PHYS7030 - Instrumentation Electronics

Module Details

Module Code: PHYS7030
Title: Instrumentation Electronics
Long Title: Instrumentation Electronics
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is designed to teach specific aspects of electronic signal conditioning as used in air and water quality instrumentation. Design features of a variety of instrument types are studied.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Assess the critical parameters that influence the performance of an environmental analyser.
LO2 Interpret the specifications of an environmental analyser as published by manufacturers
LO3 Use lab based electronic diagnostic equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analysers and multimeters to analyse electronic signals
LO4 Evaluate the role played by radiation sources, sensors, digitisers, optical and correlation filters as used in environmental analysers and in particular how their performance will influence the analyser readings.
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
Fundamentals:AC vs DC
Ohms Law, AC vs DC, frequency, phase and amplitude, analog vs digital signals, number systems and alphanumeric codes, advantages and limitations of digital systems. Sensors as a current source and as a voltage sources. Data transmission and associated performance parameters. 4-20mA signals. Characteristics of communication protocol used in instrumentation. Specifications of emitter and detectors to include electronics of common analyser components such as IR sources, PM tubes, photo detectors.
Data Acquisition
A/D and D/A conversion, resolution and bandwidth, conversion rate. S/N ratio Sampling rate, Nyquist, oversampling and decimation. Fourier Transform. Specification sheets for common electronic components to include DC power supplies, A/D D/A converters, voltage regulators
Analyser specifications
Response to changes in humidity, pressure, temperature, flow, line voltage etc. Uncertainty calculations. Manufacturer data sheets and MCERTS testing and certification.
Laboratory
Use of electronic diagnostic equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analysers and multimeters to analyse electronic signals
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Written assessment
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Written assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Lab exam, data acquisition and analysis
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 Delivery of course material Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Data acquisition and analysis Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Study of course 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 course material Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Learning Non Contact Reserach of selected topics Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Study of course material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Thomas L. Floyd. (2017), ELECTRONIC DEVICES, 10th. Pearson, [ISBN: 978013441444].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 6 Mandatory