BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

This unit introduces students to instrumentation, measurement, and practical skills as a discipline within EEE. The importance of traceable measurement to commerce in general and to control system engineering is highlighted.

Measurement theory is examined, including key concepts such as accuracy and precision.

Statistical methods for dealing with random uncertainty are introduced, and the propagation of measurement uncertainties into derived quantities is considered.

Example test and measurement devices are examined, including the most common benchtop instruments (digital multimeter, oscilloscope, programmable power supply, and function generator). The correct use of each device is described, and their performance and specifications are considered in terms of concepts introduced in measurement theory.

The fundamental skills of electronic hardware development are learnt by students through the construction of a microcontroller interface input/output board, which is utilised in subsequent units.

The design, fabrication, and construction of printed circuit boards (PCBs) are learnt, followed by testing and fault-finding. Soldering is learnt, as well as the use of industry-standard CAD software (Altium PCB CAD and SolidWorks mechanical CAD), and bench-top test equipment.

The unit aims to: 
Introduce students to instrumentation and measurement as a significant field of specialism within electronic engineering.
Familiarise students with the basic theory and practice of measurement, with an emphasis on electrical measurements.
Enable students to make effective use of common electrical test instruments, including a basic data acquisition device.
Provide an introduction to the development of measurement and data acquisition systems.
Introduce students to the practical skills required to develop electronic hardware, including circuit design, fabrication and assembly (both electronic and mechanical), testing and fault-finding.

On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

ILO 1: Describe how electronic signals, representing physical quantities, can be obtained using sensors and instrumentation. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 2: Use appropriate techniques to deal with systematic and random uncertainties in measured data. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 3: Relate instrument performance to fundamental measurement concepts, such as noise and bandwidth. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 4: Use measurement and data acquisition devices to acquire signals from sensors and systems under test. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 5: Implement basic signal processing algorithms for the characterisation of measured signals. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 6: Locate and interpret a component datasheet to identify key parameter values which are required for the design of circuits. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 7: Locate and interpret regulations which govern the use of electronic equipment. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 8: Analyse circuit diagrams to plan and execute a systematic testing procedure to identify if there are faults in a circuit. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 9: Solder through-hole and surface-mount components onto a Printed Circuit Board. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 10: Produce CAD models of printed circuit boards and mechanical components using industry standard CAD software. (Developed and Assessed)

ILO 11: Discuss the requirements of being a professional engineer with respect to local and global legal, ethical and moral frameworks. (Developed and Assessed)

Large group lectures delivered primarily using PowerPoint presentations but also incorporating simple demonstrations of instruments and programming. E-learning videos are used to demonstrate some concepts. Presentation slides and notes are available electronically via CANVAS.
Nine three-hour laboratory sessions are delivered in a computer cluster or dry teaching lab with the aid of Teaching Assistants. 
Links to supplementary electronic resources are also provided via Blackboard including instructional videos on the use of measurement instruments, and other resources for improving CAD design and programming skills.

This unit has an exam/coursework split of 80/20. There are two exams: An invigilated closed-book online exam and an invigilated practical exam in dry lab.

Invigilated, closed-book online exam: 2 hours
Invigilated, closed-book practical exam: 2 hours
Weekly Tutorial Questions: 5 hours
Lab-based Coursework: 

Invigilated, closed-book online exam: Exam marks provided following Examination Board.
Invigilated, closed-book practical exam: Exam marks provided following Examination Board.
Weekly Tutorial Questions: Feedback provided via CANVAS system one week after the submission deadline.
Lab-based Coursework: 1 week after the submission, through CANVAS.

Morris, A.S. and Langari, R. (2020). Measurement and Instrumentation: Theory and Application. 3rd edn. Academic Press. ISBN: 9780128171417.