Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation from Udemy

In this course you will learn the Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation - you will learn about the different types of devices, sensors, and circuits used in this field.

Instrumentation is the vital ingredient that enables the process control systems of buildings and factories to run smoothly. Within these process control systems are numerous instrumentation devices that take measurements and perform operations which are transmitted and received via electrical circuits - in other words along the wires that they are connected to.

It takes a skilful person to know how these electrical circuits work and how the wiring must be connected. That's where you come in.

After completing this course, you will know how to wire up digital (discrete) & analog instrumentation devices and understand how the electrical circuits connected to them work.

Electrical instrumentation devices come in many forms, the four types that we will focus on in this course are:

-Digital (discrete) Inputs

-Digital (discrete) Outputs

-Analog Inputs

-Analog Outputs

In the course we will start off by looking at Digital Inputs, we will learn about what digital input devices are used for and learn how to connect them to a controller in sink and source configuration. Connecting a push button and a proximity sensor as digital input devices will be demonstrated.

Digital Outputs are covered next, we learn how to connect a solenoid actuated water valve as an output device and also look at sink and source wiring configurations.

About halfway through the course we put what we've learnt to the test by surfing the net and studying some various wiring diagrams of instrumentation & plc circuits.

When we get to Analog Inputs, we hone in on the basic fundamentals of analog circuits such as the 0-10volt and 4-20ma circuits. We then discuss 2, 3, 4 and 5 wire transmitters and round out the chapter by demonstrating a temperature sensor connected in a loop as an input device. WARNING - there may be a little maths involved (just a little).

An Analog Output circuit is demonstrated next by using a variable frequency drive as our output device, we get to see what happens to a motor connected to the drive when the analog signal is changed.

To finish off we study a controller as it would look in a real installation with various inputs and outputs connected to it.

So if you are ready to boost your electrical control skills by learning the fundamentals of instrumentation I'll see you in the course.

But don't forget your pen and paper as there will be some fun exercises along the way.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Instrumentation wiring & operation
Digital (discrete) inputs - learn digital input circuits, learn how to wire contact and transistor input devices in sink & source configuration
Digital (discrete) outputs - learn digital output circuits, learn how to wire output devices such as a solenoid actuated valve, learn sink & source output wiring configuration

Analog inputs - learn 0-10volt and 4-20ma input circuits, learn how to connect a loop powered analog input device
Analog outputs - learn 0-10volt and 4-20ma output circuits, learn how to connect a current output to a variable frequency drive

Instrumentation wiring & operation
Digital (discrete) inputs - learn digital input circuits, learn how to wire contact and transistor input devices in sink & source configuration
Digital (discrete) outputs - learn digital output circuits, learn how to wire output devices such as a solenoid actuated valve, learn sink & source output wiring configuration
Analog inputs - learn 0-10volt and 4-20ma input circuits, learn how to connect a loop powered analog input device
Analog outputs - learn 0-10volt and 4-20ma output circuits, learn how to connect a current output to a variable frequency drive

Syllabus

Introduction

digital inputs

basic circuit operation

sink & source

PNP & NPN

exercise

digital input - wiring

proximity sensor - wiring

proximity sensor

extra information

digital outputs

digital output - wiring

circuit variations

alternative power supply

surfing the net!

surfing the net #1

surfing the net #2

surfing the net #3

try it yourself!

analog inputs

analog inputs - introduction

basic circuit operation & circuit variations

ground, differential and single ended wiring

analog input - wiring

analog outputs

analog outputs - introduction

adding grunt!

basic circuit operation & adding grunt!

analog output - wiring

putting it all together

an installation at a glance

digital input & digital output

analog input & analog output

modular controller example

modular controller quiz

modular controller - digital input

modular controller - digital output

modular controller - analog input

modular controller - analog output

outro

congratulations!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches instrumentation wiring & operation, which is used in process control systems of buildings and factories

Suitable for learners who want to learn the fundamentals of instrumentation

Focuses on wiring digital (discrete) & analog instrumentation devices

Provides hands-on demonstrations of wiring digital input and output devices

Provides practice exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning

Suitable for learners with some prior knowledge of electrical circuits

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation with these activities:

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Improve your retention and recall of course content by organizing and reviewing your notes and materials regularly.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, and handouts
Organize materials by topic or module
Review materials regularly, focusing on key concepts and definitions
Highlight or annotate important sections

Review Basic Electrical Concepts

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Refresh your memory and strengthen your foundation in basic electrical principles to enhance your understanding of instrumentation wiring.

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Review Ohm's Law and other fundamental electrical equations
Study the behavior of resistors, capacitors, and inductors in electrical circuits
Analyze simple series and parallel circuits

Explore Online Tutorials on Instrumentation Wiring

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Supplement your course learning with additional resources by exploring online tutorials on instrumentation wiring.

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Search for reputable websites or platforms offering tutorials on electrical instrumentation wiring
Identify tutorials that align with your learning objectives and skill level
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and experimenting with the concepts covered
Apply what you learn to your coursework and practical exercises

Four other activities

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Engage in Peer Discussions on Instrumentation Wiring

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Enhance your understanding through peer collaboration by engaging in discussions on instrumentation wiring.

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Connect with classmates or other students taking the course
Organize regular study sessions or discussion groups
Discuss and share knowledge on various aspects of instrumentation wiring
Collaborate on problem-solving and troubleshooting scenarios

Practice Wiring Circuits

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Reinforce your understanding of different wiring circuits commonly used in electrical instrumentation.

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Gather necessary materials (wire, resistors, etc.)
Review the circuit diagram for the specific circuit you want to practice
Assemble the circuit according to the diagram.
Test the circuit using a multimeter or other testing equipment
Troubleshoot any issues that arise

Create a Wiring Diagram

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Solidify your understanding of electrical instrumentation wiring by creating your own wiring diagram.

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Choose a specific instrumentation system or process to focus on
Research and gather information about the components and devices involved
Design the wiring diagram using appropriate software or tools
Review and refine the diagram for accuracy and clarity
Present or share the wiring diagram with others for feedback

Build a Simple Instrumentation System

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Apply your knowledge and skills by building a simple instrumentation system that demonstrates the principles covered in the course.

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Define the purpose and specifications of the instrumentation system
Gather necessary components and materials
Design and assemble the system, following appropriate wiring and safety protocols
Test and calibrate the system to ensure accuracy and functionality
Document the process and findings for future reference

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Instrumentation Technician

The Instrumentation Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing instrumentation devices used in industrial settings. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a solid foundation in the field of instrumentation, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instrumentation Technician

Industrial Electrician

The Industrial Electrician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in industrial settings. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in electrical circuits and wiring, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Electrician

Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain control systems for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and energy. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in the principles of control systems, including digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer

Automation Engineer

Automation Engineers design, develop, and maintain automated systems for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and energy. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in the principles of automation, including digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer

Electrical Maintenance Technician

Electrical Maintenance Technicians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in a variety of settings, including industrial, commercial, and residential. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in electrical circuits and wiring, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Maintenance Technician

Instrument and Control Technician

The Instrument and Control Technician installs, maintains, and repairs instruments and control systems used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in the principles of instrumentation and control, including digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instrument and Control Technician

Process Engineer

Process Engineers design, develop, and maintain processes for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in the principles of process control, including digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Engineer

Power Electronics Engineer

Power Electronics Engineers design, develop, and maintain power electronics systems for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and energy. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in the principles of power electronics, including digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Electronics Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, develop, and maintain robots for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in the principles of robotics, including digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineers design, develop, and maintain mechatronic systems for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in the principles of mechatronics, including digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Electrical Project Engineer

Electrical Project Engineers design, develop, and manage electrical projects for a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and energy. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in the principles of electrical engineering, including digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Project Engineer

Field Service Engineer

Field Service Engineers install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment in a variety of settings, including industrial, commercial, and residential. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in electrical circuits and wiring, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Field Service Engineer

Electrical Designer

Electrical Designers design electrical systems for a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and energy. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in the principles of electrical design, including digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Designer

Electrical Manufacturing Technician

Electrical Manufacturing Technicians assemble, test, and repair electrical products for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and energy. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation will provide a strong foundation in electrical circuits and wiring, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Manufacturing Technician

Quality Assurance Inspector

Quality Assurance Inspectors inspect electrical products to ensure that they meet safety and quality standards. The course in Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation may be useful for this role, as it provides a strong foundation in electrical circuits and wiring. The course covers topics such as digital and analog input and output devices, as well as basic circuit operation, wiring, and troubleshooting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Inspector