Instrumentation and control engineering: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Branch of engineering studying process variables}}

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'''Instrumentation and control engineering''' (ICE) is a [[List of engineering branches|branch of]] [[engineering]] that studies the measurement and control of [[process variable]]s, and the design and implementation of [[system]]s that incorporate them. Process variables include [[pressure]], [[temperature]], [[humidity]], [[Fluid dynamics|flow]], [[pH]], [[force]] and [[speed]].

ICE combines two branches of engineering. [[Instrumentation#Instrumentation engineering|Instrumentation engineering]] is the science of the measurement and control of process variables within a production or manufacturing area.<ref>[{{cite web|url=http://www.nait.ca/program_home_78211.htm "|title=Instrumentation "], ''TheEngineering Technology|publisher=Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.'', Retrieved |access-date=17 October 2012.}}</ref> Meanwhile, [[control engineering]], also called control systems engineering, is the engineering discipline that applies [[control theory]] to design systems with desired behaviors.

Control engineers are responsible for the research, design, and development of control devices and systems, typically in manufacturing facilities and [[Oil production plant|process plants]]. Control methods employ sensors to measure the output variable of the device and provide feedback to the controller so that it can make corrections toward desired performance. Automatic control manages a device without the need of human inputs for correction, such as cruise control for regulating a car's speed.

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== As academic discipline ==

Instrumentation and control engineering is a vital field of study offered at many universities worldwide at both the [[graduate school|graduate]] and [[postgraduate]] levels. This discipline integrates principles from various branches of engineering, providing a comprehensive understanding of the design, analysis, and management of automated systems.

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Many universities teach instrumentation and control engineering as an academic discipline at the [[graduate school|graduate]] and [[postgraduate]] levels.

Typical coursework for this discipline includes, but is not limited to, subjects such as [[control systems|control system design]], instrumentation fundamentals, [[process control]], sensors and [[signal processing]], automation, [[robotics]], and industrial data communications. Advanced courses may delve into topics like intelligent control systems, [[digital signal processing]], and embedded systems design.

== Future developments ==

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Students often have the opportunity to engage in hands-on laboratory work and industry-relevant projects, which foster practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. These experiences are crucial in preparing graduates for careers in diverse sectors including [[manufacturing]], [[power generation]], oil and gas, and healthcare, where they may design and maintain systems that automate processes, improve efficiency, and enhance safety.

Engineers in the field are developing products like intelligent sensors, smart [[transducer]]s, and [[microelectromechanical systems]]. Bhujanga Rao, Professor of Instrumentation Engineering at [[Andhra University]], states that departments specializing in instrumentation and control engineering will be included in almost every company in the [[process industry]] or [[manufacturing]] industry. He says that "automation is the core job of instrumentation and control engineers. Hence, the demand for instrumentation will always be there."<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/features/education/instrumentation-engineering-in-demand/article3320296.ece "Instrumentation engineering in demand"], ''The Hindu'', April 16, 2012</ref>

Interdisciplinary by nature, the field is accessible to students from various engineering backgrounds. Most commonly, students with a foundation in [[Electrical Engineering]] and [[Mechanical Engineering]] are drawn to this field due to their strong base in [[control systems]], system dynamics, electro-mechanical machines and devices, and electric circuits (course work). However, with the growing complexity and integration of systems, students from fields like [[computer engineering]], [[chemical engineering]], and even [[biomedical engineering]] are increasingly contributing to and benefiting from studies in instrumentation and [[control engineering]].

Furthermore, the rapid advancement of technology in areas like the Internet of Things (IoT), [[artificial intelligence]] (AI), and [[machine learning]] is continuously shaping the curriculum of this discipline, making it an ever-evolving and dynamic field of study.

==See also==

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== External links ==

* [httphttps://wwwweb.archive.org/web/20140517130918/http://iicta.org/ Industrial Instrumentation and Controls Technology Alliance]

* {{cite web|url=https://instrumentationandcontrol.net|title=Instrumentation and Control}}

[[Category:Process engineering]]