module specification

CT6055 - Data Aquisition and Interfacing (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Data Aquisition and Interfacing
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 150
 
45 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
105 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   Coursework (2000 words)
Unseen Examination 50%   Unseen Examination
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
No instances running in the year

Module summary

This module reviews a selection of sensors and transducers and the signal conditioning necessary for including these in a data acquisition system. It provides a good grounding on analogue to digital and digital to analogue conversion principles and their practical applications.

Examples of a selection of output drivers and devices are also provided.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:

1. To examine a selection of sensors and suitable signal conditioning for these devices;
2. To investigate analogue to digital and digital to analogue converters associated concepts;
3. To allow students to have hands-on experience with data acquisition and interfacing
     devices;
4. To investigate a selection of output drivers and devices.

Syllabus

Sensors and transducers, signal conditioning, dynamic range, calibration, bandwidth, processor throughput, sample rate and aliasing, types and principles of analogue to digital and digital to analogue converters, ADC specifications, resolution, accuracy, linearity, offset and quantization errors, time-based measurements and jitter, microprocessor interfacing, serial interfaces, multi-channel ADC’s, internal microcontroller ADC’s, Codecs, line drivers and receivers, high power output drivers and devices.

Learning and teaching

The theoretical components of the module are delivered through a series of lectures supported by directed independent learning. The practical aspects are covered in a laboratory programme that requires students to work through a series of exercises, where the scheme of work is designed to encourage co-operative working. The case study integrates theory and practice in a realistic design exercise.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Describe elements of signal conditioning necessary for a number of sensors;
2. Explain the operation of analogue to digital and digital to analogue converters;
3. Evaluate and select appropriate techniques and devices for realising a data acquisition 
     system
4. Describe the function of output drivers and devices.

Bibliography

Core Text:
Park J., Mackay S., (2003), “Practical Data Acquisition for Instrumentation and Control Systems”, Newnes.

Recommended for further reading:
1. James K., (2007), “PC Interfacing and Data Acquisition”, Newness.
2. Wilson J.S., Ball S., Huddleston C., Ramsden E., (2008), “Test and Measurement: Know it all (Newness Know It All)”, Newnes.
3. Lipiansky E., (2012), “Embedded Systems Hardware for Software Engineers, A practical guide to Hardware Fundamentals”, McGraw-Hill Professional
4. Fischer-Cripps T., (2002), “Newnes Interfacing Companion: Computers, Transducers, Instrumentation and Signal Processing”,  Newnes
5. Mathivanan N., (2004), “Microprocessors PC Hardware and Interfacing”, Prentice-Hall.
6. Derenzo S. E., (2003), ”Practical Interfacing in the Laboratory: Using a PC for Instrumentation, Data Analysis and Control”, Cambridge University Press.
7.  Allwork J. (2010),  “Visual Studio C# 2010 Programming & PC Interfacing”, Elektor Electronics Publishing.
8.  Katupitiya J., Bentley K., (2006), “Interfacing with C++: Programming Real-World Applications”,  Springer