Lecture 1

Measurements:

Is the process of comparing an unknown quantity (the measurand) with a known quantity.
Metrology:

Is the science of measurement.

Instruments

An instrument is a device in which we can determine the magnitude or value of the quantity to be
measured. The measuring quantity can be voltage, current, power etc.
Measurand:

The physical variable being measured by a measuring system is called the measurend.
Indicating instrument:

This instrument uses a pointer to determine the value of measuring quantity. The pointer
indication gives the magnitude of measuring quantity.
Recording instrument:

This type of instrument records the magnitude of the quantity to be measured continuously over
a specified period of time.
Integrating instrument:

This type of instrument gives the total amount of the quantity to be measured over a specified
period.

Methods of measurements
1) Direct method :
In these methods, the unkown quatity is directly compared against a standard. The result is
expressed as a numerical value and a unit.
2) Indirect method
In engineering applications measurement systems are used.
 Fig 1-1 a measurement system

Process: A system which generates information e.g a human heart.

Observer: A person that needs the information e.g nurse.

Measurement system:

A system that measures information carrying quantities, process them and present them to the
observer.

Elements of a measurement system:

Transducer:

The transducer converts a nonelectrical signal into an electrical signal. Therefore a transducer is
only required if the quantity to be measured is nonelectrical e.g pressure.
Signal processing:

The signal processing is required to modify the incoming electrical signal to make it suitable for
application to signal transmission. The signal may need to be amplified until it is of sufficient
amplitude. Other type of signal processing might be voltage divider which are designed to reduce
the amount of signal applied to the signal transmission.
Signal transmission:

When elements of an instrument are physically separated, it becomes necessary to transmit data
from one to another. The element that perform this function is called a signal transmission element.
For example, space-craft are physically separated from the earth where the control stations guiding
their movements are located. Therefore control signals are sent from these stations to space-craft
using radio signals.
Indicating device:

The indicating device is generally a deflection type meter as voltmeter, resistance, temperature or
any other quantity.
Fig 1-2 elements of measurement system
Scientific Notation and Metric Prefixes