Elements and Performance Criteria

Electronic modifications to be covered by this unit may include computer controlled systems where the process relates to three categories:
1. Modification carried out external to the computer, utilising 'off the shelf' components and modification to wiring circuitry
Example
Modification to an electronic engine management system, improving the performance of an ECU controlled engine cooling fan system necessitating changes to relay circuitry
2. Modification carried out external to the computer, utilising electronic circuit design, development, manufacture, trial, evaluation, improvement, and commissioning
Example
Development of an electronic control unit to delay engine crank while sounding an alarm warning of impending start of hazardous equipment
3. Modification carried out internally in the computer, utilising electronic circuit design, reprogramming, development, manufacture, trial, evaluation, improvement, and commissioning
Examples are
Rectification of an original internal computer design/operating deficiency
Modification to an electronic engine management computer, to enhance the performance of an engine
Modification to a computerised system, to disable a function no longer required by customer
Inputs to the modification method and processes may be obtained from customer requirements, manufacturer/component supplier specifications, outcomes of diagnostic processes or from regulatory, licensing, intellectual property legislation, safety requirements and Australian Design Rules

OH&S requirements include legislation, vehicle industry regulations, safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods code and safe operating procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, Australian Design Rules, environmental legislation, health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
Work requires individuals to demonstrate research, analytical, judgement and problem-solving skills in the diagnosis of faults

Evaluation criteria, sometimes referred to as success factors, are to be established prior to a modification being undertaken and are to cover safety, functionality, survivability, maintainability life cycle cost and aesthetics

Equipment isolation procedures are to be to industry and enterprise standards

Equipment is to include that appropriate to the modification being carried out, including electronic work station, desoldering station, electronic variable power supply, simulated vehicle system test facility, multimeters, lab oscilloscopes, logic probe and data scanners, and it should include computer-based diagnostic systems

Personal protective equipment is to include that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices

Workplace procedures relating to the use of tooling and equipment
Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
Manufacturer/component supplier specifications and application procedures for testing equipment and materials
Manufacturer/component supplier specifications, schematics and operational procedures related to electronic systems modification
Australian Design Rules
Vehicle industry regulations
Vehicle industry publications related to emerging electronic technology and technology changes

Critical aspects of evidence
Interpret work order and locate and apply information
Apply safety requirements, including the isolation of equipment and use of personal protective equipment

Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection processes to:

minimise the risk of injury to self and others
prevent damage and wastage of goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality

Modify a significant electronic system or sub-system including:

external modification (not within the computer) to a digital computer management system enhancing the system performance
external modification (not within the computer) to a digital computer management system, utilising electronic circuit design, development, manufacture, trial, evaluation, improvement and commissioning, enhancing the system performance
internal modification (within the computer) to a digital computer management system, utilising electronic circuit design, reprogramming, development, manufacture, trial, evaluation, improvement, and commissioning enhancing the system performance
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace context and environment

Underpinning knowledge
General knowledge of the types, functions, operations and limitations of the main automotive industry electronic systems
General knowledge of automotive digital computing systems
Detailed knowledge of electrical theory and operation covering, laws, theorems, DC and AC voltage and current, resistance, power, capacitance, electrostatics, electromechanics, magnetics, inductance, reactance, time constants, resonance, filtering, discrete semi-conductor electronic components, colour codes, analogue electronics, analogue IC, binary, logic families, digital IC, memory types and functions, microprocessor principles, micro-controller principles, analogue to digital conversion, signal processing, output control and characteristics, automotive digital computers, programming, networked vehicles and radio frequency
Detailed knowledge of the types, functions, operations and limitations of diagnostic testing equipment
General knowledge of the methods and processes for documenting and reporting modification specifications and outcomes

Specific key competencies, underpinning and employability skills required to achieve the performance criteria
These include a number of processes that are learned throughout work and life, which are required in most jobs. Some of these are covered by the national key competencies, although others may be added. The details below highlight how these competencies are to be applied in the attainment of this unit.

Application of the key competencies in this unit are to satisfy the nominated level in which:

Level 1 - relates to working effectively within set conditions and processes;
Level 2 - relates to management or facilitation of conditions or processes; and
Level 3 - relates to design, development and evaluation of conditions or process.
How will the candidate apply the following key competency in this unit? The candidate will need to:

Collect, analyse and organise information
Collect, organise and understand legal and technical information related to contemporary automotive electronic systems modifications
(Level 2)

Communicate ideas and information
Communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, reporting of work outcomes and completion of regulatory, commercial and vehicle information systems inputs
(Level 2)

Plan and organise activities
Plan and organise activities, including the development and planning of modification processes, preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of tooling, equipment, materials and testing equipment to avoid backtracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
(Level 3)

Work with others and in a team
Work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
(Level 2)

Use mathematical ideas and techniques
Use mathematical ideas and techniques to complete measurements, calculate specifications, calibrate and establish testing equipment and evaluate modification results against pre-established criteria
(Level 2)

Solve problems
Establish modification methods and processes which anticipate and allow for risks and avoid or minimise reworking and avoid wastage
(Level 3)

Use technology
Use the full range of workplace technology related to electronic systems modification, including testing equipment, maintenance equipment, tooling, calculators and measuring devices and information management systems
(Level 2)

Context of assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines

Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit of competence is most likely to be project related and require portfolios or other forms of indirect evidence of process. Direct evidence will include certification of compliance of the final outcome/product or authorisation for use by a competent authority
Assessment must confirm the inference that competence is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstances, but is able to be transferred to other projects

Specific resource requirements for this unit
Access to operational electronic systems requiring modification, testing equipment as stipulated in the Range Statement, technical information and a work environment