MECT06013 2019 Instrumentation 1
Instrumentation 1 is a foundation course in the principles of electronic circuit theory and the fundamental technologies & practical applications of sensors. The module aim is to equip learners with the basic theoretical and practical skills required to analyse and test low voltage direct current electrical circuits. It addresses topics such as Ohm's Law, Kirchoff's Laws, voltage, capacitance, inductance, semiconductors and the sensing of common parameters for system monitoring and control including temperature, pressure, light, and distance.
The ambition of the module is to equip the learner with the necessary knowledge and skills for further studies in electronics, mechatronics, and instrumentation.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Describe the atomic model, and understand the basic atomic structure of conductors, insulators and semiconductors
Define common electrical units, describe electrical terms, laws and relationships
Perform calculations of component values and electrical quantities
Describe the electrical characteristics and applications of semiconductors, diodes and LEDs.
Describe the principle of operation, construction, characteristics and use of a selection of components, including common sensors and actuators
Become familiar with taking measurements on circuits using voltmeters, ammeters and ohmmeters and to record and analyse the results in reports.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
A lecture will be provided weekly. The material for the weekly lecture will be made available beforehand, to allow students to prepare as necessary. Where relevant, further reading will be made available post-lecture.
Lab equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes and function generators will be used during the semester. This will reinforce the theoretical learnings from the lectures.
Two lab assignments will be designed in such a way as to develop the practical skills of the student in the areas of electrical circuit design, measurements, recording, and analysis.
Module Assessment Strategies
An end of semester written exam, a midterm and two lab assignments will be given to assess the module.
Repeat Assessments
A repeat exam during the Autumn sitting will be made available.
Indicative Syllabus
- The Atomic Model; Free electrons, electric charge, and electric current; conductors and insulators (LO1)
- SI units and scientific notation (LO2)
- Introduction to voltage, current, resistance, power, work, and energy. (LO2)
- Properties of materials such as resistivity and temperature coefficient of resistance. (LO2)
- Electromagnetism: the link between electric current & magnetic field and the link between changing magnetic flux & electric voltage (LO2)
- Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws. (LO3)
- Basic circuit analysis, including resistors in series and in parallel and the voltage divider formula (LO3)
- Common Semiconductor materials; the p-n junction; forward and reverse diodes (LO4)
- Sensor families, including light, temperature, pressure, strain and distance (LO5)
- Basic electrical laboratory practice including safety principles, reading circuit diagrams, wiring circuits, use of multimeters, oscilloscopes and function generators (LO6)
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Midterm Exam | Coursework Assessment | Closed Book Exam | 20 % | Week 6 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
2 | Lab Practical | Practical | Practical Evaluation | 10 % | Week 6 | 2,3,4,5,6 |
3 | Lab Practical | Practical | Practical Evaluation | 10 % | Week 10 | 2,3,4,5,6 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam Examination | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 60 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Online | Lecture | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Practical / Laboratory | Engineering Laboratory | Laboratory | 2.5 | Twice Per Semester | 0.33 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 3.5 | Weekly | 3.50 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2017-03-06 Electrical and Electronic Principles and Technology Routledge
ISBN 1138673528 ISBN-13 9781138673526
2015-08-27 Instrumentation and Control Systems Newnes
ISBN 0081006136 ISBN-13 9780081006139
Instrumentation and Control Systems addresses the basic principles of modern instrumentation and control systems, including examples of the latest devices, techniques and applications in a clear and readable style. Unlike the majority of books in this field, only a minimal prior knowledge of mathematical methods is assumed. The book focuses on providing a comprehensive introduction to the subject, with Laplace presented in a simple and easily accessible form, complimented by an outline of the mathematics that would be required to progress to more advanced levels of study. Taking a highly practical approach, the author combines underpinning theory with numerous case studies and applications throughout, to enable the reader to apply the content directly to real-world engineering contexts. Coverage includes smart instrumentation, DAQ, crucial health and safety considerations, and practical issues such as noise reduction, maintenance and testing. PLCs and ladder programming is incorporated in the text, as well as new information introducing the various software programs used for simulation. The overall approach of this book makes it an ideal text for all introductory level undergraduate courses in control engineering and instrumentation. It is fully in line with latest syllabus requirements, and also covers, in full, the requirements of the Instrumentation & Control Principles and Control Systems & Automation units of the new Higher National Engineering syllabus from Edexcel. * Completely updated* Assumes minimal prior mathematical knowledge* Highly accessible student-centred text* Includes an extensive collection of problems, case studies and applications, with a full set of answers at the back of the book* Helps placing theory in real-world engineering contexts
Module Resources
Bird, John Electrical and Electronic Principles and Technology Newnes 2004
Morris, Alan S Measurement & Instrumentation Principles, 3rd Ed Butterworth−Heinemann 2001
Sinclair, I Sensors and Transducers Newnes 2001 Rizzoni, G Principles and Applications of Electrical Engineering
Mc Graw−Hill 2007
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https://www.allaboutcircuits.com
https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws
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