What is Instrumentation: Definition and 53 Discussions

Instrumentation is a collective term for measuring instruments that are used for indicating, measuring and recording physical quantities. The term has its origins in the art and science of scientific instrument-making.
Instrumentation can refer to devices as simple as direct-reading thermometers, or as complex as multi-sensor components of industrial control systems. Today, instruments can be found in laboratories, refineries, factories and vehicles, as well as in everyday household use (e.g., smoke detectors and thermostats)

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  1. A

    I Instrument Size & Wavelength: What's the Relationship?

    What is the relationship between the size of the instrument and the wavelength you want to measure? Both in general relativity and in other areas.
  2. Jason-Li

    Engineering Disturbance in a proportional control system

    Hello, I found an old thread related to this question but it doesn't look correct to me so was looking for some guidance. I have equated Qo = (Q2+Q1*G) / (1+H*G) I did this by rearranging Qo=Q2+G(Q1-Q0*H) I then went on to the calculations and found before step disturbance: Qo=...
  3. M

    Engineering Common Mode Rejection Ratio: Instrumentation Amplifier Calculation

    Hi, I have a question regarding a practical CMRR calculation. Main information: - Signal input: 10 mV rms - Interference input: 1.5 V rms - In an earlier part of the question, we found that for the second stage of the instrumentation amplifier (the summation amplifier) that: $$...
  4. C

    Engineering Calculate valve sizing to regulate the flow of natural gas

    Working out as follows x= (20-6)/20 = 0.7 Fk = k / air specific heat ratio Fk = 1.31/1.4 Fk = 0.94 xT = Fk * x 0.94 x 0.7 = 0.658 because xT < x = 0.658<0.7 flow through the valve is choked Expansion factor Y Y = 1 - x/( 3 x Fk x xT ) Y= 1- 0.7/( 3 x 0.94 x 0.658) Y = 0.623...
  5. C

    Engineering Calculate the max common mode voltage at the differential amplifier inputs

    Im unsure if I am on the correct track or have gone off on a tangent. Any help or guidance would be appreciated. CMRR=20log10(Adiff/Acm) 120=20log10(10^5/Acm) 120/20=log10(100,000/Acm) 6=log10(100,000/Acm) taking antilogs 1,000,000=100,000/Acm Acm=100,000/1,000,000 Acm=0.1Max amplified...
  6. R

    Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (Question)

    Hey everyone, I am an energy modeling engineer, and I would like to ask a question regarding a project I am working on. In the attached instrumentation diagram (and I also found this on AHU specification tables), what does it mean to have "air flow1/air flow2" (see figure). I deduce it is the...
  7. W

    Charging a battery and monitoring the current w/ an instrumentation amp

    Homework Statement Homework Equations CMRR = Av/Acm Acm= Δ/R , Δ = (2 x Tolerance of Resistor).R The Attempt at a Solution I have to admit I am a bit confused by the premise of the problem. My understanding is Vout is used to vary Vcharge in some way, so that Icharge is always 1.3 A. Then...
  8. W

    Instrumentation op-amp problem

    Homework Statement Homework Equations [/B] CMRR = Av/Acm Acm= Δ/R , Δ = (2 x Tolerance of Resistor).R The Attempt at a Solution I have an issue with part e) and f) but here are all my workings c) For this part, Acm would be: 10 x10^-3 This makes 2.5mV -> 0.25 uV (which is the same...
  9. B

    Unknown Instrumentation: Antenna voltage monitor?

    I have this piece of instrumentation that I am trying to model that I am not entirely sure how it functions. I am certain that it is a voltage monitor. It's basically a voltage divider (v_out = .017*v_in) enclosed in a grounded box with two holes on either side for the connections to the...
  10. adamaero

    System turns on alarm once temp. dips below 10.5°C

    Homework Statement Homework Equations (Above given. I think it's a hint.) The Attempt at a Solution How is delta T = 0.25?? Where is the 10kΩ coming from? We were given a solution for this homework, since it's not collected. It just seems out of order.
  11. nothing909

    Instrumentation amplifier practical results vs simulation

    I just have a simple question to ask. I'm simulating an instrumentation amplifier and then testing it practically. When I simulate it, my gain is 6, but when I test it, I get a gain of 5.54. I'm just wondering what is causing the slight drop in gain in the practical results?
  12. nothing909

    How Do You Calculate Vout in an Instrumentation Amplifier Circuit?

    Homework Statement I'm trying to calculate Vout. Homework Equations [/B] VDIFF = VIN2 - VIN1 = VDIFF1 + VDIFF2 VOUT=(VIN2–VIN1)(1+2R1/RG)(R6/R5) The Attempt at a Solution [/B] VOUT=(VIN2–VIN1)(1+2R1/RG)(R6/R5) VOUT=(V2IN-VIN1)(1+2(10x10^3)/2x10^3)(10x10^3/10x10^3) What are the values of...
  13. sturn

    Index of Refraction: Range of Values?

    as far as i know, when plugged in, SLM 's change index of refraction to accommodate the phase changes happening to the input (light). Is there a range for the possible values of the index of refraction?
  14. Jacob Cheng

    What are an engineer's most common concerns when selecting instrumentation?

    Hi everyone, I'm Jacob Cheng from China, working in an electronic instrument manufacturer, and this is not a promotion content, I'm here asking for help. As a freshman of marketing promotion in the electronic instrument, I have no idea about what topic will engineers interested in. So, I'm here...
  15. yecko

    Instrumentation vs measurement

    What is the difference between the noun "instrumentation" & "measurement"? Thank you.
  16. anferoar6

    What is the name of this Laboratory Instrument?

    What is the name of this Laboratory Instrument?
  17. C

    Ideal Straight Line - instrumentation HND

    Homework Statement I am doing a distance HND and need to find the ideal straight line of a sensor output. The sensor is a temperature sensor with an OHM output. From a temperature range of 0-250 it has an output of 120-364ohm. temp output 0 = 120 50 =...
  18. A

    Other Career in developing scientific instrumentation

    I've been considering a change in career direction recently, and have been thinking about a career in developing scientific instrumentation. I know that "scientific instrumentation" is vague and encompasses a lot, hence the reason I am posting -- to try sharpen my understanding of exactly what...
  19. Joydeep Munshi

    Nuclear Instrumentation and medical applications PhD scopes?

    Hi, I am currently pursuing my masters in Nuclear Engineering and my graduation is in Instrumentation Engineering. I am interested in Nuclear Instrumentation and Control engineering and currently I have taken coursework also regarding the same. Could you please suggest me universities where...
  20. Gursimranjeet

    Instrumentation Course: PLC Programming for Beginners

    Hi everyone, I have opted for an instrumentation course and I am worried about the programming part as i don't have much knowledge about programming. Is it necessary to learn C before learning PLC programming or i could start from plc programming? If I could start from plc then which book i...
  21. M

    Shippingport incore instrumentation

    The other day I was looking in Wikipedia picture of Shippingport RPV, from picture it looks like it does not have guide tubes stubs for incore flux detectors. Considering the type of fuels it used, was not an incore measurement system a necessity? or the enrichment of fuel made technical...
  22. D

    Ambient temperature on production floor

    If normal ambient temperature on production floor is 65-70°F, would there be noticeable effects on production floor equipment if we drop ambient down to 35-40°F? Equipment consists of motors, PLC's, VFD's, process instrumentation ie flow meters, chart recorders, level sensors/transmitters...
  23. M

    Are smartphone accelerometers useful for vibration test?

    I've found several accelerometer apps for smartphones (for example http://www.iseismometer.com and http://www.now-instruments.com/products/3-vibsensor ). Are these useful for doing quantitative vibration analysis, and if not, what are their deficiencies?
  24. Logan Rudd

    Upper division physics lab -- Project ideas

    As an experimentalist, I am very excited to be taking my first upper division physics lab next semester! The course covers basic electronics (filters, diodes, transistors, op-amps, analog & digital circuits, D/A conversion, and LabView Programming, etc.) and measurement techniques with an...
  25. Nietzsche_Keen

    Graduated No job yet. How can I stay current/relevant?

    First post in the forums. Looking forward to some great conversations. I took my ultimate exam for an A.A.S. in Instrumentation Technology, Electronics, and Bio-medical Equipment Repair Technology. I have an internship at a hospital SUPPOSEDLY scheduled to start in a month. I have plans to...
  26. idir93

    What do you know about loading problem in instrumentation?

    Hi everyone, I have this question for you: In Instrumentation, when connecting the input of one circuit to the output of another circuit,(for instance, connecting the output of a sensor to the input of an amplifier circuit), a loading problem may arise, could you explain to this problem ? And...
  27. B

    Accurately and Quickly Interpreting NMR/IR Spectra

    In examining the IR spectrum, I noted that there were peaks for CH2-x where x is bromine, methylene (2 peaks) and a peak corresponding to a methyl group; I concluded that I've synthesized n-bromobutane. Is the method I used to interpret my spectra sound? *CDCl3 was the IR solvent In addition...
  28. K

    Instrumentation amplifier: why subtractor block?

    Hi, I'm looking at a circuit of a classical instrumental amplifier having 3 opamps, 2 for buffer, with Rg to adjust the gain. The output from this buffer + gain circuit is then feed into a third opamp, in a circuit that is the 'basic' differential amplifier, but whose function now that Rg is...
  29. gfd43tg

    Instrumentation Amplifier Breadboard layout

    Homework Statement I need to set up a blueprint for my instrumentation amplifier on a breadboard shown on page 5 of the attached document Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I'm not sure how 2 op-amp chips will make 3 op-amps for the instrumentation amplifier. I'm also not sure how...
  30. JJBladester

    Determining voltage gain of instrumentation amplifier

    Homework Statement The following voltages are applied to the instrumentation amplifier in the figure. Vin1=5 mV, Vin2=10 mV, and Vcm=225 mV. Determine the final output voltage. Homework Equations R_{1}=R_{2}=R A_{cl}=1+\frac{2R}{R_{G}} V_{out}=\left ( 1+\frac{2R}{R_{G}}...
  31. S

    Transfer function of Instrumentation amplifier with DC suppression filter

    Homework Statement I want to find the overall transfer function of Instrumentation amplifier with a DC-Suppression filter. I know how to calculate the TF of a normal Instrumentation amplifier. But when feedback is given from the Filter to the IA, I couldn't find it. Homework Equations...
  32. L

    Common-mode rejection ratio and Instrumentation and difference amplifiers

    Homework Statement 1. a) If we wish to record an ECG of amplitude 1mV in the presence of interference that causes a common-mode voltage of 100mV to appear on the inputs of the amplifier, then what common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) do we need require if we need a signal to noise ratio better...
  33. Integral

    Article about an application of instrumentation I am helping build

    This device was sitting outside my work area 2 weeks ago. I am enjoying working on devices which are at the forefront of oceanographic research.
  34. xortan

    Single supply instrumentation amplifier

    Hello, I have attached a picture of the circuit I am working on. I am wondering where should I put a bias circuit when I also have a virtual ground?
  35. Q

    Temperature Response of a 1st Order Sensor to a Step Change

    Homework Statement Assume that the application of a temperature sensor approximates 1st order conditions. The sensor has a time constant of 5 seconds and is suddenly subjected to a temperature step of 25-200°C. what temperature will be indicated 10 seconds after the process has been...
  36. H

    Engineering Description of Control and instrumentation engineer

    Hello, I am an undergraduate in EE, for the last year I have taken two control courses (classical control theory, and digital control) which I find very interesting and considering taking an Msc in this subject. Are any of you a control engineer and could you describe what kind of job you do...
  37. M

    Engineering Instrumentation and Control Engineer

    Any one interested in a job in the wild and woolly world of Instrumentation and Control Engineering? If so ask away.
  38. J

    Engineering Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

    Good day every1, I am considering a path in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering but I am not 100% of the job availably and which industries they are likely to work. Could someone please give me a briefing on what Exactly Instrumentation and Controls Engineering is about?
  39. B

    Instrumentation quick question - nonlinearity error

    Homework Statement A non-linear oressure sensor has an input range of 0 to 10 bar and an output range of 0 to 5V. The output voltage at 4 bar is 2.2V. The nonlinearity as a percentage of psan is? Homework Equations none The Attempt at a Solution Drew a straight line using the data...
  40. P

    How Does the AD208 Iso-Amp Function in High Voltage Applications?

    How to use the instrumentation amplifier? Is it a voltage follower? Can it be used for isolation?
  41. F

    Understanding the Potentiometer Configuration in an Instrumentation Amplifier

    Problem: http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/2926/capturelgw.jpg I need help getting this started. Does anyone understand that R1, R2, R5, R6-11 are 100k, but then what's that -1.0 M doing underneath? Also I think that R11 - 20k is a typo to mean R12 as the potentiometer. Id appreciate some...
  42. V

    Physics: Instrumentation development - understanding what's involved

    It was brought to my attention that career-wise I might find 'instrumentation development' a particularly good choice given my interests. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot of time to go into what this entailed at the time and I was wondering what it involves from the point of view of physics...
  43. L

    EMC noise in instrumentation amplifier.

    Hello, First thread on this forum! Thank you for giving me you're opinion about a question that I have. I am using a data acquisition system (ADInstruments Powerlab 16/30) to record muscular activity from electrodes. So far, everything is working properly. I recently got an approval to...
  44. K

    Difference and Instrumentation Amplifier

    What is the use of Difference and Instrumentation Amplifier?
  45. W

    What texts should I be checking out for instrumentation?

    What texts should I be checking out for instrumentation?
  46. T

    CM input range of instrumentation amp

    Can anyone tell me how to calculate the common-mode input range of an instrumentation amplifier with all op-amps biased from +15V to -15V assuming all op-amps can swing rail to rail. Thanks.
  47. marcus

    Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds (news of improved instrumentation)

    Steinn Sigurdsson reports on sensitivity of new planet-search instruments, how slow a wobble can they pick up? If they can see the central body wobble at a speed of only 1 meter/second then they can pick up lower-mass planets, more earthlike planets going in more earthlike orbits, than if they...
  48. E

    Programs PhD choice: Theoretical Astro or Instrumentation?

    Hi folks, I am trying to choose between two PhD scholarships. They are both at the same university & both research groups have excellent reputations. I'm being pressured by the university to make a decision by Monday. They're British PhDs so I'm assigned to my research topic right from the...
  49. E

    Instrumentation & calibration curve related

    I am new to instruments. My project is to modify an existing colorimeter which presently measure several chemical compositions in water. Colorimeters as you know is a simple version of a atomic absorption spectro-photometer (as far as I understand) which uses only the visible light spectrum to...
  50. P

    Role of Instrumentation / Philosophy of Science

    I'm trying to explain something to someone, but I can't find the right words; I hope some of you can help me. Observations are limited by the instruments available to a scientist. For example, before invention of the microscope, observation of microscopic objects was impossible. In the...
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