Instrumentation Engineering (INST)
This engineering stream teaches about design, manufacture and maintenance of instruments and instrument units.
Introduction
Instrumentation engineering is a focused branch of electrical and electronic engineering, which focuses on the principle, and operation of measuring instruments. These engineers work for industries with automated processes, such as chemical or manufacturing plants, with the aim of improving system productivity, consistency, security, optimization and stability.
Instrumentation Engineers help in the designing, construction and maintenance of instruments and entire instrumentation systems of an industrial undertaking. An instrumentation engineer decides the type of instruments needed for ensuring superior quality and efficiency of the end product.
Job Prospects
Instrumentation engineers can get jobs in R&D units of public and private sector companies. They are required by the Heavy industries such as Thermal Power Stations, Steel Plants, Refineries, automobile Industries, and Cement and Fertilizer Plants. They have a multidisciplinary role to play.
These engineers can practice consultancy-based work. Those who have an ability, use their expertise they have gained in industry and engage in academic research in universities. Senior level positions are occupied with a Masters Degree and they carry the highest level of responsibility and may include planning and managing activities, as well as leading on new developments. Senior engineers in production and operation functions can often be representatives at board level.
Nature of Work
A control and instrumentation engineer is basically responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing and/or maintaining equipment which is used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery and processes. Tasks and responsibilities, which are common to instrumentation engineers, may include -
- Designing and developing new control systems
- Maintaining and modifying existing systems
- Managing operations
- Working together with design engineers, operation engineers, purchasers and other internal staff
- Contacting clients, suppliers, contractors and relevant authorities
- Project management within cost and time limited environments
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Understanding and ensuring compliance with the health and safety regulations and quality standards
- Providing suggestion and consultancy support
- Purchasing equipment
- Writing computer software
- Developing new business proposals
Subjects for Study
- Basic Science,
- Communication and Control Systems,
- Computers,
- Micro-electronics,
- Radar and Television Engineering,
- Digital Signal Processing
- Microwave Communication
- Principle of Control Systems
Specialization
Though instrumentation engineering itself is a specialized subject yet those who want to pursue further studies can do PhD in the following areas -
- Digital Signal Processing
- Monitor Control
- Speech Processing
- Censor Network
- Intelligent Controls