ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENTS

Module Module B

Course objectives
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge about digital instrumentation and Automatic Measurement Systems. In particular, basic principles of A/D conversion and operational principles of digital instrumentation automatic measurement systems will be treated.
During the course, contents related to the use of software dedicated to the development of virtual instrumentation will be provided.
Experimental laboratory sessions will be performed in order to provide students with useful skills on the use of digital instrumentaion, Data Acquisition Systems and the development of Automatic Measurement System.

Knowledge and understaning
The acquired knowledge will make the student aware about basic mechanisms ruling measurement systems and a measurment session. Such competences allows to reach an appropriate level of maturity and autonomy for the developemnt of new solutions in the topics addressed by the course.

Applying knowledge and understaning
Thanks to the knowledge acquired during the course, the student will be able to design and use a simple Automatic Measurement System and to perform simple experimental measurement sessions by using digital instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Making judgements
Thanks to the knowledge acquired during the course, the student will be able to assess the performances of a measurement system, based on electronic instrumentation and the obtained results. This ability is also due to practical skills acquired during the laboratory sessions.

Communication skills
The student will be able to treat subjects related to measurement systems exploiting electronic instrumentation, with an appropriate technical language. Moreover, the student will be able to properly report the result of a measurment session, due to the technical skill acquired by the reporting activity accomplished during course.

Learning skills
After the course, the student will have the capability to deeply investigate subjects addressed during the course. He/she will be able to read and understand scientific books in the measurment field and instrumentation manuals, both in Italian and in English. This skill will be gained through the study of books and the use of manuals, also during the laboratory sessions.

The course is structured in theoretical lessons and experimental sessions aimed to assess the student knowledge on the course subjects. The experimental sessions will be organized in working groups, supported by a dedicated tutor.

Above mentioned approach is in line with the course objectives which aim to implement the Transfer of Knowledge on basic measurement subjects, as well as the use of such competences in real experimental scenario.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Knowledge of analog instumentation and basic measurement methods.

Passing the "Elettrotecnica" examination is mandatory. 

Although course attending is not madatory, attending lectures is strongly suggested also taking into account the experimental nature of the course.

To allow intermediate examinations, 70% of lectures must be attended.

Part I: Digital Instrumentation (4 CFU - 28 hours)

A/D conversion, sampling, quantization 

Digital instruments (Time, frequency, Voltage) 

A/D and D/A converters (Numeric ramp, linear ramp, follower, double ramp, flash, successive approximation)

Digital scope

Autmatic Measurement Systems

Data Acquistion Systems

Distributed measurement systems (IEEE488.2)

Part II: Methods (1 CFU - 7 hours)

Time, frequency and phase measurments

First order circuit charactrization

 
Part III: Practical Sessions (1 CFU - 15 hours)
Scope measurements: time, frequency and phase lag
RC circuit characterization
Development of a data acquisition system
Development of an Automatic Measurement System

Contribution of the course to the Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The topics covered in the course and the acquired knowledge are directly or indirectly aimed at the development of sustainable technological solutions, as well as contributing to a high quality education, in accordance with Goals 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

G. Zingales, “Misure elettriche: metodi e strumenti”, UTET, Torino, 1993

G. Iuculano, D. Mirri, “Misure Elettroniche”, CEDAM 2002

Tutorial DAQ

Tutorial GPIB

The examination consists of an oral examination for modules A and B. The oral exam is evaluated based on the quality of the technical language used and the ability to correctly and completely solve the proposed problems.

Module B

The exam consists of 3 questions. One question is related to numeric instrumentation, one to measurement methodologies and the third to the use of measurement instrumentation 

Each question is given a mark between 1 and 10. The total score for the test is the sum of the scores for the three questions. The typical test duration is 30 minutes. The questions given may include both theoretical questions and numerical exercises. Maximum evaluation 30.

ONGOING TESTS
The ongoing tests are evaluated on the basis of the ability to provide an adequate solution to the proposed problems, the formal correctness and completeness of the solutions, the quality of the technical language used, the correctness in performing the necessary calculations, and the results delivered.

Minimum evaluation to pass each test is 18. Students who have passed both Mod.A and Mod. B. tests are entitled to skip the oral exam (maximum grade: 30).

Students who have passed one of the two tests are entitled to skip the oral exam on the part related to the success exam.

Module B: the ongoing test consists of open questions and exercises. The duration of the test is 2 hours.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department.

Use of the scope to perform measurements

Measurement methods (time, frequency, phase lag)

RC circui measurements

A/D and D/A conversion

A/D and D/A converters

Numeric voltmeters

Digital scope

Data acquisition systems

Automatic test equipment

Distributed measurement systems