Siemens PCS7 DCS Training

COURSE OVERVIEW

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. With the advancements in computer technology over the past three decades, the gap between DCS and PLC systems has significantly narrowed. However, major DCS vendors continue to cater to large chemical industries due to the extensive features of their products.

For a student aiming to become an automation engineer, it is possible to start with either PLC or DCS. However, knowledge of both is usually required as they progress in their career. The choice between PLC and DCS can depend on the first job and industry sector, as each field has different requirements.

Even if you choose DCS, determining which specific DCS expertise is most needed can be challenging. We recommend having a conversation with our career counselor (free of charge) to determine the best path for you. Below, we provide an overview of our Siemens PCS7 DCS training program.

Course Overview: Siemens PCS7 DCS Training

In this course, you will learn the architecture and programming of Siemens PCS7 using various tools. If you are already familiar with Siemens PCS7, this training will help enhance your knowledge. We tailor the training based on your current knowledge and what you wish to learn.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Design and specify the system for a new plant or manufacturing facility
Complete network architecture and system configuration
Install programs on a new system
Program logic based on the functional narrative of a process
Perform functional tests
Create Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI)
Verify communication with peripheral systems using advanced communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, OPC)
Commission the DCS in a test environment
Learn how to hand over the final system to operations

This training will also cover aspects of control engineering and instrumentation, preparing you to interact professionally with electrical engineers, instrument technicians, and process engineers.

If you're not already familiar with the basics, this course will also introduce you to foundational electrical and electronics engineering principles, electrical safety, wiring fundamentals, control science, and instrumentation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Course Objectives

The following modules are covered in this training:

DCS functions in chemical, petrochemical, and refinery industries
Key DCS components
DCS architecture
Control loop fundamentals and PID block programming
Integrated self-sufficient controllers (analog loops)
Advanced digital control loops (advanced PIDs)
DCS electrical fundamentals – power requirements
UPS systems for controllers
How to choose between DCS and PLC
Overview of Siemens PCS7 DCS
Siemens PCS7 hardware components
Siemens PCS7 DCS functional blocks
Siemens PCS7 DCS network interfaces
Siemens PCS7 alarm management systems
DCS loop drawing with typical examples
General Arrangement (GA) / Instrumentation and Automation (IA) cabinet layouts
Siemens PCS7 DCS cabinet architecture

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

Training Methodology

Our Siemens PCS7 DCS training program includes the following modes of instruction:

Classroom and Virtual Lectures
Advanced Topics: Seminars and Presentations
Technical Group Discussions
Class Assignments
Industrial Case Studies and Functional Training Exercises

We ensure practical experience by having students “download” programs to a real DCS from the very first class, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in real-time.

Organizational Benefits

Industries that send employees to Excel Automation Solutions for DCS training will benefit in the following ways:

Employees will gain a deeper understanding of the DCS in their plant, which forms the backbone of their operations, leading to improved productivity, efficiency, and reliability.
They can become part of the steering committee for DCS upgrades and expansions.
Employees can train other personnel who could not attend the training.
Participate in new projects requiring expertise in specifying system requirements, conducting vendor meetings, selecting proposals from different DCS vendors, and supporting automation project commissioning.

Personal Benefits

For individuals, this training can be a career-defining step, offering the following benefits:

Understanding the principles of operation for various sensors and transducers used in Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
Reviewing the construction and operation of critical DCS components
Evaluating and selecting appropriate sensor technologies for specific DCS applications
Designing, building, and testing systems based on DCS specifications
Identifying key components and features of a DCS
Optimizing control using DCS software tools

Who Should Attend?

This Siemens PCS7 DCS training is suitable for:

Entry-level service engineers and experienced technicians in charge of operation and maintenance of instruments and control systems
Engineers looking to start a career in automation
Engineers and electricians wanting to understand automation for knowledge expansion
Mechanical and electrical graduates who want to understand PLC/DCS interfacing with external systems
Computer science and systems engineers working with real-time systems
Instrument and process control technicians
Maintenance engineers
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
Recent graduates with a few years of experience in automation, control systems, instrumentation, or process control engineering