Microprocessor Based Instrumentation

Objectives
To introduce and apply the knowledge of microprocessor, A/D, D/A converter to design instrumentation system. Also to provide the concept on interfacing with microprocessor based system and circuit design techniques.

1. Interfacing Concept (4 hours)
1.1. Types of interfacing
1.2. Address decoding
1.3. Input/Output registers
1.4. PC Interfacing techniques

2. Methods of parallel data transfer (8 hours)
2.1. Simple input and output
2.2. Single Handshake I/O
2.3. Double Handshake I/O
2.4. 8255 and interface devices, block diagram, internal structures, and modes of initialization, and interfacing to a microprocessor
2.5. Microcomputer on instrumentation design
2.6. Interrupt driven data transfer

3. Interfacing A/D and D/A Converters (8 hours)
3.1. Introduction
3.2. General terms involved in A/D and D/A converters
3.3. Functional block diagram of 8-bit and 12-bit A/D and D/A converters
3.4. Selection of A/D and D/A converters based on design requirements

4. Serial and Parallel Data Communication (8 hours)
4.1. Synchronous and Asynchronous data communication
4.2. Parity and Baud rates
4.3. Serial Interface Device
4.4. RS-232 serial data standard and interface
4.5. Simplex, half duplex and full duplex operation using RS-232 port
4.6. Connection to printer and zero modem

5. Transmission and telemetry of data (5 hours)
5.1. Analog and Digital Transmission
5.2. Transmission schemes
5.2.1. Electrical carrier
5.2.2. Fiber optic
5.2.3. Satellite
5.3. Data loggers

6. Circuit Design and Layout (4 hours)
6.1. Converting requirements into design
6.2. Reliability, fault tolerance, and high speed design
6.3. Impedance matching
6.4. Standard data bus and networks
6.5. Reset and power failure detection
6.6. Redundant Architecture
6.7. Timing

7. Grounding and shielding (4 hours)
7.1. Outline for grounding and shielding
7.2. Single point grounding and grouped loop
7.3. Noise, noise coupling mechanism and prevention
7.4. Filtering and smoothing
7.5. Different kinds of shielding mechanism
7.6. Protecting against electrostatic discharge
7.7. Line filters, isolators and transient suppressors

8. Software for instrumentation and control applications (4 hours)
8.1. Types of software, selection and purchase
8.2. Software models and their limitations
8.3. Software reliability
8.4. Fault tolerance
8.5. Software bugs and testing

Laboratory Exercises :
The laboratory exercises deal with 8-bit or 12-bit A/D and D/A converters and communication with PC to PC using RS-232 port. There will be six exercises related with instrumentation.
1. Assembly language program
2. Simple data transfer using PPI
3. Handshake transfer using PPI
4. Interfacing of A/D converter using PPI
5. Interfacing of A/D converter using RS232 port
6. Interfacing of A/D converter using Printer port
7. Demonstration of other interfacing techniques and devices
8. Group project based on interfacing techniques and instrumentation

References:
1. D.V. Hall, “Microprocessor and Interfacing programming and hardware
2. K.R. Fowler, “Electronic Instrument Design”
3. E.O. Duebelin, “Measurement system application and design”
4. Linear circuit data book dealing with A/D and D/A converters