NI webcasts: the theory and practice of sensor measurements

Sensors are at the foundation of every measurement system, but the way they work and the strategies for making the most of them vary by type and application. The first webcast in the series covers the essentials of data acquisition and lays the groundwork for subsequent sessions, which focus on specific sensor applications: temperature; voltage, current and power; and load, pressure and torque measurements.

Webcasts will be streamed twice each day from 25 March 2014 and will be available on demand after the series is complete. They are available at uk.ni.com/webcasts/sensor

The Sensor Measurements Fundamentals webcast series as follows:

• Data Acquisition Basics and Technology, 25 March, 10am and 2pm: The series begins with an introduction to the fundamental concepts and the terminology associated with data acquisition. Sensor measurements are complex, requiring integration of multiple physical quantities, high accuracy and accounting for real-world irregularities and deviations. This webcast covers essential sensor operating principles including sensitivity, range, precision, resolution, multiplexing, response time and dynamic linearity, which are critical to ensure accurate representation of the physical phenomenon being measured.
• Temperature Measurements, 26 March, 10am and 2pm: Watch this webcast for a detailed guide to measurement and device considerations for temperature measurements using thermocouples, RTDs or thermistors. Participants will also learn about common temperature applications, sensor basics and how to connect sensors to instruments.
• Voltage, Current and Power Measurements, 27 March, 10am and 2pm: Explore the fundamentals of creating AC/DC voltage, current and power quality/monitoring measurement systems. Learn about high-voltage measurements, isolation and how to properly connect signals to data acquisition systems for accurate acquisition. In addition, watch a demonstration on how to take power measurements.
• Load, Pressure and Torque Measurements, 28 March, 10am and 2pm: Learn how to measure load and pressure using load cells and see how wheatstone bridges form the foundation of pressure, load and torque measurements. This webcast also explores concepts such as signal conditioning for load measurements and connecting a sensor to the instrument.

More details about the Sensor Measurements Fundamentals webcast series and subsequent on-demand access is available at uk.ni.com/webcasts/sensor.