Instrumentasjon

Instrumentasjon is the field concerned with measuring, monitoring, and controlling physical quantities in industrial, laboratory, and consumer environments. It covers sensors and transducers that convert physical signals into electrical signals, signal conditioning to make data usable, data acquisition systems, and actuators that influence processes. The aim is accurate measurement, reliable operation, and appropriate responses through automation or human oversight.

Core components include sensors and transducers, signal conditioning circuits, data acquisition hardware, controllers (such as distributed control systems or SCADA), and human–machine interfaces. Calibration, verification, documentation, and traceability are essential for measurement quality and safety. Standardized notation and diagrams, such as instrumentation diagrams, aid design, operation, and maintenance.

Applications span industrial automation, energy and chemical processing, manufacturing, laboratory research, environmental monitoring, healthcare devices, and transportation. Instrumentation also covers safety interlocks, control loops, data analytics, and the interpretation of measurements to support decision making.

Trends emphasize digitalization, smart sensors, wireless and IoT connectivity, edge and cloud computing, cybersecurity, and predictive maintenance. International standards from IEC, ISO, and ISA guide interoperability and safety across varied systems.