ASSESSMENT NO.

10
Instructions: Answer the following questions. Show your complete solution if applicable and Box your
final answer.
1. Name two magnetic field sensors.
The two magnetic field sensors most commonly used are the Hall effect device and the
magneto resistive element.
2. What is the difference between a sensor, a transducer, and a converter?
The main difference between a sensor and a transducer is the output signal. Both a sensor and
a transducer are used to sense a change within the environment they are surrounded by or an object
they are attached to, but, a sensor will give an output in the same format and a transducer will convert
the measurement into an electrical signal. 
3. Why is it necessary to use signal conditioning on sensor signals?
Signals have to be conditioned to compensate for the following:
a. Sensor output signals are not always referenced to ground.
b. Sensors are temperature sensitive, i.e., the output changes with temperature.
c. Adjust the sensitivity of the sensor.
d. The variable monitored by the sensor and its output do not necessarily have a linear relationship.
e. Amplification of low-level signals for noise reduction and transmission.
f. Filtering for reduction or minimization of pickup and noise.
4. How do pneumatic transducers control pressure?
It takes electrical signals from a DC (direct current) signal and converts those signals into
proportional pneumatic pressure. I/P transducers convert electrical signals from a controller to
apply pneumatic pressure to valves, dampeners, actuators, or brakes and clutches within an industrial
mechanism.
5. The output voltage from a sensor varies from a minimum of 0.21 V to a maximum of 0.56 V. Draw a
circuit to condition the signal so that the output voltage goes from 0 to 10 V. Assume a reference
voltage of 10 V, the resistor from the reference is 10 kΩ and the input resistor to the amplifier is 5 kΩ.
6. What methods are used to convert mechanical sensor movement into electrical or display signals?
The methods that used to convert mechanical sensor movement into electrical or display
signals is piezoelectric.
7. What are the methods of providing the reference for a thermocouple?
A reference temperature for a thermocouple can be provided by a constant temperature
enclosure for the cold junction, or measuring the temperature of the cold junction and correcting the
output signal electrically.
8. Why are strain gauges normally mounted in pairs at right angles to each other?
Because Strain Gauge is fitted with a pair of coils and a thermistor.
9. What types of transducers are used with diaphragm pressure-type sensors?
The transducers used with diaphragm-type pressure sensors use strain gauges to convert the
strain in the diaphragm into resistance for electrical measurement, or capacitive sensors use capacitive
changes to convert the movement in the diaphragm into electrical signals.
10. A float sensor using a 27 kΩ angular position potentiometer is used to measure liquid level in a
tank, see Fig. 12.5. What is the optimum value of resistance between the wiper and ground to
compensate for the nonlinearities in the system?