Elements and Performance Criteria

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
Required skills include:
determining the features and functions of the application, including OHS, regulatory and risk management requirements
interpreting parameters to the brief or contract
researching latest trends and techniques in application of microcontrollers
researching latest trends and techniques in reverse engineering
investigating, measuring, modelling and calculating for options
investigating faults in existing designs and arriving at solutions
prototyping and systematically programming and testing actuators and interfaces, input sensor/transducers, communications and network connections, human machine interfaces (HMIs) and graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
generating and evaluating a range of solutions for feasibility against design criteria
evaluating solutions for feasibility against design criteria, including relevant engineering and financial calculations and analysis
selecting actuators, interfaces, microcontroller, sensor/transducers, signal conditioning, HMIs, communication and network software and connections, if required
communicating, negotiating and reviewing with stakeholders and client throughout process to obtain agreement on proposal and sign-off on design
documenting design with drawings, specifications and instructions

Required knowledge
Required knowledge includes:
contemporary engineering microcontroller application design methods
research and investigations methods
techniques for:
continuous improvement
problem solving and decision making
root cause analysis (RCA) or failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) or design review based on failure mode (DRBFM), and Pareto analysis
engineering design software options
software simulation/validation processes
documentation, drawings, specifications and instructions
OHS and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards, risk minimisation and registration requirements
microcontroller software programming techniques
control options
device component options which may include microcontroller, user interfaces, HMIs and GUIs, software, data communications, telemetry, modems and networking topology, as appropriate
specifications for I/O and I/O channels

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
interpret features and functions of the application and parameters to the brief or contract
determine sustainability, automation safety, OHS, regulatory and risk management
research and test system components
investigate and measure, model and calculate for options
generate and evaluate a range of solutions
design microcontrolled system solution
consider continuous improvement, constraint and contingency management requirements in design options, where this is appropriate to the application
select system components
prototype and systematically program and test system component function
ensure automation safety using appropriate licensed technical and professional assistance
communicate, negotiate and review with stakeholders and client throughout process to obtain agreement on proposal and sign-off on design
document design with drawings, specifications and instructions.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.