Are you preparing for an automation engineer job interview? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will discuss some of the most commonly asked interview questions in the field of automation engineering. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, these questions will help you prepare for your next interview.
Contents
- Question 1: What are the five IEC1131 programming languages?
- Question 2: Explain PID Based Control System
- Question 3: Please explain the difference between a PLC and DCS
- Question 4: What Is Encoder?
- Question 5: What Are the different components used in automation?
- Question 6: Who are the leading PLC providers?
- Question 7: Who are the leading DCS providers?
- Question 8: Who are the leading SCADA software companies?
- Question 9: What types of sensors are used for measuring?
- Question 10: What is a transmitter?
- Question 11: Why is 4-20 mA preferred over 0-10 V Signal?
- Question 12: Why is 4-20 mA preferred over 0-20 mA signal?
- Question 13: Difference between 2-wire, 3-wire, and 4-wire transmitters?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Question 1: What are the five IEC1131 programming languages?
Answer: The five IEC1131 programming languages are:
- Instruction List
- Structured Text
- Ladder Diagram
- Function Block
- Sequential Function Chart
Question 2: Explain PID Based Control System
Answer: A PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) based control system is widely used in closed loop control. It maintains the output to a device in such a way that there is zero error between the process variable input and the set point to the device.
Question 3: Please explain the difference between a PLC and DCS
Answer: A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a ruggedized computer used for automating processes. On the other hand, a DCS (Distributed Control System) is similar to a PLC but contains multiple autonomous controllers that are distributed throughout a system.
Question 4: What Is Encoder?
Answer: An encoder is a rotary device that outputs digital pulses based on angular motion. It consists of a wheel with alternating clear stripes detected by optical sensors to produce the digital outputs.
Question 5: What Are the different components used in automation?
Answer: The components of an automation system include sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, flow, level, etc., transmitters for transmitting the raw signal, control systems such as PLC, DCS, and PID controllers, and output devices and actuators like drives and control valves.
Question 6: Who are the leading PLC providers?
Answer: The leading PLC providers include “Rockwell Automation Allen Bradley,” “Siemens,” “Schneider Modicon,” and “GE Fanuc.”
Question 7: Who are the leading DCS providers?
Answer: The leading DCS providers include “Yokogawa,” “Honeywell,” “Fisher – Rosemount,” “ABB,” “Moore,” and “Foxboro.”
Question 8: Who are the leading SCADA software companies?
Answer: Leading SCADA software companies are “Aveva Wonderware,” “GE Cimplicity,” “GE iFix,” Siemens WinCC, “Iconics Genesis64,” “Inductive Automation Ignition,” and “Rockwell Software FactoryTalk View.”
Question 9: What types of sensors are used for measuring?
Answer: Sensors used for measuring include temperature, pressure, flow, level, conductivity, density, and pH sensors.
Question 10: What is a transmitter?
Answer: A transmitter is an electronic device mounted in the field or plant close to a sensor. Its function is to sense the low-level signal, amplify it to a higher level, and transmit the signal to a controller.
Question 11: Why is 4-20 mA preferred over 0-10 V Signal?
Answer: The 4-20 mA signal is preferred over the 0-10 V signal because it can travel a long distance without dropping signal value, unlike the 0-10 V signal which tends to weaken over a long distance due to resistance.
Question 12: Why is 4-20 mA preferred over 0-20 mA signal?
Answer: With a 4-20 mA signal, a wire break can be easily determined. When the input value is at its minimum, the transmitter will provide 4 mA, while in the case of a wire break, it will provide 0 mA. This makes troubleshooting easier compared to a 0-20 mA signal.
Question 13: Difference between 2-wire, 3-wire, and 4-wire transmitters?
Answer: For a 2-wire transmitter, the power and signal are transmitted through the same cable. A 3-wire transmitter has the data signal and power with respect to a common ground. A 4-wire transmitter uses two wires for power and two wires for signals.
FAQs
Q: Have you led any projects? Please explain how you were successful?
Q: Could you get along with a diverse group of people from different cultures?
Conclusion
Preparing for an automation engineer job interview can be daunting, but with the right knowledge and practice, you can ace it. We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the commonly asked interview questions in the field of automation engineering. Best of luck with your interview!
If you want to learn more about automation control topics and enhance your skills as an automation engineer, visit Techal for a wealth of practical knowledge and resources.
