Control and measurement systems with Python

The course is given within the Computer-Aided Physical Measurement Techniques program and as a stand-alone course at the University of Gothenburg.

The course covers how the programming language Python can be practically used as a tool in various measurement contexts. A considerable emphasis is placed on applications in modern control and measurement systems through the collection of signals and automated analysis and presentation of measurement data. The course has a large element of practical exercises in an electronics laboratory, which is why a high level of attendance is required. The majority of the course is based on Python installed on PCs with Windows operating systems but also on Python installed on a microcontroller.

The objective of the course is to provide practical knowledge of how the Python programming language can be used in control and measurement technology for the collection, analysis and simulation of signals.

After completing the course, the student is expected to

- have theoretical and practical knowledge of the personal computer's capabilities to communicate with measuring instruments via, for example, GPIB, USB, Ethernet and RS-232 through the Python programming language.

- have theoretical and practical knowledge of the personal computer's capabilities to measure and control with data acquisition cards through the Python programming language.

- have knowledge of how Python can be used to measure and control using a microcontroller.

- be able to practically collect and generate real analog and digital signals with computer-controlled measuring instruments on a PC. - be able to practically collect and generate real analog and digital signals with data acquisition cards.

- be able to practically analyze and process real and simulated signals on a PC.

- be able to practically use a microcontroller to connect signals to and from the outside world.

- have gained insight into the possibilities and difficulties of connecting the computer to the physical world through the use of the Python programming language.

The work is organized as lectures and mandatory exercises, mainly practical (laboratory exercises). The work on the mandatory exercises is reported continuously during the course.

The examination consists of mandatory tasks that are presented during the course.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Grades U (failed), G (passed) and VG (passed with distinction) are applied. The mandatory assignments are presented continuously during the course. For the grade G (pass) it is required that all non-starred assignments have been completed. For the grade VG (passed with distinction) it is required that all assignments are passed and that a project assignment, which is practically/technically sufficiently advanced, is passed. Furthermore, the starred assignments and the project assignment must be solved more independently.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.