This book is dedicated to the adoption of broadband microwave reflectometry (BMR)-based methods for diagnostics and monitoring applications. This electromagnetic technique has established as a powerful tool for monitoring purposes; in fact, it can balance several contrasting requirements, such as the versatility of the system, low implementation cost, real-time response, possibility of remote control, reliability, and adequate measurement accuracy. Starting from an extensive survey of the state of the art and from a clear and concise overview of the theoretical background, throughout the book, the different approaches of BMR are considered (i.e., time domain reflectometry - TDR, frequency domain reflectometry - FDR, and the TDR/FDR combined approach) and several applications are thoroughly investigated. The applications considered herein are very diverse from each other and cover different fields. In all the described procedures and methods, the ultimate goal is to endow them with a significant performance enhancement in terms of measurement accuracy, low cost, versatility, and practical implementation possibility, so as to unlock the strong potential of BMR.

This textbook offers a unique compendium of measurement procedures for experimental data acquisition. After introducing readers to the basic theory of uncertainty evaluation in measurements, it shows how to apply it in practice to conduct a range of laboratory experiments with instruments and procedures operating both in the time and frequency domains. Offering extensive practical information and hands-on tips on using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and reflectometric instrumentation, the book shows readers how to deal with e.g. filter characterization, operational amplifiers, digital and analogic spectral analysis, and reflectometry-based measurements. For each experiment, it describes the corresponding uncertainty evaluation in detail. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, the book offers a unique, self-contained guide for engineering students and professionals alike. It also provides university teachers and professors with a valuable resource for their laboratory courses on electric and electronic measurements.

This book offers a comprehensive review of innovative measurement and monitoring solutions based on time domain reflectometry (TDR). This technique has numerous applications in several fields, ranging from the characterization of electronic devices to quality control of vegetable oils. However, most of the well-established TDR-based monitoring solutions rely on local or punctual probes; therefore, typically, to monitor large areas/volumes, a high number of probes must be employed, with the consequent maintenance and management requirements. On such bases, in the last few years, the authors have carried out extensive research on the use of diffused wire-like sensing elements to be used as probes for TDR measurements. The basic idea has been to extend the principles of punctual TDR-based monitoring to multi-purpose networks of diffused, sensing elements (SE's), embedded permanently within the systems to be monitored (STBM's). These SEs can be tens of meters long, and can follow any desired path inside the STBM.; in fact, they are inactive inside the STBM. Additionally, these SE's are passive (i.e., they do not require batteries) and their sensing ability is activated, by the TDR signal, when they are connected to the measurement instrument. In addition to this, these SE's are completely maintenance-free. Starting from these considerations, this book addresses the use of low-cost, passive, flexible, wire-like SE's to be used in conjunction with TDR. This book also provides several application test cases, with hints for practical implementation of the described monitoring systems.

This book is dedicated to the adoption of broadband microwave reflectometry (BMR)-based methods for diagnostics and monitoring applications. This electromagnetic technique has established as a powerful tool for monitoring purposes; in fact, it can balance several contrasting requirements, such as the versatility of the system, low implementation cost, real-time response, possibility of remote control, reliability, and adequate measurement accuracy. Starting from an extensive survey of the state of the art and from a clear and concise overview of the theoretical background, throughout the book, the different approaches of BMR are considered (i.e., time domain reflectometry - TDR, frequency domain reflectometry - FDR, and the TDR/FDR combined approach) and several applications are thoroughly investigated. The applications considered herein are very diverse from each other and cover different fields. In all the described procedures and methods, the ultimate goal is to endow them with a significant performance enhancement in terms of measurement accuracy, low cost, versatility, and practical implementation possibility, so as to unlock the strong potential of BMR.

This textbook offers a unique compendium of measurement procedures for experimental data acquisition. After introducing readers to the basic theory of uncertainty evaluation in measurements, it shows how to apply it in practice to conduct a range of laboratory experiments with instruments and procedures operating both in the time and frequency domains. Offering extensive practical information and hands-on tips on using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and reflectometric instrumentation, the book shows readers how to deal with e.g. filter characterization, operational amplifiers, digital and analogic spectral analysis, and reflectometry-based measurements. For each experiment, it describes the corresponding uncertainty evaluation in detail. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, the book offers a unique, self-contained guide for engineering students and professionals alike. It also provides university teachers and professors with a valuable resource for their laboratory courses on electric and electronic measurements.