What is the difference between Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) training and Distributed Control System (DCS) training?
Thirty years ago, DCS was primarily used for operating large chemical plants and refineries, while PLCs were typically used for controlling smaller units, such as compressors or turbines. Over the past three decades, advancements in computer technology have significantly reduced the difference between DCS and PLC systems. However, major DCS vendors still sell their products to large chemical industries due to the extensive features offered by DCS systems.
For an aspiring automation engineer, the choice between starting with PLC or DCS depends on individual goals and job preferences. Regardless, familiarity with both systems will soon be necessary, as most automation engineers are required to work with both PLCs and DCS at different stages of their careers. The first job an engineer takes can influence which path they take. However, identifying the DCS expertise most needed can be challenging. We encourage you to speak with our career counselor (free of charge) to determine the most suitable path for your career. Below is an overview of our Emerson DeltaV DCS Training.
In this course, you will learn to design and program the Emerson DeltaV DCS using various programming tools. Whether you already have familiarity with DeltaV or are a beginner, this course will help enhance your knowledge. We will tailor the training to suit your existing knowledge and future learning goals.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Design the system architecture for a new plant or manufacturing facility
Complete the network architecture
Install programs on a new system
Program logic based on functional narratives
Conduct functional tests
Create Human-Machine Interface (HMI) designs
Verify communication with peripheral systems using advanced communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, OPC)
Commission the DCS in a test system
Prepare the system for handover to operations
In this training, you will also gain essential knowledge of what an Instrumentation Engineer needs to know to transition into a Control Engineer role. As a control engineer, you will collaborate with electrical engineers, instrumentation technicians, and process engineers, and this training will equip you to interact with them effectively and professionally.
Additionally, this course covers the fundamentals of electrical and electronics engineering, electrical safety, wiring basics, control science, and instrumentation—critical knowledge for anyone in the automation and control systems field.
The following topics will be covered in the Emerson DeltaV DCS Training:
DCS Functionality in Chemical, Petrochemical, and Refinery industries
Main Components of DCS
DCS Architecture
Control Loop Fundamentals and PID Blocks
Integrated Self-Sufficient Controllers (Analog Loops)
Modern Digital Control Loops (Advanced PIDs)
DCS Electrical Fundamentals – Power Requirements
UPS Systems for Controllers
Choosing between DCS and PLC
Overview of Emerson DeltaV DCS / SIS
Emerson DeltaV DCS / SIS Hardware Components
Functional Blocks of Emerson DeltaV DCS / SIS
Network Interfaces for Emerson DeltaV DCS / SIS
Alarm Management System in DeltaV
DCS Loop Drawings with Typical Examples
General Arrangement (GA)/Internal Arrangement (IA) Cabinet Layout
Emerson DeltaV DCS / SIS Cabinet Architecture
Our Emerson DeltaV DCS Training includes the following modes of delivery:
Classroom and Virtual Lectures
Advanced Topics through Seminars and Presentations
Technical Group Discussions
Class Assignments
Industrial Case Studies and Practical Training Exercises
From the very first class, we emphasize practical learning by training students to “download” to a real DCS system, providing hands-on experience throughout the course.
Industries sending their employees to Excel Automation Solutions for DCS training will benefit in the following ways:
Employees will better understand the specific DCS used in their plant, contributing to immediate improvements in productivity, efficiency, and reliability.
They will be better equipped to contribute to decisions on DCS upgrades and expansions.
Trained employees can pass on their knowledge to other personnel who could not attend the training.
Employees can participate in new projects, specifying requirements, engaging in vendor meetings, and contributing to DCS system selection, implementation, and project commissioning.
For individuals, this training represents a transformative opportunity, providing you with the following benefits:
Understand the operating principles of various sensors and transducers used in Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
Learn about the construction and operation of the most commonly used DCS systems
Evaluate and select appropriate sensor technologies for specific DCS applications
Gain the skills to design, build, and test a DCS-based system based on a given specification
Identify key components and features of a DCS
Optimize control systems using relevant DCS software tools
The Emerson DeltaV DCS Training is ideal for the following professionals:
Entry-level Service Engineers and experienced technicians involved in the operation and maintenance of instruments and control systems
Engineers interested in starting a career in industrial automation
Engineers and electricians seeking to understand how automation works in order to expand their technical knowledge
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering graduates interested in learning about PLC/DCS interfacing with external systems
Computer Science and Computer Engineering graduates working with real-time systems
Instrument and Process Control Technicians
Maintenance Engineers and Technicians
Mechanical Engineers and Technicians
Process or Manufacturing Operations Engineers
Process or Manufacturing Technicians
Production and Operations Managers
Engineers working in System Integration companies
Anyone interested in understanding how modern factories are automated, networked, and interfaced
Fresh Graduates with limited experience in automation, control systems, instrumentation, or process control engineering
Training Content:
DeltaV DCS Introduction
System Overview
DeltaV DCS Architecture Overview
DeltaV Explorer
DeltaV Operate
DeltaV Control Modules
DeltaV Program Types
Input / Output Configuration
DeltaV Database
I/O Generation
Alarm Management
Field Instruments
HART Transmitter Configuration
Field bus Configuration
Serial / Modbus Configuration
Profibus Configuration
FBD / SFC programming
Communication Methods
Pre Commissioning procedures
Loop Checking
DeltaV Control Loops – Single, Cascade, Split, Feed forward
DCS System Architecture Design
DeltaV Loop Tuning’s
FAT / SAT procedures
Hardware Overview
Hardware design
Panel Design
P&ID diagram Overview
Graphics Development
DeltaV Networks design
Process History view
Motor Control
Real time project Implementation
Project based learning
Commissioning Overview
project management

Industrial / Project Documents:
P&ID Diagram (P&ID)
I/O List
Cause & Effect diagram (C&E)
Control Narratives
Single Line diagram
Function Design specifications (FDS)