Unit 54 Electronic Measurement and Testing

UNIT 54: ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENT AND TESTING
Unit 54:
NQF level 3:
Electronic Measurement and Testing

BTEC National
Guided learning hours: 60
Unit abstract
Practical electronic engineering demands the extensive use of electronic test equipment and measurement techniques. These range from basic measurements of parameters such as voltage, current and resistance to highly sophisticated softwarecontrolled measurements based on advanced mathematical techniques such as Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). This unit will give learners an understanding of a variety of electronic measurement equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, analogue/digital multimeters and oscilloscopes. The unit also examines a range of electronic test equipment such as signal generators, digital counter/frequency meter, alternating current (AC) bridge, logic probe, logic pulser and current tracer. Learners will develop an understanding of the function, features and characteristics of electronic measurement and test equipment. They will also gain practical experience of their use when carrying out electronic testing and measurements in a wide range of electronic engineering applications. This will include selecting, connecting and operating different types of test equipment and applying measurement techniques. Learners will demonstrate that they can apply common testing methods and be able to assess errors inherent in the instruments used. Particular attention is paid to ensure that the test procedure, as well as the test and measurement equipment used is fit-for-purpose and properly calibrated. Learners will be expected to explain the effects of instrument characteristics such as accuracy, display resolution and loading and how these affect the measured quantity. Finally, learners will be introduced to the use of virtual test instruments and software to make measurements and analyse measurement data. They will examine equipment such as a digital storage oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, digital voltmeter, digital frequency meter, arbitrary waveform generator or logic analyser. Learners will be expected to make measurements using virtual instruments and analyse the captured data using appropriate software.
Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Engineering Issue 1 May 2007 Edexcel Limited 2007
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should: 1 2 3 4 Understand the function, features and characteristics of electronic measurement and test equipment Be able to select and use electronic measurement and test equipment to make meaningful measurements on an electronic circuit Understand the principles of calibration and configuration of electronic test equipment Be able to select and use virtual test instruments and software to make measurements and analyse measurement data.
Unit content
Understand the function, features and characteristics of electronic measurement and test equipment Function of equipment: as appropriate to the measurement and test equipment eg accurate measurement of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) voltage and current, resistance, waveform and distortion measurement, accurate measurement of waveform parameters (period, duty cycle, on-time, off-time, rise time, fall time, frequency, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), impedance, logic level) Features of equipment: as appropriate to the measurement and test equipment eg displays and display technology, input and output connectors, attenuators, manual and automatic range selection (auto ranging), in-built calibration facilities, portability, power sources, external bus interfaces Characteristics of equipment: measurement and test equipment specifications eg input impedance, output impedance, resolution, accuracy, distortion, bandwidth, input signal range, output level, sample rate, trigger sources Measurement instruments: meters (voltmeter, ammeter); analogue/digital multimeter; oscilloscope Electronic test equipment: signal generator eg audio frequency (AF), radio frequency (RF) and pulse generators, waveform/function generators; digital counter/frequency meter; AC bridge; logic probe; logic pulser; current tracer
Be able to select and use electronic measurement and test equipment to make meaningful measurements on an electronic circuit Selection of equipment: selection based on instrument specifications, characteristics and limitations eg output, level, input sensitivity, frequency range, accuracy, resolution and distortion Measurement techniques: test-point voltage and waveform measurement; supply voltage and current measurement; power, impedance and phase angle measurement using variable loads; frequency and PRF measurement; rise and fall time measurement; distortion and noise measurement (qualitative only); use of test specifications eg in the case of a variable DC power supply, measurement of the actual output voltage delivered at a specified load current when the power supply has been set to a specified voltage under no-load conditions; in the case of an audio amplifier, measurement of the output power delivered to an externally connected load of specified resistance, using a specified test frequency and waveform, and at a specified level of distortion
Measurements: use of test points, test leads and probes; minimisation of loading effects; use of appropriate instrument ranges; precautions to be taken when measuring high voltages and currents; effect of DC levels on AC signals and waveforms; effect of signals present at DC test points; effect of drift and temperature; need for calibration; relevant test specification and measurement techniques eg sampling, averaging Electronic equipment: industrial/consumer electrical and electronic equipment including low-voltage DC power supplies eg linear, switched-mode types; amplifiers eg AF, RF, small-signal, power; oscillators eg sinusoidal, square wave, crystal controlled; radio equipment eg radio receivers, low-power transmitters and transceivers; digital electronic equipment eg microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers; video equipment eg television and video players/recorders 3 Understand the principles of calibration and configuration of electronic test equipment Calibration principles: procedures eg check, adjust, systematically standardise measuring instrument, set-up arrangement; reference standards eg Weston cadmium standard cell, standard resistors, standard inductor; theory eg accuracy, uncertainty; impact of calibration on quality, productivity and safety; applications eg during manufacture, following installation, periodic scheduled maintenance, in response to identified deviation, after repair or change in environment; terminology eg zero shift, range (or span) error, combined zero shift and range error, non-linearity Health and safety issues: eg precautions to be observed when setting and adjusting mains supply voltages, replacing/charging/disposing of batteries, dismantling and reassembling equipment, removal/replacement of external and internal covers, making adjustments on live equipment, continuity of earth (grounding or bonding) of electrical equipment, safety cut-outs and residual current device (RCD), earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) Configuration issues: pre-conditions and checks to ensure that system/equipment is safe to test and instruments safe to use; test equipment set-up eg use of the equipment manufacturers procedures, using commissioning guides 4 Understand the use of virtual test instruments and software to make measurements and analyse measurement data Virtual measurement and test system: eg digital storage oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, digital voltmeter, digital frequency meter, arbitrary waveform generator, logic analyser Measurement techniques, connection, hardware and software: tests carried out on electronic equipment using virtual test and measuring instruments; instrument connection eg external/internal PC interface, instrument connection standards (parallel port, serial port, USB, PCI/PXI bus, IEEE-488, PCMCIA); use of hardware and software to carry out measurements eg voltage, frequency, frequency spectra measurements (for sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal waveforms); measurement software, data storage and data transfer eg to a spreadsheet, automated measurement/data collection techniques
Grading grid
In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all of the learning outcomes for the unit. The criteria for a pass grade describe the level of achievement required to pass this unit.
Grading criteria To achieve a merit grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass criteria, the learner is able to: M1 explain the importance of resolution, accuracy, sensitivity bandwidth and input impedance on the performance of a piece of test equipment use a manufacturers recommended procedure together with laboratory instruments and standards to calibrate and configure an item of electronic test equipment use appropriate software to display and analyse voltage/time data captured from a virtual oscilloscope. D2 D1 To achieve a distinction grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass and merit criteria, the learner is able to: evaluate the accuracy of own test measurements and relate them to limitations of the test equipment, test procedures, or possible emerging fault conditions devise and demonstrate a calibration procedure for an item of electronic test equipment.
To achieve a pass grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to:
P1
describe the function, features and characteristics of one measurement instrument and three different pieces of electronic test equipment M2
P2
select and use test equipment and measuring techniques to take measurements from three different pieces of electronic equipment M3
P3
explain the importance of test specifications as an aid to ensuring the validity and consistency of measurements
P4
describe the principles and need for the calibration of an item of electronic test equipment
Grading criteria To achieve a merit grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass criteria, the learner is able to: To achieve a distinction grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass and merit criteria, the learner is able to:
To achieve a pass grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to:
P5
explain the health, safety and configuration issues that need to be considered when connecting test equipment to an item of electronic equipment that requires testing
P6
use a virtual measurement and test system to carry out a test on a piece of electronic equipment and describe the measurement techniques, instrument connection, hardware and software used.
Essential guidance for tutors
Delivery Delivery of this unit should concentrate on the practical application of electronic measurement and testing of electronic equipment and systems. Learners should be introduced to the applications of various types of test equipment by using them to make measurements on laboratory made-up circuits or rigs. It is important to note that, in the context of this unit, the term electronic test equipment includes instruments for making measurements (such as voltmeters) as well as instruments that provide standard inputs for electronic circuits (such as signal generators). It is expected that learners will already have a working knowledge of most of the measurement instruments covered by this unit (voltmeter, ammeter, analogue/digital multimeters, oscilloscope). If this is the case then more time can be spent on the other aspects of the unit. However, it is appreciated that some learners may not have this experience and tutors will need to make allowances for this in their delivery planning. Proper equipment calibration processes should be emphasised throughout delivery. Learners should refer to calibration standards and standard signal sources and explain how they are used in the calibration process. They should also appreciate that an instruments calibration is only as accurate at the calibration of the reference standards used. Learners should be given opportunities to select and correctly use as many of the types of test equipment listed in the content as possible, and make decisions on the measuring techniques to be applied. It is also important that learners experience as wide a range of available instrument functions and ranges as possible. As a result, it is important to allocate sufficient hands-on time in order to develop the relevant skills and understanding. Ideally measurements will be made on real electronic or electronically controlled systems/equipment. Examples might be power supplies, consumer electronic equipment (such as video and audio equipment), computers and peripheral devices, radio receivers and transceivers, power controllers, programmable logic controllers etc. The type of equipment used could be chosen to meet local industrial requirements. All measurements and test results should be recorded in an appropriate logbook. Due to the hazardous nature of equipment operated from an AC mains supply and the presence of high voltages in certain types of equipment, attention must be given to health and safety arrangements throughout the delivery of this unit.
Assessment To achieve P1, learners will need to describe the function, features and characteristics of one measurement instrument and three different pieces of electronic test equipment. The evidence for this could be block diagrams/sketches (with appropriate annotation) and short notes. The actual function, features and characteristics described will be dependent on the electronic test equipment selected but examples of the of the types of things to consider are provided in the unit content. P2 requires learners to select and use test equipment and measuring techniques to take measurements from three different pieces of electronic equipment. These can be low-voltage dc power supplies, amplifiers, oscillators, radio equipment, digital electronic equipment or video equipment. Further examples of each of these are provided in the unit content. Learners will need to perform practical measurements in an electronic laboratory or electronic workshop. Given a particular measurement requirement (for example, to investigate the frequency range of an oscillator) learners should then be able to select the appropriate items of test and measurement equipment to carry out the task. Both the selected item(s) of test equipment and the measuring technique(s) should be appropriate to each measured quantity. For example, an oscilloscope and x10 probe would not be appropriate for the accurate measurement of the output frequency produced by an oscillator. The three different pieces of electronic equipment should enable as wide a range of test equipment and measuring techniques to be applied as possible. All three pieces could come from one category (eg consumer electrical and electronic equipment) as long as the chosen equipment provided for the use of a sufficient range of test equipment and measuring techniques. It is expected that all the content listed under measurement techniques and measurements will have been covered by the time learners has carried the measurements on all three pieces of equipment. Evidence for P2 is likely to take the form of tutor observations and learner records of the selection and use of equipment and techniques employed. Suitably annotated photographic records could also be used (eg a photograph of the equipment being tested, the test equipment and the test set-up, all suitably labelled to highlight the key features of the test/measurements). For P3 learners should provide a written or verbal presentation to explain the importance of test specifications as an aid to ensuring the validity and consistency of measurement. Centres should ensure that learners have access to a variety of test specifications for common measurements (eg determining the output impedance of a power supply by voltage/current measurement when a suitably rated variable load is applied). The achievement of this criterion could be effectively linked with the practical work in any one of the tests carried out for P2. P4 requires learners to describe the principles and need for calibration of an item of electronic test equipment. Again, one of the tests undertaken for P2 could provide the focus for this criterion. The description, which is likely to be a written report, must include the electronic test equipment calibration procedures that need to be carried out, the reference standards required and any relevant theory. Examples of
each of these and typical applications are given in the unit content. As an aid to understanding the calibration process, centres should demonstrate the calibration procedures for equipment used in the laboratory (eg oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, signal generators, etc). For P5 learners must be able to explain the health, safety and configuration issues that need to be considered when connecting test equipment to an item of electronic equipment that requires testing. The health and safety issues considered will depend upon the equipment being tested. The configuration issues considered must, as a minimum, enable the learner to take into account the required pre-conditions and checks to ensure that it is safe to test the system/equipment. For example the selection of an adequately rated load in terms of both impedance and power rating when testing an audio amplifier or the need to check that an oscilloscope probe is correctly matched to the oscilloscope that it is to be used with. Learners will also need to ensure instruments are safe to use (eg use of a high-voltage probe when measuring DC voltages in excess of 500 V) and test equipment set-up correctly eg use of equipment manufacturers procedures, using commissioning guides. Again it would make sense to link this criterion to one of the tests undertaken for P2. To satisfy P6 learners should use a virtual measurement and test system to carry out a test on a piece of electronic equipment. They should provide a written or verbal description of the procedure used, explaining the connections made, the software settings, and the measuring techniques used. A typical example would be the use of a virtual digital storage oscilloscope used in conjunction with a personal computer (PC). Learners should connect and configure the instrument in conjunction with the software running on the PC and select, for example, appropriate sampling rates, input ranges and display and data capture settings. Evidence of individual learners work can most conveniently be presented in the form of a selection of screen dumps that have been suitably annotated by the learner. To achieve M1 learner need to explain the importance of resolution, accuracy, sensitivity bandwidth and input impedance on the performance of a piece of test equipment. This could be achieved as a natural extension to one of the tasks carried out for P2. For M2, learners are required to calibrate and configure a test instrument (such as a waveform generator), using the manufacturers recommended procedures and appropriate laboratory instruments and standards. Learners should be supplied with relevant documentation (eg manufacturers handbook) and laboratory standards (such as a standard frequency or time generator). Evidence is likely to be a logbook record of the calibration exercise or a technical report of the calibration activity. Tutor observation records should be used to support either of these forms of evidence. There is a clear link between this merit criterion and P4. To satisfy M3, learners should use a virtual storage oscilloscope (using a PC with appropriate interface hardware and software) to display and analyse a waveform. Note that the emphasis should be on the analysis of the waveform rather than its display. A typical example might involve the production of a frequency spectrum for the sampled waveform using FFT techniques. Once again, learners should keep a record of their work in a logbook, supported by tutor observation records. Relevant screen dumps and print outs that have been suitably annotated by the learner could also be incorporated.
The learners work towards D1 should require them to evaluate the accuracy of their own test measurements and relate them to limitations of the test equipment, test procedures, or possible emerging fault conditions. For example, learners should be aware of the inability of an oscilloscope to accurately display a transient pulse due to the oscilloscopes own finite rise-time and bandwidth. Another example would be the need to be aware of the effects of aliasing on the captured and displayed waveform when sampling a fast waveform. For D2, learners need to be able to devise and demonstrate a calibration procedure for an item of electronic test equipment. A typical example might be a procedure to calibrate a x10 oscilloscope probe using a fast-rise time square wave generator, a high-speed oscilloscope, and a matching x10 probe. Evidence is likely to be in the form of a technical report although it would be beneficial if the devised calibration could be linked into the work done for P2, P3, P4 and M2. Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications This unit can be linked with Unit 34: Electronic Circuit Manufacture. The unit covers some of the knowledge and understanding associated with the SEMTA Level 3 National Occupational Standards in Engineering Maintenance, particularly: Unit 17: Testing Electronic Equipment and Circuits Unit 40: Maintaining Instrumentation and Control Systems.
Essential resources Centres will need to provide access to an electronic laboratory in which a range of electronic test and measurement equipment (such as multimeters, signal generators, oscilloscopes, etc) is available. A limited number of specialist items of electronic test equipment and calibration sources (eg standard cells and off-air signal sources) will be required. Specialist items of electronic equipment (such as, AC bridges, earth continuity testers, logic analysers, component testers, etc) may be required as appropriate to the needs of local industry. A small number of computer-based virtual instruments should also be available together with the appropriate hardware and software (eg LabVIEW, DASYLab, DADiSP, MATLAB etc). Test and measurement applications should be installed on these systems. Indicative reading for learners Hughes E, Hiley J, Brown K and Mackenzie-Smith I Electrical and Electronic Technology (Prentice Hall, 2004) ISBN 0131143972 Tooley M Electronic Circuits: Fundamentals and Applications (Newnes, 2006) ISBN 0750669233 Tooley M PC Based Instrumentation and Control (Newnes, 2005) ISBN 0750647167
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Key skills
Achievement of key skills is not a requirement of this qualification but it is encouraged. Suggestions of opportunities for the generation of Level 3 key skill evidence are given here. Staff should check that learners have produced all the evidence required by part B of the key skills specifications when assessing this evidence. Learners may need to develop additional evidence elsewhere to fully meet the requirements of the key skills specifications.
Application of number Level 3 When learners are: taking measurements from three different pieces of electronic equipment. They should be able to develop the following key skills evidence: N3.1 N3.2 Plan an activity and get relevant information from relevant sources. Use this information to carry out multistage calculations to do with: a amounts or sizes b scales or proportion c N3.3 handling statistics d using formulae. Interpret the results of your calculations, present your findings and justify your methods.
Communication Level 3 When learners are: researching and describing the function, features and characteristics of a measurement instrument and three different pieces of electronic test equipment explaining the importance of test specifications. They should be able to develop the following key skills evidence: C3.2 Read and synthesise information from at least two documents about the same subject. Each document must be a minimum of 1000 words long. Write two different types of documents each one giving different information about complex subjects. One document must be at least 1000 words long.
C3.3
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Information communication technology Level 3 When learners are: searching for information and preparing technical reports on test and measurement equipment. They should be able to develop the following key skills evidence: ICT3.1 Search for information, using different sources, and multiple search criteria in at least one case. ICT3.2 Enter and develop the information and derive new information. ICT3.3 Present combined information such as text with image, text with number, image with number. Problem solving Level 3 When learners are: selecting and using appropriate test equipment and measuring techniques. They should be able to develop the following key skills evidence: PS3.1 PS3.2 PS3.3 Explore a problem and identify different ways of tackling it. Plan and implement at least one way of solving the problem. Check if the problem has been solved and review your approach to problem solving.
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UNIT 54: ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENT AND TESTING

Electronic Measurement and Testing

Guided learning hours: 60