Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6050
Title: Signal Measurement
Long Title: Signal Measurement
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 course is intended to introduce the student to the measurement of digital and analogue signals and lay the foundations for further study and applications. The module includes extensive laboratory based practical work to support and apply the lecture material. Emphasis is also placed on simulation tools to enhance understanding and ability to modify.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Perform measurements with electrical meters.
LO2 Construct and explain the principles of electrical networks relevant to instrumentation.
LO3 Simulate and verify DC and AC electrical signal propagation in instrumentation networks.
LO4 Describe, build and test simple digital circuits.
LO5 Report and interpret electrical measurement results.
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 Concepts
Voltage, current and resistance. Resistors in series/parallel. Kirchoff’s laws. Loading of sources by meters. Capacitance. Capacitors in series and in parallel. RC circuits; charge and discharge curves, time constants. Inductance
Introduction to Digital technology
Analogue and digital signals. Number systems and alphanumeric codes. Boolean algebra, de Morgan’s laws. Truth tables, OR, AND, NOR gates. NAND Boolean algebra. Simple combinational and sequential logic circuits. Common logic families and their characteristics.
AC signals introduction
Time-varying quantities, period, frequency, peak and rms values. Sine, triangle, square wave modulation.
Lab program
Fundamental aim of lab program is to ensure competence in using basic signal measurement • How to connect a voltmeter or ammeter • Use of an oscilloscope for capturing “simple” signals • Measurement of phase differences between signals • Simple signal conditioning (integrator/differentiator) • Construction of representative combinational and sequential logic circuits
Simulation programme
• Simple circuit creation • Steady state and transient simulation • Voltage and current extraction from model • AC sweep simulation • Phase extraction from model
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
1 hour written exam
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Formal lab exam
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,4,5
Assessment Description
1 hour written exam
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Lab reports
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 Presentation of indicative content Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Students will apply lecture material 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 study of lecture material 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
  • Hugh D Young. (2012), University Physics with Modern Physics, 13th edition. [ISBN: 9780321696861].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Thomas L. Floyd. (2015), Digital Fundamentals, 11th edition. [ISBN: 9780132737968].
This module does not have any 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 1 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 1 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 1 Mandatory