Fault Tolerance and Cybersecurity in Automation, 5 cr

Fault tolerance and cybersecurity in automation systems are critical for ensuring the safety and security of engineering systems across a wide range of fields, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, transportation, and industrial engineering. This course is designed to equip students with foundational principles, methodologies, and practical applications in fault diagnosis, fault tolerance, and cybersecurity, specifically within the context of automated systems. A significant focus will be placed on applications to critical infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on the rapidly evolving field of cyber-physical systems and renewable energy systems. Designed to fit within a semester, the course content is adaptable, allowing for adjustments based on the students’ backgrounds and interests. The curriculum encompasses a blend of traditional methods and cutting-edge techniques in the field, providing students with a broad understanding of current challenges and opportunities. Throughout the course, potential directions for future research and development, along with discussions on prevailing open problems in fault tolerance and cybersecurity, will be explored, fostering a comprehensive and forward-thinking perspective on the subject.

• Introduction to Automation Systems: Types, components, control systems, and network architectures.
• Fault Tolerance: Principles, types of faults, redundancy techniques, fault detection, isolation, and recovery.
• Fault Diagnosis: Concepts, model-based and data-driven approaches, real-time detection and diagnosis.
• Fault-Tolerant Control: Passive and active fault-tolerant control strategies, design principles, and applications.
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Threat landscape, cyber-attack mechanisms, cybersecurity principles, standards, and frameworks.
• Integrating Fault Tolerance and Cybersecurity: Design and implementation strategies, secure communication, and authentication methods.
• Practical Applications and Case Studies: Analysis of incidents, best practices, and emerging trends.
• Assignments and Course Projects: Simulation exercises and group projects on designing a fault-tolerant and secure system.