---
title: "Features of microprocessor based instrumentation"
subject: "Instrumentation II"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_5/instrumentation_ii:mbi-features"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/instrumentation_ii/mbi-features
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Features of microprocessor based instrumentation

Instrumentation II · Chapter 1: Microprocessor Based Instrumentation System

- Asked in: 2073 Shrawan, 3 marks; 2076 Chaitra, 3 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [micro processor based system | MPMC | Lec-09 | Bhanu Priya](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxVycaJB9Ok) — Education 4u
- Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5 on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/instrumentation_ii/mbi-features
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/instrumentation_ii/chapter-1

## Question

Explain the features of microprocessor based instrumentation system.

## Short answer

Microprocessor-based instrumentation provides programmability (function modified by software), intelligent decision-making (linearization, alarms), high accuracy via digital corrections, flexibility to add sensors/displays, data storage and display, communication (RS-232, I2C), self-test, and compact low-power design replacing hardwired logic.

## Answer

A microprocessor based instrumentation (MBI) system uses a microprocessor/microcontroller to acquire, process, display and control measured quantities. Its main features are:

1. **Programmability:** the function can be changed by changing software, with no hardware change.
2. **Intelligence and decision making:** it can compare, calculate, linearise sensor outputs and make control decisions or alarms.
3. **Accuracy and stability:** digital processing removes drift; calibration, offset and gain errors can be corrected by software.
4. **Flexibility and expandability:** extra sensors, displays and communication links can be added through I/O ports.
5. **Data storage and display:** readings can be stored in memory, shown on LCD/LED, printed or sent to a PC.
6. **Communication:** serial and network links (RS-232, RS-485, I2C, Ethernet) allow remote monitoring.
7. **Self-test and fault diagnosis,** automatic ranging and calibration.
8. **Lower cost, size and power** compared with equivalent hardwired logic, and high reliability.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does programmability give an MBI system?
   A. Its function can be changed by changing software with no hardware change
   B. Its function is fixed by wiring
   C. It needs new ICs for every change
   D. It becomes immune to all errors
   Answer: A. Functionality is in software, so changes need no hardware modification. (Key point: Programmability)

2. How does an MBI system improve accuracy?
   A. It uses larger analog amplifiers only
   B. Digital processing removes drift and software corrects offset and gain errors
   C. It avoids calibration completely by hardware
   D. It increases sensor noise to average out
   Answer: B. Software calibration and digital processing correct drift, offset and gain errors. (Key point: Accuracy and stability)

3. Which feature allows remote monitoring of an MBI system?
   A. Larger display size
   B. Use of analog meters
   C. Serial and network links such as RS-485 and Ethernet
   D. Mechanical pointers
   Answer: C. Communication interfaces connect the system to PCs and networks. (Key point: Communication)

## Close variants set in other exams

- [MBI block diagram and basic features](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Finstrumentation_ii%3Ambi-block-features) — Instrumentation II, chapter 1, asked 4×

## Related in Instrumentation II

- [Types of microprocessor based instrumentation systems](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Finstrumentation_ii%3Ambi-types) — Instrumentation II, chapter 1
- [MBI features; open vs closed loop compared](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Finstrumentation_ii%3Ambi-features-open-closed) — Instrumentation II, chapter 1
- [Rationale for microprocessor; open-loop MBI; DMA](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Finstrumentation_ii%3Arationale-open-loop-dma) — Instrumentation II, chapter 1

## Related in other subjects

- [Microprocessor based system and bus organization](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fmicroprocessor%3Amp-based-system-bus-organization) — Microprocessor, chapter 1, asked 5×
- [Microprocessor-based transmission line protection](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fswitchgear_and_protection%3Amicroprocessor-line-protection) — Switchgear and Protection, chapter 8, asked 2×
- [Microcontroller vs microprocessor; 8051 features](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fembedded_system%3Amicro-vs-microprocessor-8051-features) — Embedded System, chapter 9, asked 2×
- [Instrumentation system with block diagram](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fbasic_electronics_engineering%3Ainstrumentation-system) — Basic Electronics Engineering, chapter 7, asked 3×