General Instrumentation

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand the operation, use and care of basic measuring instruments

2. Know the types of signal generators in the laboratory

3. Know the types of pressure measuring instruments

4. Know the types of recorders and reproducers

5. Know the types of power supply units in the laboratory

6. Understand the essentials of trouble-shooting techniques

1.1 Identify basic measuring instruments e.g. moving coil, moving Iron, thermocouple, oscilloscope, digital meters.

1.2 Classify measuring instruments e.g. analogue and digital meters.

1.3 List an example of each type in 1.2 above.

1.4 List precautions to be taken when using the instruments in 1.1 above.

1.5 Describe with the aid of diagrams the construction of instruments in 1.1 above

1.6 Describe with the principle of operation of the instruments in 1.1. above.

1.7 Explain the terms:

(i) Multimeter

(ii) Multirange

(iii) Autoranging

1.7 Carry out set-zero and calibration adjustments in the instruments in instruments in 1.1

1.8 Measure:

(i) Voltage

(ii) Current

(iii) Resistance using the appropriate instrument in 1.1 above.

(iv) weights

(v) temperatures

1.9 Measure frequency, amplitude, phase relationship of signals by using oscilloscope

1.10 Construct measuring instruments e.g. thermocouple, potentiometer.

1.11 Carry out measurements using the instruments in 1.10 above.

1.12 Carry out routine care of the instruments in 1.11 above.

2.1 Classify signal generators e.g. low frequency, high frequency, variable frequency etc.

2.2 State the different types of waveforms produced by signal generators in 2.1 above e.g. sine wave, square wave, saw tooth etc.

2.3 Describe with the aid of suitable diagrams the operation of the signal generator listed in 2.1 above.

2.4 Describe a typical application of each type of signal generator listed in 2.1 above.

2.5 State the use of a signal generator in fault-finding, etc.

3.1 Identify the different types of instruments used in measuring pressure e.g. barometers, manometers, pressure gauges etc.

3.2 Classify the instruments in 3.1 above in relation their operating principles.

3.3 Describe the principle of operation of some pressure measuring instruments in 3.1 above.

3.4 Measure pressure using any of the instruments in 3.1 above.

4.1 Identify the different types of recorders and reproducers e.g. chart audio video projectors etc.

4.2 Describe the principle of operation of the recorders and reproducers commonly used in the laboratory

4.3 Describe typical applications of the recorders and reproducers in 4.2 above.

4.4 Describe routine care of the recorders and reproducers in 4.2 above.

5.1 Identify types of power supply unit e.g. mains-derived, direct current, batteries etc.

5.2 Classify direct current supply e.g. low voltage, high voltage, stabilized voltage.

5.3 Explain with the aid of diagrams how a.c. is converted to d.c.

5.4 Describe the construction of typical power supply units.

5.5 Outline the precautions to be observed when using power supply units.

5.6 Describe the application of power supply units and their limitations

6.1 Identify tools for trouble-shooting e.g. service manuals, multimeter, signal generators etc.

6.2 Obtain necessary information from the operator and from service manuals about a given instrument.

6.3 Check:

(a) Continuity

(b) Availability of power etc. in the instruments in 6.2 above.

6.4 Trouble-shoot instruments such as overhead projector, PH meter etc.

6.5 Detect defective modules or pants e.g. by signal injection, pant substitution, etc. in instruments using the tools in 6.1 above.

6.6 Repair or replace the defective module pant in 6.4 above.