Nov 22, 2024  
2018-2019 SLCC General Catalog 
    
2018-2019 SLCC General Catalog [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]

Automation and Instrumentation Technician: CC (Competency-Based)(CTE)


Certificate of Completion | 1091 clock hours

SAT Instruction Division
Program Location
Westpointe Center, Room 216. (Main Classroom)
General Information 801-957-7522
Program Website
Academic and Career Advising
Academic Advisor Hector Cando, 801-957-3112

Program Faculty
Associate Professors − Gilbert Ulibarri
Assistant Professor - Mike Wood
Adjunct Instructor − Michael Barela, Maria Raikh

Program Description
This program is designed to support a wide variety of Automated Controls and Instrumentation occupations, involving automated systems, instrumentation, measurements, electric motors, controls systems, robotics, mechatronics, and the application of fluid power systems. In addition, this program follows the guidelines of the International Society of Automation, offering related courses that help to support and prepare for the ISA associate CST examination, as an entrance point. This Core Automation will provide the valued skills set required by industries involved in manufacturing, mining, refineries, building automation, renewable energy, and full-on industrial controls systems. The program starts out with a solid foundation of the basic theory, laws, circuits, and fundamentals of AC/DC, solid-state and digital electronics. In addition, the student will learn how to use various test equipment for trouble-shooting and repair of electronic circuits. This course covers electronic components, how they function, and how to test devices. Students learn the skills required of an Automation and Instrumentation Technician to understand, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair modern electronic automated systems. Coverage of industrial data communications is also included, as well as applications, theory and project based programmable logic controllers.

Career Opportunities
Automation and Instrumentation Controls careers are involved in the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production of goods and services. Many occupations are listed under the Robotics O-Net occupations title, sample of reported job titles: Field Service Technician, Instrument Specialist, Instrumentation Technician, Automation Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician), Control Technician, Electronics Technician, Industrial Electrician, Electrical Technician, Electrician, Electrical and Instrument Technician (E&I Tech), Instrument and Electrical Technician (I&E Tech). These occupations have similar skills, but the types of automated systems being supported will vary, but the as a whole the principles are the same. Automation and Instrumentation encompasses many areas, aerospace corporations, new sources for clean electric power generation, medical equipment design and production, cyber-security , artificial intelligence systems, petroleum production and handling, theme park design and production, chemical corporations, building design and construction/Smart homes, pharmaceutical corporations , and many, many more exciting industries. The opportunities are almost unlimited for a Technician to build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

For state and national occupation information, visit http://online.onetcenter.org/find/ and enter the following O*Net code(s):

  • 17-3024.01 - Robotics Technicians
  • 17-3023.01 - Electronics Engineering Technicians
  • 17-3024.00 - Electro-Mechanical Technicians
  • 49-2094.00 - Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  • 49-9012.00 - Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
  • 49-9071.00 - Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
  • 49-9099.01 - Geothermal Technicians

Transfer/Articulation Information
None at this time, an articulation is being pursued to an AAS/AS.

Estimated Cost for Students
Please visit the program website for up-to-date cost information.

Estimated Time to Completion
1091 Clock Hours

Program Entry Requirements
Students must demonstrate basic education skills as assessed by the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE):

  • Reading: 8.0
  • Math: 10.00

Ability to distinguish differences in color.

Basic Computer Literacy required. Please see the department or department website for entry-level requirements.

Program Student Learning Outcomes Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
  1 - Acquire substantive knowledge
2 - Communicate effectively
3 - Develop quantitative literacies
4 - Think critically & creatively
5 - Become a community engaged learner
6 - Work in professional & constructive manner
7 - Develop computer & information literacy
The student will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge of Basic Computer Literacy concepts. 7
The student will be able to demonstrate the ability to perform basic thruhole and surface mount soldering for electronic assemblies. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to apply Electronics Math concepts, Mathematics and Formulas, basic math, metric notation, algebra, and right-triangle trigonometry, statics, and utilize scientific calculators. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to utilize Technical Writing concepts, applying knowledge to demonstration and usage of lab reports, proposals, communications, and engineering lab  project reports and related documentation 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate DC Fundamentals & Circuits concepts, electrical theory, calculations, circuit and component characteristics, circuit construction,  test/measurements, schematics, troubleshooting, DC power supplies usage, DMM and analysis. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate AC Fundamentals & Circuits concepts, electrical theory, calculations, circuit and component characteristics, circuit construction,  test/measurements, schematics, troubleshooting, usage of Oscilloscopes/Function Generator/ Frequency Counter/DMM and analysis. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate Analog Devices & concepts, electrical theory, calculations, circuit and component characteristics, circuit construction, test/measurements, schematics, troubleshooting, Data sheets/pin-outs/electrical specifications, Active device handling precautions, Programmable Field Analog Devices and analysis. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate Digital Circuits & Application Fundamentals & concepts, electrical theory, calculations, circuit and component characteristics, circuit  simplification, Boolean Algebra, circuit construction, test/measurements, schematics, troubleshooting, logic analyzers/logic probe usage, and Programmable Logic Devices analysis of timing diagrams. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge at an Associate Technician level, by obtaining CET certification. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of Test & Measurement Instrumentation concepts, competencies, utilize all features and functions of Oscilloscopes, Waveform Generators, DMM, Logic analyzers, and Spectrum Analyzers, as well as what is current in the Test & Measurement Industry. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the national electrical code, the structure and logic of the NEC, including the index, annexes, and Article 90. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate automated systems knowledge, Instrumentation and Motion Control, industrial maintenance, servomechanisms, components, circuits, control techniques, calibration, tuning and programming associated with industrial automated systems. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate instrumentation and control documentation, development of piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs), related ANSI/ISA drawings, and the reading/interpreting of these documents. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate measurement and control knowledge, fundamentals of industrial process, measurement, and control, apply principles necessary to understand the variables that affect industrial automation and process control systems, process control, loops, analytical measurement, process visualization and process control
computer-based systems.
1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate electric motors and control systems knowledge, motor types, control systems, electric motor operation, selection, installation, control,  industrial applications of variable speed drives, torque, constant horsepower, variable torque/variable horsepower, starter circuits, and maintenance. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate fluid power systems knowledge, fluid power technology, how electrical currents control the operation of fluid power systems, the design, analysis, operation, and maintenance of fluid power systems. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate maintenance of instruments & systems knowledge, maintenance requirements for pneumatic and electrical/electronic devices, DCS systems, analytical instrumentation, fiber optics, smart instruments, installing, configuring and calibrating transmitters, transducers, and controllers. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate troubleshooting automated systems knowledge, systematic approach to logical troubleshooting, test equipment, programmable electronic systems, communication circuits, transient problems, software, start-up of single-and multi-loop control loops, pressure, level, flow, and how temperature loops operate to maintain good process control systems. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of industrial data communications, troubleshooting, maintain both legacy/ leading-edge systems, terminology, standards,  protocols including EIA/TIA 232, 485, and IEEE 802. 1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate programmable logic controllers knowledge, programming, installation, maintaining procedures, hardware components, development of  wiring diagrams, Ladder Logic Programs, Programming of Timers, Counters, Data Manipulation, Sequencer, Shift Register Instructions, troubleshooting of process control,
Network Systems, SCADA and usage of the CLX Controllers.
1,2,3,4,6,7
The student will be able to demonstrate fundamental knowledge of Automation and Systems by obtaining the CST associate level certification, by passing the ISA Control Systems Technician Associate recognition examination. 1,2,3,4,6,7
Demonstrate ability to complete a job application, utilize networking skills for job search, produce a resume/electronics, and demonstration of interviewing skills.    1, 2

Advising Notes


Stand-alone or specific needs - All courses need to have their prerequisites confirmed by the Electronics department. Students must e-mail transcripts, etc., to dept. before registration/scheduling is approved. TABE Levels must be met for all students.

Additional Program Notes


Students can submit requests for prior education and/or work experience for program substitutions and/or waivers. All requests must have official support documentation, transcripts, industry certifications and or work records required. Student should make this request if possible before start of program.