PX2135: Electronic Instrumentation

School Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy
Department Code PHYSX
Module Code PX2135
External Subject Code 100165
Number of Credits 10
Level L5
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr David Westwood
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

Aims of the Module:

To provide on overview of the components of (computer based) measurement instruments (with emphasis on the electronics therein).

Through selected examples to provide an understanding of the operation and importance of: transducers; analogue signal processing circuits (especially amplifiers and filters) and their design; analogue to digital conversion and interfacing to computers; instrument testing and calibration.

Through selected case studies to gain knowledge of all the essential components of real scientific instruments.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

The student will be able to:

Describe the essential features of computer based scientific measuring instrument.

Recall the important properties of selected transducers.

Recall the properties of an ideal operational amplifier and that they can be used with feedback to produce a range of useful circuits.

Design simple amplifying and filtering circuits based on operational amplifiers.

Describe the principles of analogue-to-digital conversion; quantify the precision and data storage implications of different converters.

Recall the function and principles features of: break out boxes, software drivers and remote links.

Describe in some detail the important particular features of select instruments.

How the module will be delivered

Lectures, demonstrations and examples 22 x 1 hr, marked exercises.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Problem solving.  Experimental physics.  Investigative skills.  Mathematics.  Analytical skills.

How the module will be assessed

Examination and Continuous Assessment.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Autumn Semester 80 Electronic Instrumentation 2
Written Assessment 20 Electronic Instrumentation N/A

Syllabus content

Introduction to Scientific instrumentation: overview of the principal components and their functions.

The components of a scientific instrument.

Transducers: general principles and the photodiode.

Signal processing: general principles and requirements.

Electronic amplifiers based on operational amplifiers: The use and limitations of operational amplifiers.  Ideal amplifiers.  Feedback and its benefits in amplifiers.  Example: design of inverting amplifier circuits.

Electronic filters: classes, passive and active filters.  Example: design of filter circuits.

Other op amp circuits (and their function): Integrator, Differentiation, Voltage follower, Non-inverting amplifier, Summing amplifier, Comparator.

Interfacing to computers: General principles, analogue to digital conversion, break out boxes, software drivers and remote links. Computer based processing and instrument control.

Test and calibration: Its role, importance general principles and implications for measurement errors.

Case studies: select examples including laboratory and remote cases.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Principles of Electronic Instrumentation, A J Diefenderfer.

Basic Electronics for Scientists, J J Brophy.

The Art of Electronics, Horowitz and Hill.


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