Contemporary Controls has launched the Industrial Ethernet University (IEU) as a free-to-use virtual education center that provides objective, content-rich learning materials on Ethernet as it relates to automation processes. Consisting of 22 individual lessons, the courses feature both essential and elective material that offers students the opportunity to study and learn at their own pace.
The application of Ethernet to factories and buildings continues to expand with the current emphasis on operational technology (OT). The rapid adoption of Ethernet-based communication protocols at the machine level, the rapid diffusion of cloud-based user interfaces, and the increased popularity of mobile solutions to access data and perform tasks has driven many colleges and learning centers to include coursework on the concepts of industrial Ethernet to their curriculum. With renewed focus toward energy efficiency, these concepts are equally applicable to HVAC and Building Automation.
For instructors wishing to incorporate the IEU into their classes, a multiple-choice test for each lesson is available upon request. Each test features 10 questions regarding the lesson that verify the students grasp of the material. A separate answer key is included. Only verified instructors/educators are granted access to this material to prevent cheating. While the IEU can stand alone, it is also possible to couple this material with Contemporary Controls' BAScontrol and BASpi BACnet controllers to create an entire hands-on curriculum to teach students the concepts of automation control.
