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 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

To introduce students to the electronics employed in scientific instrumentation.

To provide a progressive approach to the subject starting with the manipulation of analogue signals using filters and amplifiers.

To introduce the concepts of digital-signal processing and the conversion between analogue and digital signals.

To introduce elements of digital communications by taking the example of the Universal Serial Bus (USB).

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

Describe the operation and main features of discrete devices: resistors and capacitors, and semiconductor devices such as p-n diodes and transistors.

Describe how analogue signals are filtered (using RC circuits), amplified (using operational amplifiers) and propagated through an electronic system (via signal bridging).

Explain the main features of digital-signal handling (logic) and important select devices.

Explain the operation of digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital converters (including that of particular types).

Describe the main features of serial and parallel communication links and the Universal Serial Bus (USB).

Explain what is meant by a transducer discussing its sensitivity, the design of associated circuitry and the performance of particular types.

Describe in some detail the operation of the electronics in selected instruments.

Describe the role of standards in achieving reliable scientific 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.

Basic concepts: circuits, signal waveforms and noise. Signal propagation though a circuit and the concept of signal bridging.

RC circuits: capacitor and resistor coupling; high, low and band-pass filters.
Semiconductor devices: Introduction to conduction in semiconductor materials. Semiconductor devices: the p-n junction, bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field effect transistor (FETs).

Signal processing: Analogue-signal processing: a treatment based on use of the operational amplifiers. Concepts of digital-signal processing.

Digital electronics: Examples and uses of digital circuitry: encoders and decoders; multiplexers and de-multiplexers; digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) and analogue-to-digital converters (ADCs). Serial and parallel communication links and of the Universal Serial Bus (USB).

Transducers: general principles and examples.

Case studies: Detailed case studies of two scientific instruments (instruments subject to change). Reliable scientific instruments.

Background 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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