44596 - Sensors and Transducers (Graduate Course)

Academic Year 2009/2010

  • Docente: Gaetano Pasini
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: ING-INF/07
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LS) in Electric Engineering (cod. 0232)

Learning outcomes

This course will provide students knowledge about:

  • characterization of sensor performance

  • metrological characterization of sensors

  • principle of operation of different sensors

  • correct use of sensors in measurement and process control applications

  • implementation of simple data acquisition systems

Course contents

Sensors

The measurement process. Fundamental sensor applications: measurement and process control.

 

Metrological characterization of sensors

Model of a sensor. Characterization of a sensor. Parameters for static and dynamic behaviour characterization of a sensor. Operating conditions.

 

Passive sensors: principle of operation

Resistive sensors. Capacitive sensors. Inductive sensors. Magnetic sensors: the Hall effect. Magnetoresistors.

 

Active sensors: principle of operation

Peltier, Thomson, Seebeck effects. Piezoelectric sensors. Pyroelectric sensors.

 

Sensors and transducers for mechanical quantities

Encoder, resolver, synchro. Inductive proximity sensors. Strain gage. Linear voltage differential transformer. Ultrasound position transducers.

 

Flowmeters

Differential pressure, magnetic, ultrasound, vortex shedding and Coriolis effect volume or mass flowmeters.

 

Integration of sensors and electronic instrumentation

Equivalent circuit of a transducer. Noise and amplification of electrical signals. Signal conditioning. Smart sensors. Industrial data acquisition devices.

 

Optical fibre sensors.

 

Examples of sensor applications: mechanical, automotive, robotics, avionics.

Readings/Bibliography

  • E. Arri, S. Sartori, Le misure di grandezze fisiche, Paravia, Torino, 1984.
  • John G. Webster, The measurement, instrumentation and sensors handbook, IEEE Press, 1999

  • Handbook of Modern Sensors, Jacob Fraden, AIP Press, 1996
  • Sensor technology and devices, Ljubisa Ristic, Artech House, 1994
  • Uni, Norma UNI 4546. Misure e misurazione.
  • Lecture slides

Teaching methods

Lectures and laboratory exercitations

Assessment methods

Final exam (oral)

Teaching tools

Overhead projector, PC, laboratory

Office hours

See the website of Gaetano Pasini