WM205-15 Instrumentation and Control
Introductory description
Sensors play an important role in consumer electronics and industrial processes. The operation of and measurement circuits for common sensors are covered in this module. The concept of feedback control systems and common linear controllers like PI controller will be introduced. Simulink will be used for analysis of the control systems.
Module aims
This module aims to provide the students with an understanding of concepts, components, analogue systems and digital systems for industrial measurements and process control. Building on WM102 and WM104, it equips students with knowledge on how different sensors, controllers and actuators, with their limits, can form different measurement, open-loop and closed-loop control systems. Examples, case studies and lab work underpin the learning of simple and moderately complex control systems: ON/OFF, PWM, multi-level, proportional, integral, PID.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
-Introduction to process-control systems, control system evaluation,
-Analog and digital processing, industrial data representation,
-Principles of signal conditioning, passive circuits,
-Digital process control, comparators, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters,
-Operational amplifier circuits in instrumentation, instrumentation amplifiers,
-Thermal, mechanical and optical sensors; associated op-amp circuits,
-Switching devices and PWM switching control circuits,
-Actuators: heaters, relays, electric motors, pressure modulators,
-Introduction to analog controllers, electronic controllers,
-Op-amp proportional, integral and derivative mode controllers, composite PI and PID controllers,
-Block diagrams and Transfer functions; comparison with simulation studies,
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- describe, classify and analyse the performance of various sensors and associated electronics found in both analogue and digital instrumentation systems,
- compare the main characteristics (structure, functionality and performance) of simple and moderately complex control systems,
- apply mathematical techniques to design and analyse analogue measurement and control systems,
- Undertake the numerical and simulation work related to control systems.
Indicative reading list
- N. Storey: “Electronics: A Systems Approach” (Pearson), ISBN: 9780273773276, (2013).
- J.A.Svoboda, R.C.Dorf: “Introduction to Electric Circuits” (Wiley E-book), ISBN: 9781118560587, (2013).
- S.J.Dodds: "Feedback control: linear, nonlinear and robust techniques and design with industrial applications", (Springer e-book), ISBN: 9781447166757 (2015).
- R.C.Dorf , R.H.Bishop: "Modern Control Systems, Global Edition", (Pearson), ISBN-13: 978-1292152974 (2017).
- E. Lipiansky: "Electrical, Electronics, and Digital Hardware Essentials for Scientists and Engineers", (Wiley E-book) ISBN: 9781118414521, (2012).
- P.C.Krause: "Electromechanical motion devices", (Wiley e-book), ISBN: 9781118316887, (2012).
- A.S.Morris, R. Langari: "Measurement and instrumentation: theory and application", (Waltham e-book) ISBN: 9780123819628 (2012).
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Analysing linear control systems using Simulink.
Using different sensors in industrial applications.
Developing technical writing skills.
Transferable skills
Critical thinking
Problem solving
Written and verbal communication
Teamwork and working effectively with others
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 sessions of 1 hour (17%) |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Other activity | 88 hours (75%) |
| Total | 118 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Other activity description
On-line forum discussions and support: 8 hours
Work on Assignments & report writing:40 hours
Self-study (to include additional seminar-type questions, exam revision, software exercises): 40 hours
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group C1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Assignment 1 | 25% | 10 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
sensor selection and instrument design |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Assessment component |
|||
| Assignment 2 | 25% | 10 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
simulation of control systems |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Assessment component |
|||
| Exam | 50% | 12 hours | No |
|
Locally held in Block 5. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Feedback on assessment
Feedback given as appropriate to the assessment type:
- verbal formative feedback given during seminar/ tutorial sessions,
- written individual formative feedback on the assignment reports,
- written cohort-level summative feedback on the exam.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 2 of UWMS-H7B1 Undergraduate Applied Engineering
- Year 2 of DWMS-H7BK Undergraduate Applied Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)
- Year 2 of DWMV-H7BL Undergraduate Applied Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship) (for Warwickshire College Students)