Part B

1. Explain the block diagram of single channel and multichannel data acquisition
in detail
2. Draw the block diagram for multi channel data acquisition and explain its
functioning. Compare the single channel with multi channel data acquisition
system
3. Draw practical sample and hold circuit and explain its operation.
 A sample hold is simply a voltage memory device in which an input voltage is
acquired and then stored on a high quality capacitor. There are two modes of
operation for a sample hold
o Sample (or tracking) mode, when the switch is closed.
o Hold mode, when the switch is open.
4. Discuss about the amplification circuit used in signal conditioning
5. How are environmental hazards spread? Draw a block diagram to explain the
same. How has instrumentation improved the studies of ecology? Explain the
applications of sensors in environmental monitoring with examples.
Environmental monitoring involved a few steps
As the environment is affected by pollution, the pollution are to be identified.
● Collection of sample representative enough of the environmental pollution
content. Depending on the time and situation, the sampling techniques
vary.
● Pre- treatment of the sample using extraction, separation and so on
● Analysis for identification and quantification of analytic pollutant in sample
and expressing it in proper level of concentration

Pollution Hazards:
 Pollution hazards evolve from various sources like
● Radiation - both ionizing( alpha, bheta, X rays, neutrons, gamma rays)
and non ionizing (Infra red, UV, radiowave and microwave)
● Biological
● Chemical
Sensing Environmental Pollution:
1. For ionizing radiation, different sensors are used depending on the
characteristics of ionization.
2. P-N junction diodes are used for neutron radiation detector
3. Gas filled detectors are used for detecting X rays and gamma rays.
4. For sensing non ionizing radiations thermopiles (Used for microwave),
bolometers (used for radio frequency )and diodes are used.
5. For visible and ultraviolet radiations, photovoltaic cells and photodiodes
are used.
6. Electroactive pollutant such as NOx,H2S,HCOH,SO2,CO and so on are
detected by amperometric or potentiometric methods.
7. Flame ionization and photoionization are commonly used for detection of
organic samples.
8. Spectrophotometry is extensively used in measurement and detection of
pollutants in air and water
9. Aerosol photometer is another sensing mechanism used for particulate
pollutants.
10. While biological pollutant agents are very difficult to be sensed and
quantify because of microorganisms in the environment
6. Draw a block diagram to show how sensors interact with the automated
manufacturing process. Describe distance sensing in this context.
Manufacturing is a controlled process, the key to control being the sensors used in
automated manufacturing.
Primary task of the sensor in the automation production process
 Compensating for disturbances, tolerances of work pieces, and environmental
conditions as and when required.
Sensors used in production processes have to perform functions such as
● Distance sensing - can be done by i) tactile sensors ii) electrical sensors such
as inductive and capacitive iii) optical sensors iv) acoustic sensors
● Contour tracking - kind of scanning process and is performed by using i)
electrical sensors such as inductive and capacitive ii) optical sensors
● Machine vision/pattern recognition – is an intelligent sensing system. It
involves scanning the object with ultrasonic transducer scanner or X ray scanner.
● Machine diagnosis-
○ Process parameters
○ Power consumption by the machine
○ Force and torque sensing – strain gauges are used
○ Change in the noise of the machine in operation.
Distance sensing:
During processing, the work piece and the tool face the possibility of collision.
Therefore, the distances between the two for various operations need be
monitored.
Sensor for distance measurements are of two types, namely
i) contact type sensor - Switches with potentiometric type are used
ii) non- contact type sensor – Inductive, capacitive, acoustic and optical
techniques are adopted.
Inductive Proximity sensor:
Inductive proximity sensor used in distance measurement is shown below

 The middle coil, coil 2, is fed with AC of appropriate frequency allowing it to

produce a magnetic field.
 Coil1 and 3 symmetrically positioned with respect to coil 2 are also
electrically energized with phase opposition with respect to supply of coil.
 With any metallic body approaching, as shown, the magnetic field
distributions to coil 1 and 3 change and a signal is generated which can
be
 seen to be proportional to the distance and angle between the body and the
coil.
Ultrasonic sensors utilize the period between the reflected pulse (echo) and
the original pulse sent by transmitter for distance measurement.
Optoelectronic technique of distance sensing uses laser beam.
7. What is a Data logger? Explain its types. (6m) (Or)Describe the block
schematic diagram of a data logging system or data logger and explain its
operation.
It has a microprocessor or computer based control system where the analogue or
digital inputs are received serially after scanning and then processed and sent to
storage units or printed or displayed.

 The clocking system provides the necessary control signals for selection
of the input data channel and getting it logged along with the time at which
the logging is done.
 The channel selected is also logged for identification.
 The output data may be displayed, printed on a print-out system, and
recorded on a tape recorder.
 The data logger may also be provided with memory device for storage of
data.
 A data logger essentially deals with digital signals and hence all the input
data is brought out into digital form by ADC.
  The microprocessor may be provided for the entry of necessary command
instructions.
Uses of Data Acquisition systems:
● Used in Aerospace, Biomedical and telemetry industries
● Analog data acquisition systems are used when wide frequency width is required
or when lower accuracies can be tolerated.
● Digital data acquisition systems are used when the physical quantity being
monitored has a narrow bandwidth. Digital systems are also used when high
accuracy & low cost is required.
8. Describe the types of sensors used in automobiles.
Sensors used in automobiles are
 Flow rate sensors –Used to determine the mass flow rate of air entering a fuel-
injected internal combustion engine.
 Pressure sensors –
o To measure engine oil, brake oil and tyres pressure.
o Conventional diaphragms and bellows in associated with strain gauges
are used.
 Temperature sensors –
 Mostly negative temperature coefficient thermistors are used
 For engine oil sensing quartz temperature sensors
 For Exhaust gas temperature sensing, thermocouples are used
 Oxygen sensors -
o Sensors for checking smoke, humidity and odour are fixed inside the
automobiles.
o Oxygen sensors are installed in the emission controlled system to
reduce the toxic exhaust and improve fuel consumption.
 o Zirconia (zirconium dioxide)and titania sensors are being used

Torque and position sensor

o The torque generated in the engine is distributed to the wheels through
power trains.
o A torque sensor for each component at appropriate position of the power
train provides quick and precise response to power controls
o Position sensing is another important aspect in automobiles for detecting
shaft position, engine speed, throttle position and potentiometer position
and so on.
o Hall effect and magneto resistive sensors are used to determine the position
9. Describe the types of sensors used in Home appliance sensor
 Temperature sensor –
o Thermistors are extensively used in ovens, cooking
gadgets. Refrigerators, dishwashers
 Magnetic sensor – are widely used in electronic gadgets in entertainment.
o Hall sensors & Magneto resistive sensors in cameras, stereo sets and
tape recorders
 Chemical sensor – used in microwave ovens, clothes dryers & air conditioners
 Radiation sensor- Pyroelectric IR sensor used in microwave ovens. It consists
of a LiTaO3 pyroelectric element on a silicon base plate and is irradiated through
a silicon window.
 Mechanical sensor-
o Silicon pressure sensors are used in carpet cleaners
o Bellows are being used in refrigerators.
o Potentiometers are used in washing machine
Sensors used in washing machine:
 In a microprocessor controlled washing machine, water level is sensed using
optics principles that comprise units like a light emitting diode, a
photodiode/phototransistor, and a light slit. The light slit is moved by the water
level. This type of sensor is also used in rinsing chambers for the detection of
degree of rinsing which provides information about the concentration of
residual detergents.
 The sensor used for spin dry system in washing machine is PZT (Lead
zircon ate) ceramic sensor.
o It is based on the principle that when water drips on to the surface of the
sensor, voltage developed in the sensor become less with more impinge
force of water on it.
o As the clothes are dried, voltage also increases.
 Drum Speed Sensing
 Detergent Level Sensor
Sensors used in refrigerators:
  Photodiode –LED assembly has also been used for frost detection in
refrigerators.

10. Explain the application of sensors for aerospace

Sensors in aerospace appliances have to withstand wide variation in physical
condition.
o Static pressure sensors are to be monitored for rate of change of
altitude. For this, probes are used which are Pilot tube of appropriate
design and require to be aligned accurately.
 Misalignment of the probes incurs considerable error in static
pressure.

o Temperature sensing using thermocouple

o Fluid velocity sensors: Fluid velocity can be divided into

Linear velocity can be measured by Pilot tube & hot wire
anemometer

Bulk velocity or Bulk flow rate can be measured by gyroscopic
sensors.
o Measurement Air speed on Aircrafts: Air speed on aircraft can be
computed from the measurement of total pressure, temperature and
static pressure using the equations of ideal gas.
 o Monitoring strain, force, Thrust and acceleration for operation,
innovation and safety considerations.

Strain can be monitored by strain gauges

Engine thrust is measured by load cell

Acceleration measurement in an aircraft is very important during
acrobatic movements when stresses in the structures increases
with acceleration.
1. Why active filter are mostly preferred in measurement system? (2m)
2. Why amplification is required in signal conditioning? (2m)
Many sensors produce signals of the order of milli volts. This low level input
signals from sensors must be amplified to use them for further control action.
Operational amplifiers (op-amp) are widely used for amplification of input
signals
3. Where anti aliasing filter is used? (2m)
4. Which type of amplifier is most suitable for wheat-stone bridge circuit?
(2m)