The Home Electronics curriculum is designed to fulfill the growing requirement of trained professionals in the area of Home Technology Automation. In fact, home technology integrators anticipate seeing nearly 15 percent growth in their business in 2007, according to a January survey by CE Pro magazine. That follows a year (2006) in which integrators said they experienced revenue growth of 35 percent. But home technology integration firms face a challenge in finding individuals with the right skills.

The Home System Automation and Integration course discusses how to bring all the home subsystems together and create a fully integrated home. The course describes the process of setting up and programming automation controllers for complete home automation. Students learn to troubleshoot and identify technical problems with system user interfaces or control processors. They also identify integration standards and learn about the organizations responsible for defining these standards.

Home Entertainment Systems

Telecommunication Systems

Lighting, Temperature, and Water Control Systems

Security, Surveillance, and Access Control Systems

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Discuss the process of integrating a home data network and create an integration plan for a networked home.
2. Identify the types of user interfaces for home technology devices.
3. Discuss the process of setting up a home system automation controller.
4. Setup and program a home system automation controller.
5. Build a home automation system using products such as HAI controller.
6. Discuss the use of Controller-Attached Network (CAN) in integrating a computer network and home automation systems.
7. Test and troubleshoot an automated home.
8. Identify the standards and organization associated with defining integration standards.

• Discuss the process of integrating a home data network.
• Identify considerations for a standard system integration design.
• Identify equipment location considerations in system integration designs.
• Identify core components in system integration designs.
• Create an integration plan for a networked home.

• Identify the types of user interfaces for home technology devices.
• Discuss handheld, wall-mount, tabletop, and remote control technologies.
• Describe computer controls for home electronic devices.
• Discuss the characteristics of hands-free controls.
• Identify and discuss remote control technologies.

• Discuss the features of home automation controllers.
• Identify the communication technologies that a controller uses.
• List the steps for setting up a home system controller.
• Set up a home system controller.

• Discuss different approaches used to program a home automation system controller.
• Identify the areas of a controller that require programming.
• Discuss the steps of setting up and programming a home controller.
• Program a home system controller.
• Discuss the process of backing up and securing the configuration of the controller.
• Build a home automation system using products such as HAI controller.

• Explain the process of connecting a data network with a home network.
• Connect a data network with a home network.
• Install Ethernet to Serial Bridges and PLC modules.
• Discuss the use of Controller-Attached Network (CAN) in integrating a computer network and home automation systems.

• Discuss methods for testing and ensuring the correct functioning of the automated home.
• Identify and discuss testing devices used to detect a problem in automation controllers.
• Detect the problem and resolve it.

• Discuss the manufacturer’s standards.
• Identify the standards and organization associated with defining integration standards.