18MT440 – Sensors and
Measurements
Unit – 1 : Science of Measurements
• Significance of Measurements
• Characteristics of measurement system
• Error in measurements
• Calibration
• Primary and Secondary standards
Significance of Measurements and
• Measurements:
methods
– Quantity to be measured is compared with predefined
standard
• Significance of measurements:
– Nation’s progress depends on Measurements and data
– Modern science and technology require sophisticated
methods of measurements
– Major function of Engineering requires
measurements:
• Design of equipment and process
• Proper operation and maintenance of equipment and
processes
Methods of Measurements
Direct Method:
– Measurand directly compared with standard
– Numerical value and Unit
– Example: Length, mass, Time
– Length of the bar is measured by metre
– Human beings doesn’t produce accurate results
Indirect Method:
– Measurements system
– Transducing element (Quantity to be measured in
analogous form)
– Processed by intermediate means fed to end devices
– Present the result of the instrument
Methods of Measurements
Instrument:
– Device to determine the value or magnitude of a
quantity or variable
– Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics Instruments
• Detector
• Intermediate Transfer device
• Indicator, Recorder or a storage device
Mechanical Instruments:
– Reliable, Static, Stable
– Unable to respond quickly (Dynamic environment)
– Rigid, heavy, bulky, and large mass
– Potential source of noise and cause pollution of
Methods of Measurements
Electrical Instrument:
– More rapid than mechanical instrument
– Depends on mechanical movement (Indicating device)
– Limited time response
– In some cases it is also too low when compared to
modern measurements
Methods of Measurements
Electronics Instruments:
– Step-up response time, Detection of dynamic changes,
Monitoring time in ms or micro seconds
– Semi conductor device
– CRO (10-9 Seconds)
– Electron movement
– Very weak signal are detected and amplified
– Power amplification
– Power consumption is low
– Communication
– Analog and digital computers
Methods of Measurements
Classification of Instruments:
Absolute Instruments:
• Gives the magnitude of quantity under measurement in
terms of physical constants of the instrument
• E.g: Tangent Galvenometer, Rayliegh current balance
Secondary Instruments:
• Quantity being measured is only by means by observing the
output indicated by the instrument
• Calibrate against the absolute standard
• E.g: Volmeter, Glass thermometer, Pressure Gauge
Analog and digital mode of operation
Analog Devices
Analog signals – Continuous fashion, taken
infinity of values
Digital Devices
Digital signals – Discrete steps (take up only
finite discrete values)
Digital Computer
DAC and ADC
Function of Instruments and Measurement
systems
Indicating Function:
– System use different kinds of methods for supplying
information
– Pointers, Speedometer, Pressure gauge
Recording Function:
– Instrument makes a written record usually on paper
– Potentiometric type recorder
Controlling Function
– Information is used by the instruments to control the
original measured quantity
– Thermostats for temperature control
– Floats for liquid level control
Application of Measurements systems
Monitoring Processes and operations
– Monitoring Function
– Indicate the value / condition
– E.g: Ammeter, Voltmeter, Water and Electric energy
meter
Control of Processes and operations
E.g: Refrigeration systems
Application of Measurements systems
Experimental Engineering Analysis:
– Some problem requires both theoretical and
Experimental method
Elements of Generalized Measurement sytems
Primary Sensing element
• Transducer
• Detector / Transducer stage
Variable Conversion element
• A/D Converter
Variable Manipulation element
• Amplification
• Signal conditioning
• Data Transmission element
Date presentation element
Elements of Generalized Measurement systems
Bourdon tube pressure gauge
1. Measurements
2. Significance of Measurements
3. Methods of Measurements
4. Direct Method
5. Indirect Method
6. Instruments
7. Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics Instrument
8. Classification of Instruments
9. Analog and Digital mode of operation
10. Functions of Instruments and Measurement systems
11. Applications of Measurement systems
12. Elements of Generalized Measurement systems
