Dr Robin Tan Revised: 24/11/19

COURSEWORK ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION

Module Title: Analogue Electronics and Instrumentation

Module Number: EN0564
Module Tutor Ms Rijana / Dr Robin Tan
Name(s):
Academic Year: 2019
% Weighting (to 15%
overall module):
Coursework Title: Assignment
Average Study Time 50 study hours
Required by Student:

Dates and Mechanisms for Assessment Submission and Feedback

Date of Handout to Students: 25 February 2019

Mechanism for Handout to Students: via Canvas

Date and Time of Submission by Student: 25 March 2019

Mechanism for Submission of Work by Student: via School Office

Date by which Work, Feedback and Marks will be returned to Students: 8 April 2019

Mechanism for return of assignment work, feedback and marks to students: In class lecture.

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Content
No Title Page

1.0 Introduction 3

2.0 Aims 4

3.0 Objectives 4

4.0 Task 1 4-6

4.1 Task 2 7–8

4.2 Task 3 9 – 11

4.3 Task 4 12 – 18

5.0 Conclusion 19

6.0 References 19

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1.0 Introduction

A Wheatstone bridge is combination of four resistor to give a zero Eth signal. It convert
resistance into signal. Wheatstone bridge aims to eliminate DC without offset. The
Wheatstone bridge still be used to measure very low resistance value although multi-meter
can provide the function. The Wheatstone Bridge circuit is operate by more than two simple
series-parallel arrangements of resistances connected between a voltage supply terminal
and ground producing zero voltage difference between the two parallel branches when
balanced. A Wheatstone bridge circuit has two input terminals and two output terminals
consisting of four resistors configured in a polygon like arrangement as shown below.

Figure 1: Wheatstone bridge circuit

For this bridge balanced condition voltage at points C and D must be equal. Hence, no
current flows through the galvanometer. For getting the balanced condition one of the
resistors must be variable. (Electronic tutorial, “Wheatstone bridge")

MATLAB is a fourth-generation programming language and numerical analysis

environment. MATLAB had been widely used in different areas, include matrix
calculations, developing and running algorithms, creating user interfaces (UI) and data
visualization. ("What Is MATLAB? - Definition From Whatis.Com")

Simulink is a data flow programming language that uses graphics for modeling,
simulating and multi-domain dynamic system analysis. It is integrated with MATLAB and
both softwares are developed by Mathworks. The software enables the user to apply
algorithms from MATLAB into models and export the results from simulation into
MATLAB to be further analysed. (Powerlab.ee)
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2.0 Aims
To study and able to design Wheatstone bridge circuit and use MATLAB and Simulink for
data analysis.

3.0 Objectives
1. To determine the curve of resistance of NTC temperature sensor with absolute
temperature experimentally.
2. To establish the relationship of bridge ratio and Eth signal.
3. To obtain the response of the system and analyse on the characteristics of the circuit
by using Matlab and Simulink.

4.0 Task 1

The resistance of a NTC temperature sensor is defined by

 
RT  K exp  
. T 

varies non-linearly with absolute temperature where RT is resistance (), K= 0.1844 ,

 =3338K-1 and T is the temperature (K).
1) Setup experiment to measure the resistance of the NTC for a range of 30oC to 60oC
in the interval of 3 oC as follows:
Using Matlab, plot the graph of both measured and calculated resistances and
compare the result.

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Data & Results

Temp (K) Measured Resistance () Calculated Resistance ()
303 7850 11244.49
306 6980 10075.37
309 6340 9062.87
312 5670 8168.74
315 4940 7377.41
318 4470 6675.55
321 4100 6051.77
324 3430 5496.25
327 3130 5000.55
330 2760 4557.38
333 2540 4160.44
Table 1: Measurement and calculated resistance at each 3K interval of temperature

Data presentation using Matlab

Figure 2: Coding of Resistance against Temperature graph in Matlab

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Figure 3: Graph of R against T

Comments:
NTC thermistors are resistors with a negative temperature coefficient, which means
that the resistance decreases with increasing temperature as proven by the data.
Thermistors are characterised by their base resistance and their B value. The B value is a
fixed material constant that describes the shape of the slope of the resistive curve over
temperature (R/T).
As showed in the graph plot, the measured values has hysteresis with linear line. The
practical results of measured resistance are slightly lower than calculated resistance from
the equation RT = K exp(B/T). This is due to self-heating effects of Thermistor which
means extremely high operating currents has passed it. More heat is created than that can
be quickly dissipated from the thermistor and as temperature increases, resistance
decreases. Hence, the NTC thermistor is hot due to self-heating up and not by the external
temperature being measured. That is the reason of the measured resistance is slightly lower
than calculated. To avoid this, connecting an NTC thermistor in series with a load is
possible to effectively limit the high inrush currents.
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4.1 Task 2
Design a measurement system using Wheatstone bridge which will give the maximum
output voltage of 5V at the FSD of measured temperature. Determine the appropriate gain
needed.

Figure 4: Wheatstone bridge circuit with differential amplifier

At Min temperature (303K), NTC Resistance = 7850

At Max temperature (333K), NTC Resistance = 2540
The Variable resistor is set at 9.25k which is slightly same with NTC resistance at room
temperature.
𝑅4 𝑅3 = 𝑅4 𝑅1
𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜, 𝑟 = 𝑋60° =
𝑅1𝐵 𝑅 𝑅1𝐵
𝑋30° = 𝑅 1
10𝑘 1𝐵
2540
= 7850 =
9.25𝑘 = 9250
= 1.08 9250 𝑋60° = 0.27
𝑋30° = 0.85

𝑉𝑠
𝐺𝑎𝑖𝑛 =
𝐸𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 60°
5
=
1.44
= 3.47
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Using superposition theorem by connecting each input to the ground, the ratio of resistor
of op amp can be solved.
If Vb though Rin2 = 0, If Va through Rin1 = 0,
R f1 R f2
Gain = Gain =
R in1 R in2

Assumed Rf be 1k Ω,
1k 1k
3.47 = 3.47 =
𝑅𝑖𝑛1 𝑅𝑖𝑛2
𝑅𝑖𝑛1 = 288Ω 𝑅𝑖𝑛2 = 288Ω

Comments
Wheatstone bridge is a two series-parallel arrangement of resistors connected between
supply terminal and ground. When the bridge is balanced, the voltage between the parallel
branch resistors is 0 volts.

For the experiment, FSD of measured temperature is to amplify. The starting

temperature which is 300C should be balance which produce 0 Eth. The upper side of two
resistors are designed as 10k ohm and the variable resistor’s value is adjusted until balanced
with NTC at starting temperature. Bridge ratio, r is set as 1.08 due to unstable resistance
controlled during lab and the X is depend on the changing resistance of NTC sensor.

The differential amplifier is used to amplify Eth taken from Wheatstone bridge by
adding resistors in parallel with feedback resistor, Rf and input resistor, Rin connected to
negative terminal of op amp. The ratio of Vout produced by op amp, 5V and the Vin taken
from Wheatstone bridge at 600C, 1.44V is the gain required by op-amp. The resultant
circuit can be made to either “+” or “-” the voltages applied to their respective inputs. By
connecting each input of op-amp in turn to 0v ground, Superposition theorem can be used
to solve for the output voltage, Vout. Then the output expression would simply
be Vout = V2 – V1 and when one of the supply is 0V, the design parameter of Rf and the
Rin of op amp can be determined to produce gain.

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4.2 Task 3
Construct the circuit on the breadboard to verify your design.

Data & Results

Temp Measured Signal Amplified signal Calculated Signal
(K) (mV) (mV) (Gain = 3.47) (mV)
303 0 0 -226
306 -162 -562.14 -369.6
309 -374 -1297.78 -484
312 -554 -1922.38 -615.8
315 -638 -2213.86 -771.7
318 -925 -3209.75 -880.42
321 -980 -3400.6 -971
324 -1122 -3893.34 -1148
327 -1250 -4337.5 -1233
330 -1350 -4684.5 -1343
333 -1440 -5 -1412
Table 2: Measured and calculated signal at each interval of temperature

Formula of calculating the Eth signal,

 
 R1 R2   1 1 
Eth  Vs     V   
 R1  R4 R2  R3 
s
1  R4 1  R3 
 R1 R2 

Vs = 5V
R1b (balanced) = 9.25k
R2 (Variable resistor) = 9.45k
R3 = 10k
R4 = 10k

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Data presentation using Matlab

Figure 5: Coding of plot graph of Eth signal against temperature

Figure 6: Graph of Eth signal against temperature

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Comments
To obtain the Eth signal from the Wheatstone bridge, resistance of NTC sensor is to be
measured first.

 
 R1 R2   1 1 
Eth  Vs     Vs  R  
 1
R  R4 R2  R3  1 4
1 
R3
 R1 R2 
As shown in the equation above, the calculated result depends only on the set of
resistors. Those are passive components so it is easier to define their own precision. But
during the laboratory session, actual value obtain from the bridge is affected by stability of
NTC thermistor resistance value and losses in the components. Hence, the calculated Eth
signal shows difference compared to measurement Eth signal especially at 321K,
maximum deviation occurs.

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4.3 Task 4
Using Arduino UNO, design a system to read the actual temperature and display the
temperature on Simulink in the range between 30 and 60OC. What is the resolution and
maximum deviation of the measurement?
Data & Results

Figure 7: System on Simulink at 30OC

Figure 8: System on Simulink at 33OC

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Figure 9: System on Simulink at 36OC

Figure 10: System on Simulink at 39OC

Figure 11: System on Simulink at 42OC

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Figure 12: System on Simulink at 45OC

Figure 13: System on Simulink at 48OC

Figure 14: System on Simulink at 51OC

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Figure 15: System on Simulink at 54OC

Figure 16: System on Simulink at 57OC

Figure 17: System on Simulink at 60OC

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Figure 18: Constant value for reading temperature

Temp Measured Signal Simulink Difference between Simulink

(K) (mV) signal (mV) and amplified signal (mV)
303 0 0 0
306 -162 -171.84 9.84
309 -374 -312.69 61.31
312 -554 -478.90 75.1
315 -638 -592.99 45.01
318 -925 -745.11 179.89
321 -980 -890.19 89.81
324 -1122 -1040.91 81.09
327 -1250 -1191.61 58.39
330 -1350 -1325.42 24.58
333 -1440 -1440.92 0.92
Table 3: Simulink simulation results

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Data analysis

FSD = 60OC
𝑉𝑟𝑒𝑓
Resolution = 2𝑛−1
5
= 210 −1
5
= 1023

= 4.88mV/bit

Maximum deviation for Simulink and measured signal is at 45OC (318K) as the difference
is biggest showed in table 3.

Theoretical calculation of deviation,

𝑅4 𝑅3 = 𝑅4 𝑋60 = 𝑅 1
𝑅
𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜, 𝑟 = 1𝐵
𝑅1𝐵 𝑅1
𝑋45 = 𝑅 2540
10𝑘 1𝐵
=
= 4470 9250
9.25𝑘 =
9250 𝑋60 = 0.27
= 1.08
𝑋45 = 0.48

𝑋60 1
𝐸𝑡ℎ60 = 𝑉𝑠 [ − ]
𝑋60 + 𝑟 1 + 𝑟

0.27 1
= 5[ − ]
0.27 + 1.08 1 + 1.08

= 1.40V

𝑋45 1
𝐸𝑡ℎ45 = 𝑉𝑠 [ − ]
𝑋45 + 𝑟 1 + 𝑟

0.48 1
= 5[ − ]
0.48 + 1.08 1 + 1.08

= 0.865V

𝐸𝑡ℎ45 0.865
=
𝐸ℎ60 1.40

= 0.618
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Maximum deviation,
0.618−0.5
D= 0.5

= 0.236
D = (0.236)(45) = 10.64

Comments
The system is designed in 30OC - 60OC temperature range and the output gain is 0 - 5V
at FSD. Hence, 5V input that convert to 1023 bits in Simulink is given a constant =
0.0293255 that can sum up with 30 offset and get the results of 60OC. The constant
0.0293255 is assume to be the constant of a linear slope of ideal signal varying as
temperature increasing.
Resolution is the degree to which a change can be theoretically detected, usually
expressed as a number of bits. This relates the number of bits of resolution to the actual
voltage measurements. In order to determine the resolution of the system, a Wheatstone
bridge and op-amp system capable of making measurements 0 - 5 V range is build. Next,
the smallest possible increment that can detect is set at 10 bits. That is, 210 – 1 = 1023.
Therefore, from formula Vref / 2n – 1, the smallest theoretical change can detect is
4.88mV/bit.

The maximum deviation is the maximum difference between the linear data and actual
data. For the temperature with range of 30 and 60OC, the maximum deviation is the
midpoint point, 45OC. Hence, ratio between signal of maximum point, 60OC and the point
of 45OC which is 0.618 will be the maximum deviation to be find. This is the actual value
of the data. A linear line graph should be 0.5 ratio and the percentage difference between
actual and linear line will be 0.236(23.6%). Hence, by multiply temperature of 45OC where
deviation occur, will get 10.64.

Temperature reading by Simulink is not exactly the same as data recorded because the
ways of temperature recorded in Simulink is assumed to be linear varying but the practical
data is non-linear. The amplified signal input to Arduino which link to Simulink will have
difference with designed Gain, 3.47 at previous task. This is due to unstable resistance and
self-heating effect of NTC due to difficulty of controlling temperature variable. Also the
voltage losses along the op amp circuit and components internal losses.
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5.0 Conclusion

Throughout the lab experiment, a Wheatstone bridge system is designed by using the
NTC sensor and resistor set up in parallel position. The ways of set up a Wheatstone bridge
and skills of manipulating the Eth signal by using bridge ratio, r and x are be learnt from
the lab. Moreover, the lab provided a control of the gain of Eth signal from Wheatstone
bridge by using op-amp circuit. Although some error existed in this lab, the results still
reflect the relationships and operation of the Wheatstone bridge sufficiently.

Besides, MATLAB has shown the data presentation of Temperature and resistance and
Eth signal. The characteristics of the circuit as relationship between ratio and sensitivity of
Wheatstone ridge and Eth signal are analyzed. Resolution and maximum deviation are also
shown by using Simulink and Arduino.

6.0 References

1. Electronic tutorial, “Wheatstone bridge” [online]

Available at: http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/blog/wheatstone-bridge.html,
[Accessed 17 March 2019]

2. "What Is MATLAB? - Definition From Whatis.Com." WhatIs.com. N.p., 2017.

[online] Available at: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/MATLAB,
[Accessed17 March 2019].

3. Powerlab.ee (2018) Matlab / Simulink [online]

Available at: http://www.powerlab.ee.ncku.edu.tw/powersim/aps_chap2.pdf
[Accessed 17 March 2019].

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EN0564 Analogue & Instrumentation Workshop Marking Rubric

Tasks Marks Given / Remarks
Introduction
Aim & Objectives

Task 1

Measurement and data presentation using Matlab

[2 marks]

Comparison to theoretical calculation [2 marks]

Task 2

Circuit layout [2 marks]

Supporting gain calculation with comment [2 marks]

Task 3

Measurement and data presentation using Matlab with

comments
[2 marks]

Task 4

Measurement setup using Arduino and Simulink

[3 marks]

Resolution and maximum deviation calculations with

comments [2 marks]

Total /15

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