Instrumentation and Control Engineering
MSc

You are introduced to the theorem, principles and techniques of data acquisition and digital processing including sampling, digital signal analysis in time and frequency domains. You also focus on the impact of digital technologies on the design of modern industrial measurement systems. The industrial software for measurement systems will also be introduced with a series of real measurement applications.

You develop your knowledge of digital circuit analysis and design as well as an understanding of digital control circuits/systems design methodology and implementation technology. You study a range of methods such as top-down design method, design automation framework and tools, VHDL modelling and rapid prototyping. You gain a technical competence and an appreciation of the capabilities and limitations of modern digital control circuits/systems design and implementation. You study through a series of lectures and labs, that are used to explain theory and discuss applications. Practical sessions involve the use of design tools, modelling of digital components and systems, circuit simulation and implementation.

This module explores the circuit technologies required to make sensitive and precise measurements. Such systems form the signal-conditioning stages of most industrial, commercial and scientific equipment and have to present the raw signal from the sensor in a suitable format for digital signal processing.

On successful completion of the taught modules, you proceed to this 60-credit research project. It allows you to bring together everything you have learnt on the course to address a relevant problem.

This module develops, from first principles, the methods and techniques associated with system identification. The module shows how these techniques can be used in the formulation of adaptive and model based Control schemes. Finally, the practical implementation of these control schemes is considered.

The module is delivered through a series of weekly lectures. These are used to explain theory and to discuss applications. Practical sessions supported by MatLab and SimuLink are used to reinforce the lecture material and provide an opportunity to develop the required practical skills.

The module is assessed through a combination of in-course assignment and a computer based end examination using MatLab and SimuLink.

This module explores issues such as information skills, qualitative and quantitative research, and ethical research, creating appropriate research material, referencing and avoiding academic misconduct. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to further tour career skills.

You will develop specific skills that can assist in the encouragement of an enterprising, entrepreneurial mind-set that is better equipped to perceive opportunities to develop viable, practical projects from research emanating from conceptual thinking.

In this module the robust control problem is discussed. The module describes the QFT approach to robust control and how to apply this to typical engineering problems. You then discuss the use of expert systems/fuzzy logic solutions as an alternative. The module is delivered through a series of weekly lectures. These are used to explain theory and to discuss applications. Practical sessions supported by MatLab and SimuLink are used to reinforce the lecture material and provide an opportunity to develop the required practical skills. The module is assessed through a combination of in-course assignment and a computer based end examination using MatLab and SimuLink.