Basics of Instrumentation

Course Description

ETS1520C – Basics of Instrumentation is a 3-credit, combined lecture and laboratory course in the Engineering Technologies: Specialty Engineering Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course introduces students to the fundamental principles, components, and practices of industrial instrumentation. Students develop hands-on competencies in reading instrumentation drawings, using test and measurement equipment, identifying process variables, and working with sensors, transducers, and basic control systems. The "C" lab indicator denotes that lecture and laboratory sessions are integrated and meet together, providing applied, competency-based learning experiences aligned with industry standards.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the basic principles and terminology of instrumentation and process control, including measurement, signal types, and control loops.
• Read and interpret basic electrical and instrumentation drawings, including loop diagrams, P&IDs, and ladder logic schematics.
• Identify and properly use electrical test equipment such as digital multimeters (DMMs), oscilloscopes, signal generators, and loop calibrators.
• Identify the primary components of a process control system, including sensors, transmitters, controllers, final control elements, and indicators.
• Distinguish between open-loop and closed-loop control systems and describe the function of each component within the loop.
• Identify and describe common sensors and transducers used to measure temperature, pressure, level, and flow in industrial applications.
• Demonstrate safe and efficient work practices in the instrumentation laboratory, including proper handling of electrical circuits and process equipment.
• Perform basic preventive and corrective maintenance tasks on electrical power and control components used in instrumentation systems.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also:

• Apply basic programmable logic controller (PLC) concepts to instrumentation and control tasks.
• Describe the operating principles of hydraulic and pneumatic systems as applied to instrumentation and process control.
• Use computer simulation software to model and verify instrumentation circuit behavior.
• Demonstrate basic instrumentation installation techniques for field-mounted devices.
• Identify principles of telemetry and data acquisition as applied to remote monitoring of process variables.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Introduction to Instrumentation: History, scope, terminology, units of measurement, and the role of instrumentation in industrial processes.
• Instrumentation Drawings and Documentation: Reading and interpreting P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), loop diagrams, instrument data sheets, and wiring diagrams.
• Electrical Test Equipment: Use of digital multimeters, clamp meters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and loop/current calibrators for measurement and troubleshooting.
• Process Variables: Measurement of temperature, pressure, level, and flow — including units, ranges, and measurement methods.
• Sensors and Transducers: Operating principles of thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, differential pressure transmitters, flow meters, and level sensors.
• Signal Types and Transmission: Analog signal standards (4–20 mA, 0–10 VDC), digital signals, and signal conditioning concepts.
• Control System Fundamentals: Open-loop vs. closed-loop control; components of a feedback control loop — sensor, transmitter, controller, final control element.
• Electrical Power and Control Components: Basic relays, switches, solenoids, and motor control as applied to instrumentation circuits.
• Safety Practices: Electrical safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work procedures in industrial environments.
• Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Inspection procedures, calibration basics, and troubleshooting strategies for instrumentation components.

Optional Topics

• Introduction to PLCs: Basic programmable logic controller architecture, ladder logic fundamentals, and interfacing to instrumentation devices.
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems: Basic physical laws, pressure and force, control valves, actuators, and application to instrumentation systems.
• PID Control Concepts: Introduction to proportional, integral, and derivative control modes and their effect on process response.
• Telemetry and Data Acquisition: Principles of remote sensing, signal transmission, and basic SCADA/HMI concepts.
• Computer Simulation: Use of simulation software to model and verify instrumentation circuits and control loops.
• Instrumentation Installation Techniques: Mounting, wiring, and commissioning of field instruments in accordance with industry standards.

Resources & Tools

• Test Equipment: Digital multimeters, clamp meters, oscilloscopes, function/signal generators, loop calibrators (e.g., Fluke 725 or equivalent)
• Process Trainers: Benchtop or floor-standing process control training systems demonstrating temperature, pressure, level, and flow loops
• PLC Hardware/Software (optional): Allen-Bradley MicroLogix or similar; RSLogix/Studio 5000 software
• Simulation Software (optional): National Instruments Multisim or similar for circuit simulation
• Reference Standards: ISA (International Society of Automation) instrumentation symbols and identification standards (ISA-5.1); OSHA electrical safety standards (29 CFR 1910)
• Recommended Textbooks: Instrumentation for Process Measurement and Control (Lipták or comparable ISA-aligned text); manufacturer documentation for instruments used in lab
• Online Resources: ISA.org learning resources; Florida Department of Education career and technical frameworks

Career Pathways

Completion of ETS1520C prepares students for entry-level roles in industrial instrumentation and supports progression into advanced courses in the Engineering Technology: Specialty pathway. Relevant career areas include:

• Instrumentation Technician – Calibrates, maintains, and troubleshoots process measurement instruments in manufacturing, chemical, utility, and water treatment plants.
• Electrical & Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (SOC 49-2094) – Repairs and maintains industrial electrical and electronic equipment.
• Industrial Electrician (SOC 47-2111) – Installs and maintains electrical power systems and control wiring in industrial facilities.
• Process Control Technician – Monitors and adjusts automated control systems in manufacturing, petrochemical, and food processing industries.
• Automation Technician – Works with PLCs, sensors, and automated systems in advanced manufacturing environments, including theme park, defense, and water/wastewater industries.

This course also supports articulation into Florida public college Associate in Science (A.S.) degree programs in Engineering Technology and Advanced Manufacturing, and aligns with workforce certificate programs in Electrical and Instrumentation Technology.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

The content of ETS1520C aligns with foundational knowledge domains tested in the following industry credentials:

• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) – Level I: Covers process measurement, loop components, signal types, and maintenance fundamentals addressed in this course.
• PMMI Mechatronics Certification – Industrial Electricity: ETS1520C content aligns with the electrical and instrumentation competencies of the PMMI framework offered at Florida technical colleges.
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry: Safety topics covered in the lab component support completion of the OSHA 10-hour general industry card, recognized by Florida employers.

Program Context

ETS1520C is a foundational course in the Engineering Technology: Specialty Engineering Technology program sequence. At institutions such as Gulf Coast State College, it is listed as a prerequisite or co-requisite for advanced ETS-prefix courses in industrial electronics, process control, and PLC programming. The "C" lab indicator means lecture and laboratory experiences are fully integrated, requiring students to apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on laboratory exercises each class session.