The realization of new systems based on the digital processing of the information coming from sensors requires a deep knowledge of the technology and the metrological properties of the interface blocks. The interface blocks, with particular reference to the Analog to Digital Converters (ADC) and Digital to Analog Converters (DAC), influence the performances of Data Acquisition Systems (DAS). In particular, the possibility of integrating in same chip an ADC, a DAC and a DSP, has extended their field of application. Consequently a deeper ADC and DAC knowledge is needed.
On the base of these considerations, during the 1st IMEKO Workshop on ADC Modelling, in May 1996, it was proposed to develop didactic activities involving the supporters of the Working Group (WG) on Analogue-to-Digital & Digital-to-Analogue Converter (ADC&DAC) Metrology and creating common instruction modules within the SOCRATES Program of the European Union. From this proposal the International Summer School on Data Acquisition Systems was born.
The idea of on International Summer School is a particulary convenient and satisfactory way to integrate and to increase the instruction of the students about the DAS characteristics and applications. The Summer School works taking in account the industry requirements to the graduated students in terms of advanced competences in the integrated DAS design and characterization.
The target of the International Summer School is to satisfy the European Commission project of increasing the number of graduated students able of working in international teams.
Organization
The organization of a such international course requires the satisfaction of four conditions:
- to set-up a partnership among the Universities, with these objectives:
- to collect teacher groups with high competence, interested in participating to the course;
- to select an international organization committee;
- to choose the host University with the capability of (i) assuming the management role, (ii) providing the didactic support (classrooms, didactic instrumentation, laboratory experiences, etc.), and (iii) hosting the participants in residential structures (accommodation for students and teachers);
- to choose, for each partner University, a manager in charge of selecting the candidate students to attend the course.
- to create a work group in the host University to deal with all organization aspects of the Summer School;
- to set the course plan and schedule, including the pratical exercises and individual projects;
- to obtain an adequate funding to perform the course.
