With the
availability of advanced technologies, digital systems, and communications,
portable instruments are rapidly evolving from simple, stand alone, low-accuracy
measuring instruments to complex multifunctional, network integrated,
high-performance digital devices with advanced interface capabilities. The
relatively brief treatments these instruments receive in many books are no
longer adequate. Designers, engineers and scientists need a comprehensive
reference dedicated to electronic portable instruments that explains the
state-of-art and future directions.
Electronic Portable Instruments: Design and Applications introduces the basic
measurement and instrumentation concepts, describes the operating principles,
and discusses the typical specifications of three main groups of portable
instruments:
· Portable and handheld instruments built for specific applications
· Intelligent sensor-based devices with few components and dedicated features,
such as implantable medical devices
· Portable data systems containing fixed sensors and supporting mechanisms, but
equipped with advanced communications capabilities, such as mobile weather
stations
The author discusses sensors suitable for these instruments, addresses how
components are selected, and clearly shows that instrument design centers on
trade-offs between costs, performance, size and weight, power consumption,
interface options, ruggedness, and the ability to operate in a range of
environments. A multitude of tables, formulae, and figures--many in full
color--enhance the presentation. Numerous examples of applications demonstrate
the current diversity of these devices and point the way to future trends in
development and applications.