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.

Passing the "Elettrotecnica" examination is mandatory. 

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

Part I: Digital Instrumentation 

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

Spectrum analyzer

Autmatic Measurement Systems

Data Acquistion Systems

Distributed measurment systems (IEEE488.2)

LabVIEW

Part II: Methods

• Time, frequency and phase measurments
• First order circuit charactrization

Part III: Practical Sessions

• Scope measurements in the time domain
• Scope measurements in the frequency domain
• RC circuit characterization
• LabView for the realization of a data acquisition system
• RC circuit characterization by LabVIEW
• Development of a Automatic Measurement System

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

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

Tutorial LabVIEW

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

Ongoing test - Module B

Students who have fulfilled the attendance requirements have the opportunity to participate to ongoing tests, which take place at the end of each module and whose dates are published on the website of the Dregree, in the exam calendar.

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.

With respect to Module B, the ongoing test consists of open questions and exercises. The duration of the test is 2 hours.

Maximum evaluation 30.

Minimum evaluation to pass the test is 18.

Students who have passed both Mod.A and Mod. B. tests are entitled to skip the oral exam.

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

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.

The learning test can also be done remotely if the conditions require it.

The use of the scope

A/D and D/A conversion

A/D and D/A converters

Numeric voltmeter

Data acquisition system 

Automatic test equipment

Distributed measurement systems