**START YOUR PREPARATION NOW, OVERNIGHT READING WILL NOT HELP ‘U’**

QUESTION BANK “SENSORS AND ACTUATORS – LEVEL 2/3”

Learning Outcomes:

I. Analyze and explain the functions of power actuators, including electromagnetic

field theory, DC machines and AC machines.

1. Sketch an electromechanical relay and name the parts.

2. Examine the on-resistance and hence the concept of arcing in the relays.
3. Construct a snubber circuit that extends the life of the relays.
4. Design a fly wheel diode circuit that prevents the back emf generated by the relays.
5. Construct a solid state relay and compare its advantages over the EMR.
6. Construct a pull type solenoid and name its parts.
7. Construct a push type solenoid and name its parts.
8. Design a circuit using holding resistor that reduces the solenoid energy consumption.
9. Analyze the switching circuits of the solenoids using a transistor.
10. Problems on solenoids.
11. Problems on DC motors
12. Problems on AC motors

II. Apply and evaluate the functioning of electrical sensors including inductive
sensors, piezoelectric sensors and virtual instrumentation (LAB).

13. Compare a variable inductance with that of a variable reluctance type displacement
sensor with relevant mathematical expressions.
14. Construct a linear and rotary linear displacement transducer composed of a resistor along
with its working. Plot the following graphs: i) V1 versus V2 ii) Displacement versus time.
15. Derive an expression for the output voltage for a linearization circuit of a capacitive
sensor by using a charge amplifier circuit.
16. Examine a piezoelectric transducer along with its equivalent circuit of the crystal
showing the basic expression for output voltage.
17. Propose any 2 applications of MEMS in automotive, electronics, medical,
communication and defense areas.
NOTE: NO QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED ON LabVIEW IN THE FINAL EXAM
III. Explain the functioning of mechanical sensors including sensors for level,
flow, temperature, position, strain, pressure and motion.

18. Analyze the working of a potentiometer (Linear/Rotary/Helipot) as a displacement

transducer with a neat sketch along with its advantages, disadvantages and applications.
19. Analyze the working of a LVDT as a displacement transducer with a neat sketch along
with its advantages, disadvantages and applications.
20. Compose the transfer function of a LVDT. Hence define null position.
21. Analyze the working of a parallel plate capacitor as a displacement transducer with a neat
sketch along with its advantages, disadvantages and applications.
22. Derive an expression for the change in capacitance as a function of displacement for a
parallel plate capacitor.
23. Derive the gauge factor for a conductor wire of length L, cross sectional area of A and
strained axially in tension.
24. Measure the changes in resistance in the strain gauges using Wheat Stone Bridge for the
Quarter Bridge, Half Bridge and Full Bridge configurations.
25. Differentiate the various elastic pressure measuring devices with neat diagrams.
26. Tabulate the various types of strain gauges based on their fabrication.
27. Analyze the Mueller bridge configuration employed for temperature measurements using
RTD
28. Compare the RTD characteristics for various elements along with the thermistor and
propose your choice.
29. Categorize any 5 types of thermocouples based on the metal alloys used and temperature
ranges in degree centigrade.
30. Problems on the above sensors wherever applicable based on the mathematical relations.

TIPS for better scoring,

1. Have the complete CLASS NOTES from Week 1 to 16. (mandatory)

2. PRACTICE derivations. (don’t just memorize)
3. PRACTICE the diagrams. (don’t look at them)
4. RE-DO all the numericals. (don’t just mug up)
5. WRITE all the formulae on a separate paper. (don’t take it to exam)
Good luck for the Exam and in your Future