Fundamentals of Measurement Systems

The opening chapter covers some fundamental aspects of measurement. First, we look briefly at how standard measurement units have evolved from the early units used in barter trade to the more exact units belonging to the Imperial, metric, and SI measurement systems. This discussion is supported by tables giving the full set of primary reference standards for fundamental and derived SI measuring units. We then go on to study the major considerations in designing a measurement system. This study includes a review of the main components found in measurement systems, such as primary sensors, variable conversion elements, signal-processing units, signal transmission systems, and signal presentation/recording units. We then go on to discuss the choice of appropriate measurement system components and instruments according to the prevailing environmental conditions around the measurement system. Finally, we look at some of the main applications of measurement systems in the areas of regulating trade, monitoring industrial and environmental parameters, and within automatic control systems.