ECE2023 PRINCIPLES OF SENSORS AND DATA ACQUISITION L T P J C
3 0 2 0 4
Prerequisite: ECE1013 Syllabus Version
v.1.1
Course Objectives:
Provide basic understanding ofphysical principles of sensing, data conversion and
computer based data acquisition methods.
Gain experience in applying the appropriate sensors and data acquisition systems for the
measurement of specific environmental change.
Expected Outcomes:
Students will be able to
Demonstrate a critical understanding of elements of a data acquisition system.
Prescribe a sensor type to measure a specific environmental change.
Design signal conditioning necessary for a number of sensors and transducers.
Critically evaluate and select appropriate techniques and devices for realizing data
acquisition system.
Identify the type of interface used to get a digital signal into a PC and use software to
view the data on PC.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): 1,2,5,9
Module:1 Principles of Measurement 3 hour SLO: 1,2
General concepts and terminology of measurement systems, units and standards, static and dynamic
characteristics,
Module:2 Physical Principles of Sensors 8 hours SLO:1,2
Physical effects involved in signal transduction- piezo-resistive effect (strain gages), inductive sensors-
LVDT, Hall effect, capacitive sensors, piezoelectric effect, pyroelectric effect, photo electric effect,
magneto-mechanical effect (magnetostriction), magneto-resistive effect, thermoelectric effect, thermo-
resistive effect (RTD, thermistor).
Module:3 Signal Conditioning 8 hours SLO:1,5
Earthling and grounding, errors due to common mode interference, Wheatstone bridge, common mode
rejection ratio, signal level and bias changes, Instrumentation amplifiers, isolation amplifiers, charge
amplifiers, filters, phase sensitive detectors. Cold junction compensation
Module:4 Sample/Hold Circuits and Multiplexers 6 hours SLO:1,2,5
Sampling and aliasing, S/H practical circuit, Slew rate and aperture error, reed relays, FET/CMOS
switches, errors in multiplexers,
Module:5 Analog/Digital converters 6 hours SLO:1,2,5,9
Digital quantities, data converters and parameters, DACs-weighted resistor, ladder network, characteristics,
sources of error, ADCs-integrating type-dual ramp, charge balance, non-integrating type, successive
approximation, flash type.
Module:6 Digital and Pulse Train Conditioning 6 hours SLO:1,2
Digital I/O interfacing - high current/voltage digital I/O, Timers and counters- Digital pulse counting,
frequency measurement, timing applications.
Module:7 I/O Techniques and Buses 6 hours SLO:1,2,5,9
Data acquisition interface devices, data transfer techniques, buffered I/O, Bus architecture, general bus
types: processor-memory bus, back-plane bus, I/O bus, Bus characteristics, Bus standards and
communications: expansion bus: PCI-e, PCI express, HT, disk interface- SATA, Ethernet, external buses:
RS232, USB.
Module:8 Contemporary Issues 2 hours
Total Lecture: 45 hours
Text Books:
1. Jacob Fraden, “Hand Book of Modern Sensors: physics, Desi gns and
Applications”, 3 r d ed., Springer, 2014 .
Reference Books:
1. Bentley, John P., “ Principles of Measurement Systems ”, 4th
edition,Pearson/Prenti ce Hali, 201 5.
2. Jon. S. Wilson, “Sensor Technology Hand Book”, Elsevier Inc., 2005.
3. John Park and Steve Mackay, “Practical Data acquisition for Instrumentation and
Control”, Newness publishers, 201 5.
List of Challenging Tasks: SLO: 5,9
Task 1:
Design and calibrate a smart Farming system with Plant Health Indication using relevant sensors.
Task 2:
Design an Advanced Wireless Earthquake Alarm System for Early Warning.
Task 3:
Design a Two-Axis Solar Tracking System by sensing the solar energy and control the drive.
Task 4:
Design a circuit to measure and control servo meter’s rotation.
Task 5:
Design a rear and front obstacle identification sensor for unmanned vehicle.
Mode of evaluation : Continues Assessment Test, Quiz, Digital Assignment, Challenging
Experiments, Final Assessment Test(Lab and Theory)
Recommended by Board of Studies 20-11-2016
Approved by Academic Council No.47 Date 05-10-2017
