Automation in Environmental Engineering Lecture Notes 2
Automation in Environmental Engineering Lecture Notes 2
Engineering
Signals
Signal is a variable that conveys the value
of a parameter (information) between the
elements of a system
Signal
Pulse
Discrete
Analogue signals
Analogue signals are continuous in nature
Analogue signals may vary over some finite
range and may have any value within that
range (determined by a physical
phenomenon)
Most process signals are analogue
Discrete signals
Discrete signals have two or more states.
At any point in time, may only exist as one
or other of those states
Discrete signals are used to convey status
information such as auto/manual, on/off,
open/closed, running/stopped
Analogue vs digital
Pulse signals
Pulse signals consist of trains of pulses, each
pulse being equivalent to a fleeting discrete
signal.
Pulse signals are typically associated with rotary
devices such as turbine meters or agitator shafts
A known number of electrical pulses are generated
with each revolution. Counting of the pulses with
respect to time yields an average shaft speed
Signal interpretation
Knowledge of the behaviour or calibration
of the elements and of the nature of the
signal is necessary to determine the value
of the parameter being transmitted
Determine temperature reading assuming
linear calibration (see diagram below)
Signal interpretation
Analogue signals have a non-zero lower
limit to their range to enable zero valued
signals to be distinguished from faulty
ones (4 20 mA signal while 0 mA = fault)
Linearization - example