Introductory description

Instrumentation and control is the nervous system of industrial complexes, power generation, and basically all the processes that require some intelligence to accomplish the task of producing a product or process.

This module is linked with C1, C2, C3, C6, C13 and C17 of AHEP 4
LO1: C13
LO2 : C1, C2, C6
LO3 : C1, C2, C17
LO4 : C1, C2, C3, C6
LO5 : C3, C17

Module web page

Module aims

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.

Instrumentation for control purposes:

• Industrial data representation, analogue and digital signal processing, passive circuits,
• Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converters,
• Operational amplifier circuits in instrumentation, comparators, amplifiers, instrumentation amplifiers,
• Thermal, mechanical and optical sensors; associated measurement circuits,
• Actuators: heaters, relays, electric motors,
  Process-control systems
• Introduction to process-control systems,
• Block diagrams and transfer functions of continuous systems,
• Open-loop and closed-loop systems: basics & modelling,
• Proportional, integral and derivative mode controllers,
• Steady-state and transient performance - comparison with simulation studies.
  Analysis of feedback systems
• Basic concepts of feedback control,
• Transfer functions, Bode diagrams,
• Steady-state and transient response of linear systems to impulse, ramp and step inputs.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• describe the functionality and performance of various sensors used in instrumentation and control [AHEP:4- C13]
• analyse electronic circuits found in analogue and in digital instrumentation systems [AHEP:4- C1, C2, C6]
• compare the main characteristics of simple and moderately complex control systems [AHEP:4- C1, C2, C17]
• apply mathematical techniques to design and analyse analogue measurement and control systems [AHEP:4- C1, C2, C3, C6]
• use simulation tools for designing control modules for broadly defined processes [AHEP:4- C3, C17]

Indicative reading list

1. C.D. Johnson: "Process control instrumentation technology", (Pearson), ISBN: 9781292026015, (2014).
2. N. Storey: “Electronics: A Systems Approach” (Pearson), ISBN: 9781292114118, (2017).
3. T. A. Bigelow: “Electric Circuits, Systems, and Motors” (Springer e-book), ISBN: 978-3-030-31357-9, (2020).
4. R.C.Dorf, R.H.Bishop: “Modern control systems” (Pearson,) ISBN: 9781292422374, (2022).
5. A.S.Morris, R. Langari: "Measurement and instrumentation: theory and application", (Waltham e-book) ISBN: 9780128171417 (2021).
6. E. Lipiansky: "Electrical, Electronics, and Digital Hardware Essentials for Scientists and Engineers", (Wiley E-book) ISBN: 9781118414552, (2012).

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA). (S2 in all standards)
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or CAE models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines. (S4 in all standards)
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and/or developmental or test evidence. (S5 in all standards)

Transferable skills

• Digital literacy
• Information literacy
• Critical thinking.
• Problem-solving.
• Teamwork
• Communication