Instrumentation and Sensors

Syllabus

1. Measurement System (6 hours)
   1. Definition and types
   2. Intrusive and non-intrusive techniques
   3. Analog and digital instruments
   4. Performance terms: reliability, linearity, saturation, hysteresis, response time
   5. Calibration techniques
   6. Safety considerations
   7. Data acquisition: methods, devices and features
2. Signal Conditioning and Processing (12 hours)
   1. Signal: concept, types, acquisition, and properties of digital signal
   2. Resistance to voltage conversion: Wheatstone bridge
   3. Noise: types, signal-to-noise ratio
   4. Digital signal processing
   5. Fourier transform: discrete Fourier transform, fast Fourier transform
   6. Inverse Fourier transform
   7. Data presentation
3. Dynamic Response of Measurement System (8 hours)
   1. Amplitude and frequency response
   2. Mathematical modelling of systems: zero order, first order and second order systems with examples
   3. Characteristics and response of zero, first and second order systems
4. Sensors and Transducers (17 hours)
   1. Classification: resistive, capacitive, inductive, piezoelectric sensors
   2. Position and motion measurement: potentiometer (linear, rotary), strain gauge (construction, gauge factor), LVDT, proximity sensors (optical, capacitive, inductive), ultrasonic, infrared, radar and laser sensors
   3. Force, moment and torque measurement: load cells, multi-axis measurement, torque measurement systems
   4. Fluid pressure sensor: manometers, Bourdon tube, diaphragm sensor, piezoelectric sensor
   5. Temperature sensor: expansion thermometer (liquid-in-glass, bimetallic), RTD, thermocouple (types and temperature compensation), pyrometer
   6. Flow measurement: flow meter and pitot probes, flow visualization (particle image velocimetry, Schlieren imaging, BOS)
   7. Hydraulic and pneumatic system: working principle, actuation system, control valves
   8. Vibration measurement: vibration sensors and accelerometer
   9. Image sensor
5. Smart Systems (2 hours)
   1. Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)
   2. Smart and intelligent sensors

Practicals

1. Modelling first and second order systems in Simulink
2. Raspberry Pi and Arduino programming and operation
3. Loadcell calibration and measurement
4. Digital signal processing: FFT and filtering
5. Group project on using sensors with Arduino and/or Raspberry Pi

Evaluation

Final exam questions cover all chapters. Approximate marks distribution (total 60 marks over 45 hours):

1. Measurement System and Smart Systems: 10 marks
2. Signal Conditioning and Processing: 15 marks
3. Dynamic Response of Measurement System: 10 marks
4. Sensors and Transducers: 25 marks