Data Acquisition and Processing

Specific basic knowledge is not recommended.

This course presents fundamental concepts and their practical application in configuring data acquisition systems and developing applications in LabVIEW. The methodologies adopted prioritize active, problem-solving-oriented learning, promoting student autonomy and analytical skills.

1. Presentation and Demonstration

Presentation of fundamental concepts, complemented by demonstrations of equipment, acquisition systems, and application examples in the field of Mechanical Engineering.

2. Practice-Based Learning

Execution of exercises and practical activities in configuring data acquisition, processing, and visualization systems, using LabVIEW software and, whenever possible, with the support of instrumentation equipment.

3. Problem Solving and Critical Analysis

Proposal of problems and challenges that allow students to apply acquired knowledge, analyze different solutions, and critically interpret the results obtained.

4. Application Development

Progressive development of applications in LabVIEW, promoting autonomy, creativity, and the ability to integrate knowledge in solving data acquisition and processing problems.

5. Integrative Project

Performing experimental activities, individually and in groups, involving the acquisition, processing, and storage of signals from sensors and transducers-execution of an Integrative Project.

The Data Acquisition and Processing course aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills in measuring, acquiring, processing, and analyzing experimental data in Mechanical Engineering. Appropriate use of measurement and data acquisition systems, combined with virtual instrumentation tools, is an important competence for monitoring and analyzing engineering systems and processes, enabling the transformation of sensor and transducer signals into useful information for evaluating system behavior.

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

1. Understand and apply the principles of process monitoring and control, recognizing the function of measurement and data acquisition systems in Mechanical Engineering;

2. Understand the principles and methods of signal acquisition, conditioning, digitization, transfer, and processing, considering performance parameters such as accuracy and acquisition speed;

3. Configure and use data acquisition systems, selecting and appropriately integrating hardware, software, analog and digital inputs and outputs, and different types of sensors and transducers;

4. Develop LabVIEW applications, using the concept of virtual instrumentation, for the acquisition, processing, visualization, and storage of experimental data;

5. Plan and carry out signal acquisition and processing work, critically analyzing the results and communicating them clearly and with technical justification;

6. Work in a team, demonstrating autonomy, responsibility, and technical communication skills in carrying out activities and developing data acquisition applications.

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.

This course adopts Continuous Assessment as the preferred method of evaluation and passing.

Students who do not meet the requirements for passing through Continuous Assessment may take a Final Exam during the periods specified in the exam calendar.

A. Continuous Assessment

Continuous Assessment includes the following assessment elements:

A1. Written Test - 20%

A2. Integrative Project - 75%**

A3. Participation, motivation, and critical attitude in class - 5%

The final grade is calculated by applying the weightings indicated above to the three assessment elements.

A1. Written Test (20%)

The Written Test is intended to assess the knowledge and skills associated with the theoretical-practical component of the course unit. The Test will be held in the penultimate week of classes, on a date to be communicated to students, and is mandatory.

During the Test, consultation of texts or other support materials is not permitted, nor is the use of electronic tools, including those based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The grade obtained in the Written Test corresponds to 20% of the final grade for the Course Unit.

A2. Integrative Project (75%)

The Integrative Project is a structuring element of the course unit. Therefore, its evaluation constitutes the main element. The students' ability to apply, in an integrated way, the knowledge and skills developed throughout the Course Unit will be evaluated, namely through the use of LabVIEW software in the implementation of a project.

The evaluation of the Integrative Project comprises two moments:

A2.1. Intermediate presentation and discussion - 15% of A2

A2.2. Final presentation and discussion - 85% of A2

A2.1. Intermediate presentation and discussion of the Integrative Project (15% of A2)

Between weeks 7 and 10 of classes, an intermediate presentation of the development of the Integrative Project will be held. The presentation date will be communicated to students at least two weeks in advance.

The presentation will have a maximum duration of 3 minutes and will be based on LabVIEW software, highlighting the project's development status and the main results achieved up to that point.

Following the presentation, a discussion will be held with the instructors to assess the students' mastery of the content, the options adopted in the project's development, and the ability to justify the decisions made.

A2.2. Final Presentation and Discussion of the Integrative Project (85% of A2)

The final presentation and discussion of the Integrative Project will take place in the last week of classes, as part of the course unit's teaching activities.

The presentation will have a maximum duration of 5 minutes and, like the intermediate presentation, will be based on LabVIEW software, and should include a presentation of the work developed, the main results obtained, and the respective conclusions.

Following the presentation, a discussion will be held with the instructors to assess the students' mastery of the content, their ability to interpret and analyze the results, and the rationale behind the choices made in developing the project.

Note: Use of Artificial Intelligence tools

The use of Artificial Intelligence tools is permitted in the research, analysis, development, and support of the Integrative Project. However, using these tools does not exempt students from responsibility for the content and solutions presented; they must demonstrate understanding, validation capacity, and justification of the methods, results, and solutions developed.

A3. Participation, motivation, and critical attitude in class (5%)

This assessment element is based on the monitoring records made by the instructors throughout the semester. Specifically, the following will be considered: participation in the proposed activities; involvement and motivation in teaching activities; capacity for reflection and critical analysis; and the ability to intervene in class discussions with reasoned arguments.

Requirements for Passing Through Continuous Assessment

Passing the course unit through continuous Assessment is conditional upon the cumulative fulfillment of the following requirements:

1. Attendance

Students may miss a maximum of two laboratory classes.

The attendance requirement does not apply to students covered by the worker-student status or a legally equivalent status, provided that their situation is communicated to the course unit instructors by the end of the second week of classes.

The Assessment of students covered by these statuses uses the same criteria and parameters as for other students.

Exceptionally, these students may complete the integrative project in phases throughout the semester, provided they express this intention to the instructors.

NAO