfacing
• Simplified model

Local Area Networks

• LAN Standards
• Topologies
• Network elements
• Protocols
• CSMA / CD (Ethernet)
• Token Ring
• Token Bus

Communications media

• Cabling
• Definition of noise
• Electrical coupling
• Shielding
• Grounding
• Fibre optics
• Component
• Cable Parameters
• Connecting Fibres
• Splicing Trays/Organisers
• Troubleshooting and testing

Modems

• Overview
• Modulation techniques
• AM
• FM
• QAM

Error detection

• Feedback vs. forward error control
• Checksum
• Cyclic Redundancy

Modbus

• Fundamentals
• Frame format
• Function coding
• Exception reports
• Troubleshooting

HART

• Fundamentals
• FSK
• Cabling and configuration
• Commands

Actuator Sensor Interface (ASI)

• Overview
• Physical layer
• Modulation principles
• Components
• Configuration

CANBus /DeviceNet

• Overview
• Frame format
• Arbitration
• Fragmentation
• Error reporting
• DeviceNet media layer
• Network configuration

Profibus

• Overview
• DP physical layer
• PA physical layer

Foundation Fieldbus

• Physical layer
• Frame structure
• Function blocks
• Device descriptions

A RECTUS attendance certificate will be awarded to all participants who complete at least 80% of the total course duration.