Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 8 Hours Practical Exercise 2 (4 hour in class exercise + 4 hour write-up/work at home) | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | 3 Hours Practical Exercise 1 (2 hour in class exercise + 1 hour write-up) | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Online assessments x 4 | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Online assessments x 4 | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 3 Hours Practical Exercise 1 (2 hour in class exercise + 1 hour write-up) | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 8 Hours Practical Exercise 2 (4 hour in class exercise + 4 hour write-up/work at home) | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of instrumentation systems.
Describe the basic characteristics of digital and analogue signals and different conversion methods between them.
Describe the operation of sensors for light, temperature and other physical phenomena
Analyse the operation of simple electronic circuits using a simulation package
Demonstrate the use and programming of microcontroller based instrumentation systems.
Describe different communication protocols used in instrumentation.
Brief description
Modern instrumentation and data acquisition systems are invariably computer controlled, this module reflects this in its use of PC and other programmable devices to control and acquire data from sensors of various types.
Aims
This module aims to give a broad understanding of instrumentation systems which will be invaluable to students undertaking experimental physics.
Content
Types of signal encountered by instrumentation systems.
Important terms associated with instrumentation systems.
Comparison of digital and analogue signals.
Analogue to digital conversion and vice versa - sampling and quantisation.
Physical origins of fundamental noise and its effect on instrumentation.
Examples of sensors used in instrumentation systems.
Effects of loading on signals.
Use of programmable systems for instrumentation.
Interfacing instrumentation systems
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Use numerical techniques to design and analyse sensor interfacing circuits. |
| Information Technology | Program a data acquisition system. |
| Problem solving | Evaluate different approaches to sensor interfacing. Create programs to meet a specification. |
| Research skills | Use of datasheets and manufacturer supplied data for design. Research into facilities offered by programming languages |
| Subject Specific Skills | Use of programmable data acquisition and instrumentation system. |
| Team work | Work with laboratory partner to carry out practical work. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5