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EC-504 (C) RGPV B.Tech

Process Control Instrumentation (PCI)

The official syllabus is free to read, no account needed.

Syllabus, notes and important questions for EC-504 (C)

Syllabus units

Topics as the official RGPV syllabus lists them.

Unit 1 Introduction 12 topics
  • Historical perspective of process control
  • Incentives of process control
  • Synthesis of control system
  • Classification and definition of process variables
  • Need and application of mathematical modeling
  • Lumped and distributed parameters
  • Analogies: thermal, electrical, and chemical systems
  • Modeling of CSTR
  • Modeling of heat exchanger
  • Interactive and non‑interactive type of system
  • Dead time elements
  • Developing continuous‑time and discrete‑time models from process data
Unit 1 notes
Unit 2 Control Modes 7 topics
  • Definition of control modes
  • Characteristics and comparison of on‑off, proportional, integral, differential, PI, PD, PID control
  • Dynamic behavior of feedback‑controlled processes for different control modes
  • Control system quality indices: IAE, ISE, IATE
  • Tuning of controllers using Ziegler‑Nichols method
  • Tuning of controllers using Cohen‑Coon method
  • Controller troubleshooting
Unit 2 notes
Unit 3 Realization of Control Modes 7 topics
  • Realization of P, I, D control modes in electric controllers
  • Realization of P, I, D control modes in pneumatic controllers
  • Realization of P, I, D control modes in hydraulic controllers
  • Use of DDC and PLC for control
  • Process monitoring
  • Man‑machine interface
  • Introduction to real‑time systems (RTS) and their characteristics
Unit 3 notes
Unit 4 Actuators 14 topics
  • Hydraulic actuators
  • Pneumatic actuators
  • Solenoid actuators
  • E‑P converters
  • Control valves: types and functions
  • Quick‑opening valves
  • Linear and equal‑percentage valves
  • Ball valves
  • Butterfly valves
  • Globe valves
  • Pinch valves
  • Valve application and selection
  • Cavitation and flashing phenomena
  • Dampers and variable‑speed drives
Unit 4 notes
Unit 5 Advanced Controls 11 topics
  • Advanced control strategies: cascade control
  • Feed‑forward control
  • Ratio control
  • Selective control
  • Override control
  • Split‑range control
  • Auctioneering control
  • Plant‑wide control
  • PI diagrams: symbols and terminology
  • PI diagrams: case studies
  • Overview of instrumentation and control relevant to industries
Unit 5 notes
Read the full syllabus

Exam insights

Counted from 5 past EC-504 (C) papers.

Marks asked per paper, by unit

  • Unit 1 Introduction 25 marks
  • Unit 2 Control Modes 4 marks
  • Unit 3 Realization of Control Modes 77 marks
  • Unit 4 Actuators 4 marks
  • Unit 5 Advanced Controls 13 marks

Average marks of the questions from each unit in one paper. You answer only some of them, so the total is more than the paper’s maximum.

Asked again and again

  1. Explain the role of PLCs in process control and give an example of a typical application.

    Asked 4 times: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022

  2. Describe the characteristics and selection criteria of control valves.

    Asked 3 times: 2025, 2024, 2022

  3. Discuss the advantages of using DDC (Direct Digital Control) over traditional analog control.

    Asked 3 times: 2024, 2023, 2022

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