Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge

A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge, 3rd Edition

The term "automation" includes all topics that have traditionally been identified using names such as instrumentation, instruments and control, process control, process automation, control systems, automation and control, manufacturing control, manufacturing automation, and system integration. The topics in this book represent the scope of automation application, they include:

• Process and analytical instrumentation
• Continuous and batch control
• Control valves and final control elements
• Basic discrete, sequencing, and manufacturing control
• Advanced control
• Digital and analog communications
• Data management and system software
• Networking and security
• Safety and reliability
• System checkout, testing, start-up, and troubleshooting
• Project management

This edition―written by 38 leading experts from all aspects of automation―provides comprehensive information about all major topics in the broad field of automation. It serves as a technical summary of automation knowledge for those who need a complete perspective on automation including:

• Automation professionals who need to understand the basics of an unfamiliar topic
• Managers who need a better perspective of all aspects of automation, enabling them to better set direction and make staffing decisions
• Those who work in fields related to automation, such as IT professionals who need to learn more about plant floor control and information systems
• Academicians who need guidance in developing and improving curriculum or courses
• Students, novices, and others evaluating career decisions
• Those studying for the ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), and/or Control Systems Engineer (CSE) exams

Nicholas P. Sands, PE, CAP, ISA Fellow.

Ian Verhappen, P Eng, CAP, ISA Fellow.