Lecture - 1

What is measurement? Measurement is the act or the result of a quantitative comparison between a predetermined standard and an unknown magnitude. The standard which is used for comparison must be accurately known and commonly accepted.

4/14/2012

Lecture - 1

Aims of measurement
Fundamental data for research and development Basic input data for control of processes and operation. Data for safe and economic performance of systems.

1.

Fundamental Methods of Measurements

There are two basic methods of measurement Direct comparison :The parameter to be measured is directly compared with either a primary or a secondary standard. It is quite commonly used for length measurement. Indirect comparison : In this method the comparison is done with a standard through the use of a calibrated system.

2.

Calibration
The calibration of all instruments is important. For it affords the opportunity to check the instrument against a known standard and subsequently to reduce error in accuracy.

4/14/2012

Lecture - 1
Calibration involve a comparison of the particular instrument with either : A primary standard A secondary standard A known input source Example : Calibration of a flow meter can be done by Comparing it with a standard flow-measurement facility of NIST Comparing it with another flow-meter of known accuracy Directly calibrating with a primary measurement such as weighing a certain amount of water in a tank and recording the time elapsed for this quantity to flow through the meter.

1. 2. 3.

The generalized measuring system Most measuring systems fall within the framework of a general arrangement consisting of three phase or stagesDetection-transducer or sensor-transducer stage Intermediate or signal-conditioning stage Terminating or readout-recording stage Terminating or readout-recording stage
3

4/14/2012

Lecture - 1

Detection-transducer or sensor-transducer stage

The physical variable to be measured is detected Either a mechanical or an electrical transformation is performed to convert the signal into a more usable form. Insensitive to every other possible input

Intermediate or signal-conditioning stage Direct signal is modified by amplification, filtering or other means so that a desirable output is available.

Intermediate or signal-conditioning stage Acts to indicate, record or control the variable being measured. The output may also be analog or digital

Important Definitions:
Accuracy : It is the deviation of the reading from a known input. It refers to the degree of closeness or conformity to the true value of the quantity under measurement. Precision: It is the ability to reproduce a certain reading with a given accuracy. It refers to the degree of agreement within a group of measurements or instruments. It also refers the degree of consistency or repeatability of measurement.
4

4/14/2012

Lecture - 1
o

Sensitivity: It is defined as the ratio of output response to a specified change in the input.
Resolution: It is the smallest change in measured value to which the instrument will respond. True value: It is the actual magnitude of a signal input to a measuring system which can only be approached and never evaluated.

Indicated value: The magnitude of a variable indicated by a measuring instrument is known as indicated value.
Error: It is the deviation from the true value of the measured variable. Example: Let true value=100% Experimental value=99% then Error= 100-99=1%

4/14/2012

Lecture - 1

Analog and Digital I/O Functionality

Sensors and Actuators Analog Signals

Signal Conditioning
Signal Conditioning

Multiplexing

Digital Signal

A/D-D/A Conversion Digital Signals Computer

4/14/2012

Lecture - 1

Basic Types of Signal

Volts

5
0

Time

Digital Signal

Digital signals are discrete in nature

4/14/2012

Lecture - 1

Basic Types of Signal

Volts 10

Time

-10

Analog Signal

Analog signals are continuous and time varying

4/14/2012

Lecture - 1

Physical variable to be measured Input signal Detector transducer stage

4/14/2012