This module describes modern developments and design trends of the advanced transducers (sensors & actuators) including smart transducers and instrumentation and gives students the opportunity to develop the in-depth required knowledge in this field. The module will focus on the novel measuring methods and techniques to build full intelligent sensor systems, digital sensors, data acquisition and measuring systems with self-adaptation and self-identification possibilities. The module should also cover the following subjects:
• Sensors and actuators classification, structure, interfacing, protocols and performance characteristics.
• Sensors and actuators calibration procedures.
• Intelligent/digital Sensors and Smart Sensors System Design.
• Sensors and actuators signal conditioning & measurement circuits.
• Digital Sensors and Smart Sensors System Design.
• Virtual instrument and GUI design.
• Sensors, actuators and pattern analysis
• Direct Sensor-to-Microcontroller Interface and future trends.
• Applications of novel frequency-to-digital conversion methods in order to use it in smart digital sensors and data acquisition systems.

An Exam of length 2 hours weighted at 50% will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3.

A laboratory based assignment and formal report (approx 2500 words) (50%) assessing Learning Outcomes 4 and 5.

The module will run over 12 weeks.

Independent study:-
¿ Reading, team meetings, information gathering, student centred learning, assignment preparation and presentation (114 hours).

Learning on all aspects of the indicative content will be facilitated by:-
¿ Classroom based lectures and tutorials, laboratory based practical experiments (36 hours)
o Lectures/tutorials - 24 hours.
o Laboratories - 12 hours.

Alan S. Morris, Reza Langari, (2011), Measurement and Instrumentation: Theory and Application. Elsevier Science & Technology.

S Nihtianov , A. Luque, (2014), Smart Sensors and MEMS: Intelligent Devices and Microsystems for Industrial Applications, Woodhead Publishing.

Gerard Meijer, Michiel Pertijs & Kofi Makinwa, (2014), Smart Sensor Systems: Emerging Technologies and Applications, Wiley.

Hartmut Janocha, (2011), Actuators: Basics and Applications, Springer.

Krzysztof Iniewski, (2013), Smart Sensors for Industrial Applications, CRC Press.

Library, Internet, VLE and Faculties labs (Hardware kits and testing equipment and software packages such as Matlab, Labview).

Prior knowledge of Electronics and/or Telecommunications.

1. Advanced knowledge and systematic understanding of advanced topics in smart technologies and smart transducers applications. (Knowledge and Understanding).
2. Ability to critically discuss challenges and problems and critically evaluate solutions involved in smart transducers and instruments. (Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving).
3. Advanced ability to critically evaluate how the available technologies can contribute to enhance the smart systems. (Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding).
4. Advanced knowledge and understanding of the latest technologies and how these technologies can contribute to the enhancement of particular smart systems applications. (Application, Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving).
5. Effective intellectual, communication and learning management skills relating to smart technologies. (Communication, Enquiry, Learning).