HKIE Professional Assessment - Control, Automation & Instrumentation Discipline study plan

Derive and sketch the step and impulse responses of first-order and second-order linear systems from their transfer functions, stating settling time, rise time and overshoot formulas from memory.

Compute steady-state error for type 0, 1 and 2 systems under step, ramp and parabolic inputs using the static error constants.

Construct Bode magnitude and phase plots by hand for a given open-loop transfer function and read off gain and phase margins.

Apply the Routh-Hurwitz criterion to determine the range of a gain parameter that keeps a closed-loop system stable.

Design a PID controller for a specified plant to meet a given damping ratio and settling time using root-locus or pole placement, and justify the choice of P, PI or PID structure.

Explain integrator windup, derivative kick and bumpless transfer, and describe at least two concrete anti-windup and derivative-filtering measures.

Match each of the following to its measurement principle and typical accuracy class: orifice plate with DP transmitter, Coriolis mass flowmeter, electromagnetic flowmeter, vortex shedder, ultrasonic transit-time meter.

Select and size a flow element and DP transmitter range for a stated liquid flow, including turndown and permanent pressure loss considerations.

Explain how RTD three-wire and four-wire connections differ in lead-resistance compensation, and state the reference tolerance classes for a Pt100 sensor.

Convert between gauge, absolute and differential pressure and show how a wet leg or capillary seal shifts the transmitter zero and span, calculating the required elevation/suppression.

Explain level measurement by DP, radar, guided-wave radar, ultrasonic and capacitance, and state one application where each fails or is unsuitable.

Describe thermocouple cold-junction compensation, the law of intermediate metals and typical limits of error for Type K and Type J thermocouples.

Specify a transmitter's range, span, accuracy, drift and response time for a given process, and explain how total loop error is estimated by root-sum-squares.

Explain the purpose of impulse line sloping, condensate pots, manifolds and root valves in a DP measurement installation.

Write and interpret ladder logic for start/stop with seal-in, interlock, permissive and first-out alarm circuits, and convert a described sequence into structured text or function block logic.

Explain PLC scan cycle, I/O update, task priority and the effect of scan time on fast interlock detection, and identify when a hardwired or safety controller path is required instead.

Describe the levels of a SCADA/DCS architecture (field, control, supervisory, enterprise), the role of OPC UA, and how redundancy and hot standby are implemented.

Configure the concept of a control narrative into a cause-and-effect matrix for a small process unit.

Explain HART digital signals superimposed on a 4-20 mA loop and how a HART communicator or asset management system reads secondary variables.

Determine the required SIL for a given risk graph or risk matrix scenario, and derive the target PFDavg or PFH from the SIL table.

Compute PFDavg for a simple 1oo1 and 1oo2 architecture using failure rate, proof-test interval and partial stroke or diagnostic coverage, and explain the effect of common-cause failure.

Write a safety requirements specification outline for one safety instrumented function, including sensor, logic solver, final element, proof-test interval and demanded response.

Explain the difference between fail-safe, fail-to-danger and fail-to-safe, and describe how de-energise-to-trip design and solenoid energised-to-trip arrangements affect availability and safety.

Size a control valve by calculating Cv for a stated liquid or gas duty, check cavitation and flashing limits, and select the fail action and actuator thrust requirement.

Compare Foundation Fieldbus H1, PROFIBUS PA, Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFINET and Ethernet/IP on topology, speed, determinism and typical application, and state the segment limits and power budget rules for a fieldbus H1 segment.

Explain the Purdue model levels and how segmentation, firewalls, DMZ and conduits are applied between enterprise and control networks, and describe the purpose of IEC 62443 zones and conduits.

List the practical hardening measures for a control system: account management, patching policy, removable media control, backup and restore testing, and network monitoring.

Identify the standards and code obligations that apply to an instrumentation project in Hong Kong, including electrical wiring regulations, hazardous area classification and the role of the registered electrical contractor.

Explain the purpose of a HAZOP and the difference between a HAZOP recommendation, a LOPA scenario and a SIL assignment.

Explain the control sequence and typical setpoints for a variable air volume air-handling unit, including supply air temperature reset, static pressure reset and economiser changeover.

Describe chilled water plant sequencing, staging of chillers and pumps, and the role of differential pressure bypass and variable speed drives in part-load efficiency.

Explain how a building management system integrates BACnet or Modbus devices, and state the meaning of BACnet object types, services and device profiles at a conceptual level.

Apply the requirements for fire-mode control of smoke control systems and the interface between fire alarm and BMS, and explain why fire-rated cables and dedicated control may be needed.

Produce a commissioning plan outline for a BMS point-to-point check, including sensor calibration verification, sequence testing and trend logging.

Apply the professional conduct expectations of a chartered engineer to a scenario involving a safety-critical instrument reading that is drifting but not yet out of tolerance, and state the disclosure and escalation steps.

Explain the engineer's duty of care, the significance of signing and sealing documents, and the limits of competence and referral obligations.

Review a project specification for gaps in scope, interface definition, testing, documentation and handover, and propose corrective clauses.

Rehearse timed answers to calculation questions from control theory and instrumentation under exam conditions, and mark them against a self-written scheme.

Consolidate weak areas identified in earlier weeks into a revision list and schedule spaced repetition to the assessment date.