Author: John Mulindi
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Distortion Meter: Function, Components & Controls
The Function of a Distortion Meter A distortion meter is used to measure the total harmonic distortion content in an input waveform. The rms level of the distortion is usually measured as a percentage of the rms level of the complete waveform. Alternatively, a decibel measurement may be employed. A sine wave input to an…
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How to Calibrate a DC Ammeter using a Potentiometer
We can calibrate a dc ammeter by connecting it in series with a precision resistor/standard resistor, and accurately measuring the resistor voltage drop. The level of ammeter current is determined by dividing the resistor voltage drop by its resistance value. When the resistor value is known precisely, and the voltage drop is measured by a…
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Fundamentals of Fiber Optics Sensing Technology
Fiber optics sensors basically consist of an optical source that is coupled to an optical transmission line that directs the radiation to a sensor head as illustrated below: The light is then returned after being modified in some way by the sensor interaction, via the optical fiber, in either a reflective or transmission mode, to…
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Wave Analyzers: Function, Types & Applications
The Function of a Wave Analyzer Generally, a periodic waveform can be represented as a sum of a dc component and a series of sinusoidal harmonics. The analysis of a waveform entails the determination of the values of amplitude, frequency and at times the phase angle of the harmonic components. A wave analyzer is an…
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Sheet Thickness Control System: Configuration & Operation
The Structure of Sheet Thickness Control System A typical process control system that may be used to control the thickness of sheet produced by rollers is illustrated in the diagram below: A block diagram of sheet thickness control system describing the above system is shown below: Operation of Sheet Thickness Control System The thickness of…
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Power Measurement in Fiber Optics, How it is Done
Optical Power The basic unit of measurement in fiber optics is the light power. Just like electric power, optic power is measured in watts. For light, the total energy Q is given by: Q = NQp Where Qp is the energy of a single photon and N is the number of photons, therefore: The Power…
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The Role Played by IIoT in Modern Manufacturing Systems
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) serves as the pillar and the basis for all smart manufacturing or industrial 4.0 solutions. At the basic level, IIoT works as a type of middleware by offering a communication support between devices, controllers, sensors, machines, information systems, databases and people. In this way IIoT ensures smart manufacturing objectives are…
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What is an Integrated Circuit (IC)?
An integrated circuit (IC) is a circuit in which components such as diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, and so forth are automatically made part of a small semiconductor chip. In other words, an IC is a complete electronic circuit in which both active and passive components are assembled on a small chip of silicon. When we…
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The Problems Associated with Embedded Power Generation
The rate of the development of energy sources that are alternatives to hydrocarbons is happening at a greater pace than any other time before; this is mainly because of the environmental reasons i.e. the limitation of carbon dioxide emissions and for the longer-term sustainability of energy supplies. The role played by such alternative energy sources…
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Impeller Flowmeters: Features, Installation Considerations & Uses
Impeller flowmeters at times referred to as paddlewheel meters are one of the frequently utilized flowmeters for industrial flow measurement applications. Impeller flowmeters are cost effective compared to turbine meters and can be used in applications that are challenging to handle with other types of flow metering instruments. They are related to turbine meters in…