introduction to instrumentation and control

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Module Title INTRODUCTION TO INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL

Module Code 4EJ512 Pre-requisite

(whereappropriate) Date of Approval March 2012

Module Level Level 4

Credit value 20

Total Number ofLearning Hours

200

Key Words(10 wordsmaximum)

Accuracy, error, Sensors, amplifiers, noise, transfer function,PID, PLC

Module Delivery Online/Distance Blended/Face toface

Work-basedlearning

Mode (Please tickas appropriate)

ModuleDescription(200 words max)

Control and electronic instrumentation systems play animportant role in most areas of Science and Technology. Thismodule introduces the principle of operation of the basiccomponents of modern electronic instrumentation and controlsystems and presents a structured approach to evaluate theoperation and performance of commonly used systems. Themodule also aims to give the student a clear understanding ofproperties behaviour and simple control strategies for lineardynamic systems with the emphasis on electrical, mechanicaland electromechanical systems. This module aims also to helpthe student to develop a good general working knowledge ofprogrammable controllers with concentration on relay ladderlogic techniques and how a PLC is connected to externalcomponents in an operating control system.

Module LearningOutcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be ableto:1. Describe the key theoretical and practical issues relevant

to the operation of electronic instrumentation systems andapply appropriate methods to understand the operationsand evaluate the performance of simple electronicmeasurements systems.

2. Demonstrate the ways of developing a transfer function fora system and identify its main dynamic properties andIllustrate the principles of open and closed loop control andappreciate that a controller can alter system response.


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3. Use appropriate techniques to analyse control systemperformance.

Module Content Units Associated with Basic Electrical QuantitiesSI units, charge, force, work, electrical potential and e.m.f.resistance and conductance, electrical power and energy,introduction to international standards and calibration.

Basic Measurement TheoryAccuracy, measurement errors, hysteresis, linearity,resolution, measurement in the presence of noise.

SensorsSensor types. Measurement of temperature, force,displacement, velocity, strain, and other common variables.

Instrumentation CircuitsDiode and transistor circuits, bridge circuit, operationalamplifiers, instrumentation amplifier, digital circuits. Interface tosensors.

Measurement SystemsNoise measurements and noise reduction techniques, dataacquisition, recording, and control, automatic test equipment,video test methods, medical instrumentation. PC-based dataacquisition.

Current Issues and Trends in Measurement SystemsWireless, Intelligent systems, distributed measurementsystems, virtual instruments

Engineering System Modelling and AnalysisPhysical laws governing the behaviour of electrical,mechanical and electromechanical systems. Differentialequations used to model dynamic system behaviour. Systemanalysis based on system equations. System response to testinputs such are step, impulse or ramp. Performancespecifications for second order systems (using CAD tools).

Transfer Function BasicsLaplace transform. Conversion of system equation into transferfunction. Block diagrams. Transfer function analysis. Transferfunction poles and zeros. Transient response of first andsecond order systems from transfer function. Feedbackconfiguration and closed loop transfer function. Proportionalcontrol. System stability and stability criteria. Steady StateErrors.

Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCS)Overview of programmable logic controllers, ladder diagramfundamentals, fundamental PLC programming, wiringtechniques, analogue I/O, encoders, transducers, and sensors,


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closed loop and PID control, motor controls, system integrityand safety.

Module Learningand TeachingMethods

Learning & Teaching Methods (as defined in the QAAindicative list See Guidance Notes) :

The module will be presented through lectures designed togive an understanding of both the theoretical basis andpractical application of the subject matter. Half of thescheduled hours will be devoted to lectures. The remainingscheduled time will be divided between seminar and practical.Seminars will be used to underpin the lectures and givestudents further theoretical and practical appreciation of thesubject content. Laboratory-based projects will be used to givestudents experience of the application of the subject materialcovered in the lectures. Seminars and practical sessions willbe designed to give the students ample opportunities forformative feedback.

Scheduled learning and teaching activities: 25%Guided independent study: 75%Placement/study abroad: 0%

ModuleAssessmentMethod

FormativeFormative assessment will be communicated to the studentsduring practical and seminar sessions. They will be given

feedback on their performance in analytical and practicalskills.

Summative CW1: 50% weighting: Learning Outcomes 1 & 2 A portfolio of written evidence based on laboratory work,containing a number of individual items of experimental workdesigned to extend the knowledge, understanding andpractical skills to design and performance evaluation ofmeasurement systems.

Summative CW2: 50% weighting: Learning Outcome 3 Derivation of transfer function for given system and system

analysis using numerical analysis and computer based tools.This analysis will form the basis of a written report. Andprogramming and evaluating a practical control systems basedon a PLC module to provide a written report (1,200 wordsmaximum).

Reading list Link to ASPIRE

Johnson C.,.2005, Process Control InstrumentationTechnology, 8th Edn.. Prentice Hall.

Dunn W. C., 2005, Fundamentals of Industrial Instrumentationand Process Control, McGraw-Hill.


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Qiu L., Zhou K., 2010, Introduction to Feedback Control,Prentice Hall

CAPT(Center for the Advancement of Process Tech)l, 2010,Instrumentation, Prentice Hall

introduction to instrumentation and control

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