Laboratory Instruction Manual

Experiment No.: 11
Experiment Title: Study of Sensors
Faculty: Dr. PV Manivannan
Teaching Assistants: Mr.
Technical Staff: Mr. Vimal Antony

Date of Experiment

Roll No. of 1. 2.
Students present 3. 4.
Signature of TA

 Introduction: This laboratory exercise introduces the students to different types of

sensors used for measurement of mechanical quantities and their application in process
control. The students will learn theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for sensor
application of sensors in process control.
 Objective: To study and understand the principles of different sensors and their usage.
 Learning Outcome: Understand the working principle and characteristics of
• Strain gauge Load cell
• Linear Variable Differential Transformer
• Linear Potentiometer
• Optical Encoder, Optical Proximity Sensor (inductive pickup)
 Instruments/Equipments : VTT-05 sensors and Instrumentation Training Kit
 Experimental procedure:
 Read the instructional manual of VTT - 05
 Switch on the equipment and carry out the initial adjustments as required.
 Connect the output terminal of Strain Gauge force transducer
o Set the Bridge Voltage to the desired value and carry out null adjustment
o Add weights in steps up to the maximum suggested value. Note down the output
voltage reading in the digital display in a tabular format in the worksheet.
Start removing the weights gradually till no load condition and note down the
readings of the digital display
o Repeat the experiment for at least five bridge voltage values
o Calculate for each bridge voltage and load value the strain in the cantilever
beam and the output voltage
o Draw the curves of Laod vs output voltage, strain vs output voltage and Strain
vs bridge voltage
o Arrive at conclusions on sensitivity and uncertainty of measurement
 Weight in (Gms)
Increasing Linearly (not O/P Voltage in (V)
more than 1Kg)

Weight in (Gms)
Decreasing Linearly O/P Voltage in (V)
(Start below 1 Kg only)

 Connect the output terminal of Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT)

o Set the Bridge Voltage to the desired value and carry out null adjustment with
the core located at the middle of the total displacement
o Move the micrometer head from the null position gradually in steps in one
direction and bring back to null. Now move the micrometer head from the null
position gradually in steps in the other direction and bring back to null. Note
down the output voltage reading in the digital display for each position of the
micrometer head in mm in a tabular format in the worksheet.
o Repeat the experiment for at least five bridge voltage values
o Draw the curves of Displacement vs. output voltage for each bridge voltage
input
o Arrive at conclusions on sensitivity and uncertainty of measurement.
 Fixed Scale Reading in
O/P Voltage in (V)
(mm) Increasing Linearly

Fixed Scale Reading in

O/P Voltage in (V)
(mm) Increasing Linearly

 Connect the output terminal of Linear Potentiometer

o Set the moveable rod to zero position and note the voltage displayed.
o push the rod with free hand for 1 cm and note down the reading of voltage.
o Repeat the experiment for 5 cms taking the respective readig for each cm.
o After 5 cms pull it back to repeat the same procedure in descending order and
note down the respective voltage outputs and tabulate it.

Linear Potentiometer
Displacement in (cms) O/P Voltage in (V)
Increasing Linearly

Linear Potentiometer
Displacement in (cms) O/P Voltage in (V)
Decreasing Linearly
 Connect the output terminal of Optical Tachometer (Inductive Pickup)
o Set the Bridge Voltage to the desired value and carry out null adjustment
o Run the servo motor at different speeds by gradually varying the input voltage
to motor to increase the speed. Note down the output voltage reading in the
digital display for each speed in a tabular format in the worksheet.
o Repeat the experiment for decreasing speed values from maximum speed
o Draw the curves of speed vs output voltage
o Arrive at conclusions on sensitivity and uncertainty of measurement
 Connect the output terminal of Optical Encoder (Optical Pickup)
o Set the Bridge Voltage to the desired value and carry out null adjustment
o Run the servo motor at different speeds by gradually varying the input voltage
to motor to increase the speed. Note down the output voltage reading in the
digital display for each speed in a tabular format in the worksheet.
o Repeat the experiment for decreasing speed values from maximum speed
o Draw the curves of I/p Voltage vs. output voltage of both sensors.
o Arrive at conclusions on sensitivity and uncertainty of measurement
o Compare the two speed measurement methods.

O/P Voltage of O/P Voltage of

I/P Voltage applied to Motor in
Inductive Pickup Optical Encoder in
(cms) Increasing Linearly
in (V) (V)

 Report: Submit a detailed report containing the following

o Introduction to sensors for measurement of mechanical quantities
o Brief description of the Instrumentation training kit
o The working principle of the sensors used
o The various graphs from experimental observations and associated remarks and
conclusions
o Suggestions for enhancement of the facility
o An application example from Manufacturing system / Process Control
diagrammatically indicating the use of all the above sensors for control

 Time Line: The report should be submitted on the same day after completion of the
experiments.