DDC Controls

Download the full agenda in PDF format here

MONDAY (8 AM to 5 PM)

Course Overview

Introduction to DDC Systems

• Basic elements of control
• Feedback concepts
• Loop response
• Terminology
• Types of hardware, software, and firmware

Introduction to the Controlled Systems: Part 1, Load Dynamics 

The Nature of the Problem

• Developing a Simple Control Loop

Input and Output Data Flow

• AI, DI, and PI
• Analog to digital conversion
• Sensor types, applications, accuracy, stability, calibration, and other factors
• Safeties, limit devices, and power monitoring
• AO, DO, and PWM
• Digital to analog conversion
• Transducers; damper and valve actuators
• Configuring network data flow
• Important performance factors

TUESDAY (8 AM to 5 PM)

Inputs and Outputs: The Field Perspective

• Where We Came From
• Averaging Sensors, Thermal Lags, Position Effect Proxies
• Calibration Offset vs. Multi-Point
• Actuators
• Code Issues and Terminal Strips

System Architecture

• Network concepts
• Generic components
• Communication concepts
• Local vs. global information
• Installation issues

IT Considerations

Open Systems – the Myths and Realities

• Do you want an open system?
• Understanding IT vs. DDC
• Cautions and concerns
• Different levels of open systems
• Engineering issues

Cybersecurity 

WEDNESDAY (8 AM to 5 PM)

System Architecture for BACnet

Programming Tools

• Types of programming
• Logic diagrams and programming symbols
• Designing control logic

Controlling Analog Processes 

• PID Control
• Open Loop vs. Close Loop Tuning
• Lags and the Two Thirds Rule

Application Requirements: The System Concept

• Organizing your information
• Process by process approach
• Supervisory logic
• Working with System Diagrams

Controlling the Mixed Air Section 

• Strategies and control logic
• Assessing an Economizer in the Field

THURSDAY (8 AM to 5 PM)

Controlling the Air Handling Unit Section

• Heating, cooling, humidification, and reheat

Controlling the Fan

Controlling Constant Volume Systems 

Central Plants: Pump Interactions and Affinity Laws

• Controlling a Condenser Water System

 VAV Systems

• Terminal Unit Basics
• Supply and Return Fan Flow
• Loads and Coil Discharge Temperatures
• Minimum and Maximum Flow Settings                 

FRIDAY (8 AM to 12 Noon)

Defining, Planning, Procuring DDC Systems

• Architecture; Types of Hardware
• Integration and/or Interoperability Concerns
• Operator Interfaces; Training
• Acquisition Strategies; Sole-Source vs. Multi-Vendor
• Open Protocols
• Key to Success

Specifying Your System

• System Descriptions
• Materials; Devices; Hardware & Software
• System Setup
• Specifying Commissioning of DDC

DDC System Commissioning 

• Documentation Review
• Start-up Checks
• Functional Performance Tests (FPT)
• The Five Principles of DDC

Event Dates/Times:

• 6/15/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
• 6/16/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
• 6/17/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
• 6/18/2026  8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time
• 6/19/2026  8:00am - 12:00pm Central Time

The course materials will be provided in printable PDF format only, so please bring a laptop computer with a USB port. A pre-class digital download is available upon request – please contact the program director for details. Lined notepaper will also be provided to all attendees. Pre-printed notebooks of the course materials will not be provided.

• Instructors

  J Santos

  President

  Jay Santos, PE, president, Facility Dynamics Engineering, Columbia, Maryland, is a consulting engineer with more than 25 years of experience in HVAC system troubleshooting, modernization, and automation, he has served commercial, institutional, and industrial clients worldwide. He is a highly respected educator, having supported the HVAC continuing education programs of several major universities.

  Steve Briggs

  Senior Engineer

  Steve has been an Electrical Engineer with Facility Dynamics Engineering for 20 years. He formerly worked at the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) campus of the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Champaign, IL.
  
  For the past 15 years, Steve has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on the development of DoD Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) and Unified Facility Criteria (UFC) for Open Building Automation Systems based on BACnet, LonWorks, and the Niagara Framework. In the past, he has also authored similar Lon and BACnet-based guide specifications for Region 9 (West coast) of GSA.

  David Sellers

  Senior Engineer

  David Sellers, senior engineer, Facility Dynamics Engineering, Portland, Oregon, has more than 30 years of experience with commissioning, design engineering, facilities engineering, mechanical and control system contracting, and project engineering. His work spans a wide array of facilities, ranging from hospitals and semiconductor clean rooms to commercial office buildings and research/pilot projects in the energy efficiency and sustainability arena.

• Program Director

  Joy Altwies

This course will give you a broad range of knowledge to understand the principles and technical concepts used by various manufacturers. This understanding is essential to acquire, implement, and operate a cost-effective system. While various manufacturers are discussed during the course, the course content is not specific to any vendor.

A laptop computer or tablet is required for the course.

Fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, course materials and certificate.

Receive a 10% discount when three or more sign up from same employer.

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

• Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
• Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
• You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

• Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
• Provide the registrations representative with:
  • the course name, dates, and/or course number.
  • the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

• Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
• Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
• Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
• You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

• Request Purchase Order information from interpro@union.wisc.edu
  • If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
• You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email interpro@union.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.