Module Content

1. Microcomputer and data acquisition system architecture; expansion and interfacing techniques.
2. Connectivity techniques: GPIB, RS232, USB and LAN standards and applications. Computer control of laboratory equipment
3. Transducers, signal conditioning, analogue-to-digital conversion and data acquisition principles and examples. Analogue signal acquisition and generation.
4. Data processing and analysis, measurement uncertainty, resolution and accuracy, calibration of measurement systems
5. Instrumentation software. Software development for data acquisition and computer-aided instrumentation. Commercial virtual instrumentation and data acquisition tools.
6. Computer-aided instrumentation applications in science and engineering.
7. LabVIEW for data acquisition and instrument control:
   • Virtual instruments
   • User interfaces and block diagrams
   • LabVIEW projects
   • Data acquisition and instrument control
   • Common design techniques and design patterns
   • File IO techniques
   • Creating and distributing applications

Teaching Methods

Regular lectures are scheduled to present theoretical aspects of the syllabus. Extensive use is made of laboratory demonstrations and practical exercises.
Assessment is through an end-of-year examination and coursework, equally weighted. Coursework is a single project assignment, requiring students to develop a computer-aided instrumentation system exploiting LabVIEW.
The module prepares students to take the National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Application Developer (CLAD) examinations, although these examinations are separate from the module assessment.

Assessment Methods

This module is assessed through a LabVIEW development mini-project and a written exam.