Sensors, Electronics & Instrumentation

Module Identifier
PH24520
Module Title
Sensors, Electronics & Instrumentation
Academic Year
2027/2028
Semester
Semester 1
Co-ordinator
Dr Syeda Fizzah Jilani
Reading List
View on Aspire
Pre-Requisite
CC12020 or CS12020 or FG15030 or FG15510 or PH15030 or PH15510
Other Staff
Dr Syeda Fizzah Jilani

Assessment

Assessment Type

Assessment details

Proportion
Semester Assessment Online assessments x 4: 40%
Semester Assessment Practical Exercise 2: 8 Hours (4 hour in class exercise + 4 hour write-up/work at home) 40%
Semester Assessment Practical Exercise 1: 3 Hours (2 hour in class exercise + 1 hour write-up) 20%
Supplementary Assessment Practical Exercise 1: 3 Hours (2 hour in class exercise + 1 hour write-up) 20%
Supplementary Assessment Online assessments x 4: 40%
Supplementary Assessment Practical Exercise 2: 8 Hours (4 hour in class exercise + 4 hour write-up/work at home) 40%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of instrumentation systems.
  2. Describe the basic characteristics of digital and analogue signals and different conversion methods between them.
  3. Describe the operation of sensors for light, temperature and other physical phenomena
  4. Analyse the operation of simple electronic circuits using a simulation package
  5. Demonstrate the use and programming of microcontroller based instrumentation systems.
  6. Describe different communication protocols used in instrumentation.

Brief description

Measurement is an essential part of the scientific process. Instrumentation is the technology of measurement. In this module, students are taught the fundamental principles of instrumentation, to design a measurement system which takes due regard of problems such as accuracy, time response and noise of the overall system and its suitability for a particular measurement.
Modern instrumentation and data acquisition systems are invariably computer controlled, this module reflects this in its use of PC and other programmable devices to control and acquire data from sensors of various types.

Aims

This module aims to give a broad understanding of instrumentation systems which will be invaluable to students undertaking experimental physics.

Content

What is an electronic instrumentation system? A top-down approach to system design.
Types of signal encountered by instrumentation systems.
Important terms associated with instrumentation systems.
Comparison of digital and analogue signals.
Analogue to digital conversion and vice versa - sampling and quantisation.
Physical origins of fundamental noise and its effect on instrumentation.
Examples of sensors used in instrumentation systems.
Effects of loading on signals.
Use of programmable systems for instrumentation.
Interfacing instrumentation systems

Module skills

Skills type

Skills details
Application of Number Use numerical techniques to design and analyse sensor interfacing circuits.
Information Technology Program a data acquisition system.
Problem solving Evaluate different approaches to sensor interfacing. Create programs to meet a specification.
Research skills Use of datasheets and manufacturer supplied data for design. Research into facilities offered by programming languages
Subject Specific Skills Use of programmable data acquisition and instrumentation system.
Team work Work with laboratory partner to carry out practical work.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5