Data Acquisition and Processing

Specific basic knowledge is not recommended.

The course comprises theoretical, practical, and laboratory classes, utilising a combination of different teaching methodologies to foster active, diverse, and student-centred learning. These include:

1. Theoretical Presentation and Demonstration

To introduce fundamental concepts and visualize examples;

2. Practice-Based Learning

With extensive use of LabVIEW software with practical examples;

3. Discussion and Critical Reflection

Utilising opportunities for debate, exchange of ideas, and collaborative identification of solutions in the classroom;

4. Group Work and Final Project

With laboratory activities to be carried out individually and in groups and development of project.

5. Stimulating Creativity and Innovation

With challenges to explore different approaches and generate original solutions.

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Explain and apply the principles of process monitoring and control, recognising the importance of measurement systems in Mechanical Engineering.

2. Understand the importance of experimental methods in solving problems in mechanical engineering;

3. Develop applications in LabVIEW instrumentation software, specifically in data acquisition, processing, and visualisation, using virtual instrumentation. 

4. Demonstrate knowledge of configuring and evaluating data acquisition systems, including hardware, software, signal conditioning, transfer and treatment, considering performance parameters such as accuracy and speed;

5. Work collaboratively in a team, presenting results accurately, demonstrating autonomy, responsibility, and technical communication skills.

1. Introduction. Process monitoring. Control of operations and processes. Functional description of measurement systems.

2. Hardware and software configuration. Analog inputs / outputs. Digital inputs / outputs. Counters.

Applications. Signal conditioning. Digitalization. Measurement fields. Types of entries. Acquisition methods.

Acquisition speed. Accuracy. Transfer methods.

3. Introduction to LabVIEW: virtual instrumentation (VI). Conditional cycles. Graphical representations. Vectors and Matrices. Text files. Data acquisition.

4. Development of practical works regarding acquisition, processing and storage of electrical transducer signals.

The course is designed to assess and approve students through Continuous Assessment.

Students who do not meet the requirements for approval through Continuous Assessment may take a Final Exam. 

A. Continuous Assessment

Continuous assessment is the recommended method of assessment for this course. It incorporates the following assessment elements.

A1. Written Test (20%)

The written Test will assess the theoretical and practical components of the course. It will be administered during the penultimate week of classes and does not permit the use of supporting texts or electronic tools, including AI tools. It is mandatory and accounts for 20% of the final assessment. A grade of 5/20 or higher on this assessment element is required.

A2. Practical Work Assessment (75%)

The completion of the course's practical work will be assessed based on the presentation and mid-term discussion of its development, as well as the final presentation and discussion.

Midterm Presentation and Defence of the Work (15% of A2)

During the course, in one of the classes between weeks 7 and 10, there will be a midterm presentation of the work in progress. The presentation date will be communicated to students at least two weeks before the event. The presentation will be 3 minutes long and will be supported by the use of the software used in the course (LabVIEW). A discussion will follow in front of the faculty.

Final Presentation and Defence of the Practical Work (85% of A2)

The final presentation and discussion of the work will take place during the last week of classes, during the course. The presentation will be 5 minutes long and will be supported by the use of the software used in the course (LabVIEW). A discussion will follow in front of the faculty. 

A3. Participation, Motivation, and Critical Attitude in Class (5%)

This assessment element is based on the faculty's monitoring records. 

Requirements for passing the course through continuous assessment

1. Attendance

Students may miss a maximum of two laboratory classes.

This attendance requirement does not apply to students with student-worker status or equivalent (to be assessed), who must notify the course instructors of their status by the second week of classes. The knowledge assessment for these students follows the same parameters as for other students, and experimental work is exceptionally permitted throughout the semester, provided they express this intention within the first three weeks of classes.

2. Minimum A1 Assessment

A grade of 5/20 or higher in the A1 assessment element is required. 

3. Practical Work

The course assessment through continuous assessment is based on the completion of a practical assignment. Therefore, only students who complete the assignment can pass the continuous assessment.

B. Final Exam Assessment

Students who do not cumulatively meet the continuous assessment requirements may take an exam at the times specified in the exam calendar. The exam includes a written component where the use of supporting texts or electronic tools and AI is not permitted.

NAO