DDC Controls

This course provides a comprehensive, manufacturer-independent understanding of DDC systems, covering everything from control loops and sensor calibration to system architecture and cybersecurity. Participants will explore open protocols like BACnet, learn how to avoid common pitfalls in HVAC control, and gain practical skills in programming, system integration, and commissioning. With a strong focus on real-world applications, this course empowers engineers and facility professionals to make informed decisions and implement robust, future-ready control systems.

Learning Outcomes:

Master direct digital control systems by learning how to:

Define system requirements and select appropriate hardware, software, and protocols—including BACnet—for HVAC and building automation.
Plan and implement robust DDC architectures with attention to IT integration, cybersecurity, and interoperability.
Troubleshoot and optimize control strategies for air handling units, VAV systems, central plants, and other HVAC applications.

Examine the capabilities of DDC systems and learn:

The importance of having a planned system architecture.
If open protocols add value with respect to your requirements.
Control strategies for a variety of HVAC system types.

Who Should Attend:

Consulting and design engineers working on HVAC and building automation systems.
Facility managers, building owners, and commissioning authorities seeking to optimize system performance.
Technicians and contractors responsible for installing, programming, or maintaining DDC systems in commercial or institutional facilities.

Course Details: RA00259-D897

Course Outline

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

Course Schedule

Location and Lodging

Course Location

Pyle Center

702 Langdon Street
Madison, WI 53706

Map

608-262-1122

866-301-1753

Lodging

Fluno Center

601 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706

Map

Accommodations include: All reservations include hot breakfast buffet. Guest rooms are complete with Keurig Coffee Makers, refrigerators, and complimentary high speed internet.

Online Reservations

877-773-5866

608-441-7117

DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

525 West Johnson Street
Madison, WI 53703

Map

Accommodations include: Enjoy complimentary business center, WiFi and Local/Airport Shuttle. Each room has a refrigerator, microwave, 42-inch HDTV, and executive desk. Parking available $15/night.

Online Reservations

608-251-5511

800-222-8733

Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

One West Dayton Street
Madison, WI 53703

Map

Room: rates start at $160

Accommodations include: Complimentary WiFi, Local/Airport Shuttle, Pool, and Fitness Center.

More Madison Lodging Options

Course Notes

Instructors and Program Director

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

Additional Information

Total Credits:

CEU 3.6,

PDH 36,

Course Administration

Fee Information

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

Discounts

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

Payment Options

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 registration@cerc.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 registration@cerc.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.

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot attend, please notify us by no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Because this course has limited enrollment, cancellation received after this date and no-shows are subject to the full course fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts. Once you have accessed the online course, exam and/or materials, no cancellations or refunds are permitted.

DDC Controls

Learning Outcomes:

Who Should Attend:

Stay Connected

Course Details: RA00259-D897

Course Outline

Course Schedule

Location and Lodging

Course Notes

Instructors and Program Director

Additional Information

Course Administration

Fee Information

Discounts

Payment Options

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

Pay by Check

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

Pay by Purchase Order

Military

Event Cancellation

Cancellation Policy

Related Courses

Past Courses

DDC Controls

DDC Controls