• INST2411
• Instrumentation

This is an introduction to the different types of instruments that are used in industry to measure parameters such as temperature, pressure, fluid flow, weight, pH, etc. Both static and dynamic characteristics of instruments are also investigated. Since the undamental operation of instruments is often based on a physical principle or phenomenon, the signal from an instrument is normally conditioned into a more usable form. This is known as signal conditioning and is also covered in this module. This ideally requires some prior knowledge of simple electronic circuits. This module also addresses the theory and practice of the maintenance of low voltage electrical supply systems, including power-conditioning interfaces. It builds on material covered in Electro-Technology Two, and Power Electronics.

The aim of the module is to enable the learner to explain, design and create a simple instrument. To give a typical example, a learner should be able to build a simple temperature measurement device that creates a conditioned electrical output signal for a specified input temperature range. The module also intends to give the learner an experience of working in a group to solve a problem or complete a project. The aim is to manage the group work so that each learner must fully engage with the project work in the design, implementation, construction, commissioning and presentation of results. The module also aims to provide the learner with an applied knowledge to enable them to be able to diagnose faults, and carry-out the appropriate maintenance action, in systems and components of low voltage electrical supply systems, including powerconditioning interfaces.

DC supplies.
Dynamic characteristics.
Electrical cells and batteries.
Electro-plating
Electrochemistry:
Examples of projects include research into how to measure temperature in a nuclear reactor, build an instrument to measure weight, determine the time constant of a thermometer, etc..
Flow measurement.
Introduction to course and principles of measurement including the block diagram.
It is intended that the learners experience a project based learning approach in this module.
LV electrical supply systems:
Measurement of pH
Pressure measurement.
Projects:
Signal conditioning
Static characteristics.
Strain Gauge and signal conditioning.
Tariffs.
Temperature measurement.
The Strain Gauge and weight measurement.
The first project assigned to each group is short (about twoweeks) and allows the groups to start working together in an effective manner.
This is then followed by two more projects of equal size which are completed over the remainder of the module.
To facilitate this approach, the class is divided into groups of three or four depending on class size.
Uninterruptible Supply.
Variable frequency supplies.

Pre-requisite Modules