ELE4109 Measurement Science and Instrument Engineering

Requisites

Pre-requisite: ELE3506

Synopsis

An instrument is an Information processing machine involving: sensing (usually analogue); signal processing (analogue and digital); reference to a scale of measurement or a standard; and, display or actuation. Although modern instruments are mostly implemented using electronic technology, their functionality is determined largely by embedded software. The physics of the sensing interface remains fundamental. Design of an optimal instrument (or instrumentation system) to meet a new measurement requirement involves the formal design methodology of measurement science: it is not adequate to rely on experience alone and an "off-the-shelf" solution will usually not be available. Hence this course does NOT present a traditional catalogue of standard techniques. In consequence this is a design-oriented course which seeks to develop cross-disciplinary skills in fundamental areas including the use of the Measurement Process Algorithm; the physics, classification and selection of sensors and transducers; theory of scales and standards; signals, systems and modelling techniques; evaluation of available technologies; manufacturing; economic and management implications. Advanced topics will be drawn from: fibre optic and silicon sensors; distributed sensing; rule based and fuzzy sensing; multisensor systems and sensor fusion; intelligence and mechatronics in instruments; and tactile sensing. This course is appropriate for students with a range of backgrounds in the senior or honours years of an engineering or science degree with an appropriate electronics background.

Course offers