Module Details

Module Code: ELTR6029
Title: Signals & Sensors
Long Title: Signals Sensors & Actuators
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5230 - Electronic Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This modules introduces AC signal waveforms, AC to DC conversion, and basic concepts of digital systems. Analogue and digital sensors are described and signal conditioning using the transistor is shown. Interfacing with various actuators is discussed.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply single phase AC theory to analyse and understand electrical AC quantities.
LO2 Convert between binary, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems. Draw logic symbols, truth tables, and Boolean expressions for all basic logic gates, and identify suitable SSI chips.
LO3 Identify and understand the basic operation of various analogue and digital sensors and actuators
LO4 Describe the operation of the transistor operating as a switch and as an amplifier
LO5 Use simulation based tools to analyse and understand circuits
LO6 Maintain a weekly design file completed in accordance with accepted engineering professional standards
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
AC waveforms
AC vs DC, AC to DC Conversion: half-wave and full wave rectification. AC amplitude and frequency, average and RMS values, peak and form factor, trigonometric expression, phasors
Sensors
Introduction to analogue and digital sensors, switches, resistive, capacitive and inductive sensors, photoelectric sensors. Wheatstone bridge circuit.Characteristics. Datasheets. Emphasis on IOT type devices.
Transistors
Operation of the transistor as a switch. Operation of the transistor as an amplifier.
Intro to Digital Concepts
Digital and analogue quantities. Logic levels. Typical voltages encountered. Digital waveforms: clock and pulse. Binary and Hexadecimal number systems.AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, EX-OR gates: truth tables. Boolean expressions for associated logic functions. Pinout diagrams of SSI chips
Actuators
Introduction to actuators. Linear motion, motors, relays, solenoids. Digital outputs
Interfacing Sensors and Actuators
Requirements for signal conditioning. interfacing. practical examples
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Weekly maintenance of an online design file based on works carried out in the lab
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 3,5
Assessment Description
Summary Report of progress to date.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
Midterm Closed Book Exam
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Summary Report
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
closed book exam
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 Theory Lectures Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Semester long PBL design exercise. Students will maintain a design file. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Re-visit notes and solve problem sets. Report writing. 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 Theory Lectures Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lab Contact Semester long PBL design exercise. Students will maintain a design file. Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Re-visit notes and solve problem sets. Report writing. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Thomas L. Floyd. (2015), Digital Fundamentals, 11th. Pearson Education Limited, [ISBN: 9781292075983].
  • John Bird. (2017), Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology, 6th. Routledge, [ISBN: 9781138673496].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Thomas Floyd. (2018), Electronic Devices, 10th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9781292222998].
  • Clarence W. de Silva. (2015), Sensors and Actuators: Engineering System Instrumentation, 2nd. CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781466506824].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ESMPR_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Smart Product Engineering 2 Mandatory