Top Interview Questions & Answers for Automation Engineer
Are you looking for an industrial automation job. If so, which functional area in automation would you apply and use your knowledge and talents towards
Automation Engineer Job Roles
- Industrial Automation Sales
- Automation Product Engineer
- Field System Engineer
- Automation Application Engineer
- PLC Programmer
- Automation Technician
- Project Management — Automation
- Automation Control Engineer and so on
Interview Questions
- What are the Five IEC1131 — Programming Languages?
Instruction List (IN) , Structured Text (ST), Ladder Logic Diagram, Functional Block Diagram(FDB) and Sequential Flow chart (SFC)
2. Explain PID based control System
PID or “Proportional Integral Derivative” is widely used in closed loop control. PID controllers maintains the output to a device so that there is zero error between process variable input and set point to the device.
3. Explain Difference between PLC and DCS
A PLC or programmable logic controller is a ruggedized computer used for automating processes. A DCS or distributed control system is similar to a PLC in that it has rugged computer controller however the DCS contains multiple autonomous controllers that are distributed throughout a system, also used for automating processes.
4. What is Encoder?
An encoder is a rotary device that outputs digital pulses which from angular motion. The encoder consists of a wheel with alternating clear stripes detected by optical sensors to produce the digital outputs.
5. What are the different components used in Automation?
he components of automation system include sensors for sensing temperature, pressure, flow, level and etc., transmitters for transmitting the raw signal, control system which includes PLC, DCS and PID controllers, output devices and actuators like drives and control valves.
6. Who are the Leading PLC Providers?
Leading PLC Providers include — “Rockwell Automation Allen Bradley”, Siemens, Schneider Modicon and GE Fanuc
7. Who are the Leading DCS Providers?
The leading DCS providers include “Yokogawa”, Honeywell, “Fisher — Rosemount”, “ABB”, “Moore” and “Foxboro”.
8. What are the types of sensors used for measuring?
Temperature, Pressure, Flow, Level, Conductivity, Density, Ph type sensors.
9. What is Transmitter?
A transmitter is an electronic device mounted in the field or plant close to a sensor. The sensor transduces a measured physical variable like temperature and then outputs a low electronic signal to a controller. The basic function of the transmitter is to sense the low-level signal, amplify it to a higher level and transmit the signal to a controller.
10. Why is 4–20mA Preferred over 0–10V signals?
The 0–10 V signal has the tendency to weaken over a long distance because of resistance. The 4–20 mA can travel a long distance without dropping signal value. If the signal drops below 4 mA the read value will be a negative value and can be determined as faulted or open wire.
11. Why is 4–20mA Preferred over 0–20mA signals?
With 0–20 mA you cannot easily determine between minimum field value and a wire break. With the 4–20 mA, a wire break can be determined. When the input value is at minimum the transmitter will provide 4 mA while in with a wire break it will provide 0 mA.
12. Difference between 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire transmitter:
For a 2-wire transmitter the power and signal are transmitted through same cable. For a 3-wire transmitter the data signal and power are with respect to common ground and for a 4-wire transmitter two of the wires are used for power and two wires are used for signals.
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