Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6030
Title: Instrumentation Technology
Long Title: Instrumentation Technology
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the student to practical analogue electronics required for the signal conditioning of transducer outputs. The transducers studied are used extensively in a variety of process industries. The module includes extensive laboratory based practical work to support and apply the lecture material. Emphasis is also placed on developing the student's ability to interpret and use manufacturers' data sheets.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Build and analyse circuits commonly used for the signal conditioning of transducer outputs.
LO2 Draw circuit diagrams and explain the operation of fundamental signal conditioning electronic circuits
LO3 Explain the meaning and significance of principal performance parameters of basic electronic components as specified in manufacturer’s data sheets
LO4 Explain the operating principles of resistive, capacitive, inductive, pneumatic and piezoelectric transducers
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Electrical switching
Transistor as a controlled current source. Transistor as a switch. Relays in circuits.
Operational Amplifiers
IC packages pin out connections and construction, ideal op amp, performance characteristics (Common Mode Rejection ratio, Slew Rate, Open loop gain, Unity gain bandwidth, etc). Manufacturer’s data sheets. Op amp as amplifying unit, negative feedback, inverting and non inverting configurations, Use of op amp as a transducer output DC & AC amplifier. Gain calculations, bandwidth, 3 dB point. Simple circuits: Comparators, integrator and differentiator, Summing Amplifiers, Averaging amplifier
Active Filters
Importance of signal conditioning as applied to transducer output. Advantages of AC conditioning over DC conditioning. Active vs passive, ideal filter response, roll-off rate vs number of poles, bandwidth, 3 dB point. Common active filters. Oscillators and applications.
Signal Grounding
Current loops, voltage and current ranges (symmetrical/asymmetrical), Galvanic isolation, opto-isolation, circuits with different grounds and floating grounds.
Transducers
Transducer specifications; Principles and applications of resistive, capacitive, inductive, pneumatic, quartz and piezoelectric transducers; Vibration monitoring; Acceleration and velocity measurements. Applications in the measurement of position and proximity.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Lab reports
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
1 hour written exam
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Lab exam
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
1 hour written exam
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures on practical analogue electronics Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical sessions on use of transducers in a variety of process industries Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Lab reports/ study of lecture material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of indicative content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Application of lecture material Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Lab reports and lecture review Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 6.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Horowitz, Paul; Hill, Winfield. (2017), The art of electronics, 3rd. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, p.1192, [ISBN: 978052180926].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Thomas L. Floyd. (2010), Electronic Devices (Conventional Current Version), 9th ed.. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780132549868].
  • Albert Paul Malvino. (2015), Electronic Principles, 8th ed.. McGraw-Hill Education, [ISBN: 9780073373881].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 3 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 3 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 3 Mandatory