Measurement technology and computerised mesaurement systems

Aim

The aim of the course is to give theoretical and practical knowledge about measurements of electrical and physical quantities, with focus on computer based measurement methods. Another aim is to provide knowledge about the limits of the measurement equipment and in measurement results, such as, e.g.m accuracy and resolution.

After the course the student should be able to:

• perform measurements of voltage and current in discrete networks with multimeters and oscilloscopes
• perform frequency analysis of signals using an oscilloscope.
• perform measurement using some common industrial sensors.
• Implement computer controlled measurement systems with data acquisition cards and external instruments.
• explain common error sources when measuring and perform error estimations of the measurement result.
• explain the functional principles behind sensors, measurement instruments and measurement systems as well as be able to perform calculations to solve problems related to these.

Content

The course is divided into two parts with the following content:

Part 1: Practical applications of methods and problems in connection with measurements of current and voltage. The principles behind digital voltmeters and their properties. Measurements with digital oscilloscopes and a walkthrough of common functions in oscilloscopes. Different types of oscilloscope triggering methods. Frequency analysis with oscilloscopes.. Measurement accuracy, resolution, and other factors, such as limits of the measurement equipment, that affects the measurement results.

Part 2: The computer as an instrument for acquisition of measurement data and signal conditioning. Measurements with data acquisition cards (DAQ-card) and external instruments controlled by the computer. Measurement and control of temperature in a LabView environment. The working principles of-, and measurement with som modern sensors with their control circuits. Signal conditioning av sensor/transducer/signals and signal processing of sensor signals by the computer. Measurements will be performed both manually and by computer based by software written by the student.