OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTION ANSWERS: BASICS HAND OUTS

1. A servo motor is a typical example of _____

a) Electronics system
b) Mechanical system
c) Computer system
d) Mechatronics system
Answer: d
Explanation: A servo motor is a typical example of a mechatronics system. It is a motor with
sensory feedback and it is used for obtaining very complex and precise motions.

2. What is the function of an input signal conditioning unit?

a) To produce control signals
b) To amplify the signal and convert it into digital form
c) To perform mechanical work
d) To produce electrical signals

Answer: b
Explanation: Input signal conditioning devices amplify the signals, converts them into digital
form, and supplies the conditioned input signals to digital control. Control signals are
produced by digital control. Mechanical actuators perform mechanical work. Electrical
signals are produced by input sensors.

3. The main mechanical components of a servo motor are stator and rotor.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: The main mechanical components of a servo motor are stator and rotor. The
electrical components consist of field windings and rotor windings, circuitry for power
transmission.

4. The main function of Actuator is _____

a) To produce motion
b) Detect input
c) Detect output
d) Detect the state of the system

Answer: a
Explanation: The Actuators produce motion and cause some actions whereas sensors
detect the state of system parameters, inputs and outputs.
5. Example of ‘Stand-alone system’ is _____
a) Machining center’s
b) Washing machine
c) Robots for parts handling
d) Automated inspection stations
Answer: b
Explanation: The example of a stand-alone system is the washing machine. Machining
centers, robots for parts handling and automated inspection system are large factory
systems.

6. Which among the following carry out the overall control of a system?
a) Graphical display
b) Sensors
c) Actuators
d) Digital controls

Answer: d
Explanation: The overall control of the system is carried out by digital controls. Graphical
display provides visual feedback. The actuators produce motion and cause some actions
whereas sensors detect the state of system parameters,inputs and outputs.

7. A humanoid robot is an example of _____

a) Artificial intelligence
b) Stand-alone systems
c) Large factory systems
d) High level distributed sensor microcontroller actuator

Answer: a
Explanation: Humanoid robot is an example of a system that incorporates intelligent control
or artificial intelligence. The example of a Stand-alone system is washing machine whereas
wire aircraft and automated inspection stations are examples of high level distributed sensor
and large factory systems respectively.

8. Where is the feedback generated by sensors in a mechatronics system given?

a) Input sensors
b) Comparators
c) Mechanical actuators
d) Output sensors

Answer: b
Explanation: The feedback signal is given to comparator, which compares the desired input
signal to the feedback signal to produce an error signal. Input sensor detects the input
signal. Output sensors produce the output.
9. A Mechatronics system contains feedback.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: Feedback signals are generated by sensors of mechatronics system, given to
comparators to produce the error signal if any. This set of Mechatronics Multiple Choice
Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Microprocessor Based Controllers”.

10. What is the sequence followed by the automatic washing machine?

a) Washing, soaking, rinsing and drying
b) soaking, washing, rinsing and drying
c) Washing, soaking, drying and rinsing
d) Drying, soaking, rinsing and washing

Answer: b
Explanation: Soaking, washing, rinsing and drying are the events of the washing machine.
According to this, the controller actions are decided. In the other options the sequence is
changed and therefore these are not the accurate choices.

11. The chemical sensor in the washing machine is used ____

a) To count the quantity of detergent
b) To measure the amount of water
c) To measure the pH value of water
d) For Drying operations

Answer: c
Explanation: Chemical sensor is used to measure the pH value of water in the drum and
compare to the water supply. The amount of water, pH value and detergent are all sensed
by the sensor. Drying operations are performed through another hardware in the device.

12. The amount of water, pH value and detergent are input to ____
a) Microprocessor
b) Microcontroller
c) Valve
d) Pump

Answer: b
Explanation: The amount of water, pH value and detergent are all sensed by the sensor and
sensed qualities are input to the microcontroller. Further the signals are sent from the
microcontroller to device so that the user get to know if the work is done.
13. What is used to calculate the distance of the object and according to that sets the
lens of the camera?
a) Range processor
b) Microprocessor
c) Shutter
d) Switch
Answer: a
Explanation: Range sensor is used to calculate the distance of the object and according to
that it sets the lens of the camera. The microprocessor sends the signal to the motor for
adjusting the lens of the camera.

14. A CD is made of plastic and a thick layer of aluminium.

a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Explanation: The CD is made of plastic and a thick layer of aluminium. Between plastic and
aluminium layers is a spiral track, 0.5 microns wide with the repetitions of the track 1.6
microns apart radially.

15. The microprocessor is used in drive motor of CD for controlling the speed.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Explanation: The microprocessor is used to control the speed of the drive motor based on
the position of the tracking mechanism. Depending on the complexity of the CD player,
sometimes music data is temporarily stored in RAM chip, for anti-skip functions.

16. What is the precise rate at which the drive motor rotates the CD?
a) 800 to 100 rpm
b) 500 to 200 rpm
c) 1000 to 600 rpm
d) 100 to 200 rpm
Answer: b
Explanation: The drive motor rotates the CD at a precise rate, somewhere between 500 to
200 rpm. The other options are not the accurate or precise rate of rotation and therefore
these are not the right choices.

17. What are the applications of PLC in mechatronics?

a) Timing, counting, logic, arithmetic and sequencing
b) Managing, commanding and directing
c) Storing data
d) Processing
Answer: a
Explanation: Timing, counting, logic, arithmetic and sequencing are the applications of PLC.
Managing and commanding are done through the controller, Memory stores the data and
Processor is used for processing.

18. What is the main of DAS (data acquisition system)?

a) Storing data
b) It converts analog to digital data
c) It converts digital to analog data
d) Processes the data
Answer: b
Explanation: DAS is used basically to convert analog to digital quantities, measures several
physical quantities and converts them into electrical form. It can measure voltage, current,
sound or pressure and various other physical quantities.

19. Reading mechanism is available in _______

a) CD
b) Washing machine
c) Digital camera
d) Camcorders
Answer: a
Explanation: CD consists of a reading mechanism part. A laser and a laser diode read when
it can see the laser light. In other options, washing machine, Digital camera and camcorders
does not require reading mechanism and they are not available.

20. What converts physical input into output, among the basic parts of a measuring
system?
a) Transducer or sensor
b) Signal conditioning
c) Intelligence
d) Display

Answer: a
Explanation: A transducer or a sensor is a sensing device used to convert physical input to
output especially voltage. Signal processor performs functions such as filtering and
amplification. Intelligence enables sensor level of signal processing the ability to
communicate with other sensors and subsystems. The display is used for online monitoring
or processing.

21. The analog to digital conversion in a measurement system takes place inside
_____

a) transducer
b) signal processor
c) display
d) led

Answer: b
Explanation: A signal processor is used for the purpose of analog to digital conversion in a
measuring system. A transducer or a sensor is a sensing device used to convert physical
input to output especially voltage. The display is used for online monitoring or processing.

22. A thermocouple is a transducer.

a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: Thermocouple is a transducer that converts temperature into a small voltage.
These are generally used for temperature measurement.
23. The light emitting diodes are used as a/an ____
a) intelligence
b) display
c) transducer
d) sensor

Answer: b
Explanation: The light emitting diodes are used as display devices. A transducer or a sensor
is a sensing device used to convert physical input to output especially voltage. Intelligence
enables sensor level of signal processing the ability to communicate with other sensors and
subsystems.

24. Which type of error is caused due to friction or electrical capacitance?

a) Hysteresis
b) Zero
c) Systematic
d) Random

Answer: a
Explanation: Hysteresis errors are always due to friction or electrical capacitance.
Systematic errors always have the same and consistent value. Random errors are
unpredictable and varying.

25. Accuracy is the difference between a true value and the measured value.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: Accuracy is the difference between a true value and the measured value. It is
always given in percentage of the full-scale output of the measurement system.

26. Which type of error always has the same and consistent value?
a) Random errors
b) Systematic errors
c) Zero errors
d) Hysteresis errors

Answer: b
Explanation: Systematic errors always have the same and consistent value. Random errors
are unpredictable and varying. Hysteresis errors are always due to friction and electrical
capacitance.

27. The largest value for which the instrument output remains zero is ____
a) hysteresis error
b) resolution
c) sensitivity
d) dead zone

Answer: d
Explanation: Dead zone is the largest value of the measured variable for which the
instrument output stays zero. Hysteresis errors are always due to friction and electrical
capacitance. Sensitivity is the smallest absolute amount of change that can be detected by
a measurement. Resolution is the discrete nature of the measurement system which will not
allow them to follow an exactly continuous change in measurand.

28. The function of the data transmission element is ____

a) to transfer data from one element to another
b) to modify the data
c) to process the data
d) to separate the signal hidden in the noise

Answer: a
Explanation: Data transmission is used to transmit data from one element to another. The
data processing element is used to modify the data before display and separate data from
noise.

29. Which elements among the following is used to modify the data before display?
a) Data presentation element
b) Data transmission element
c) Data processing element
d) Variable manipulation element

Answer: c
Explanation: Data processing element is used to modify the data before display. Variable
manipulation element is used to manipulate the signal. Data transmission is used to
transmit data from one element to another, Data presentation element communicate the
information of a measured variable to a human observer for monitoring.

30. This set of Mechatronics Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses
on “Mechatronics Design Process”.
1. Which is the first aspect which needs to be considered in the Mechatronics design
process?
a) Hardware integration and simulation
b) Conceptual design
c) Mathematical modeling
d) Modeling and simulation

Answer: d
Explanation: Modeling and simulation involve the representation of physical systems by
suitable models for describing the behavior characteristics such as block diagram.
Hardware design and simulation is a part of prototyping. Conceptual design and
mathematical modeling come under modeling and simulation.
31. In the level of integration of Mechatronics system, an example of the first level is
_____
a) Fluid valves
b) Automatic machine tools
c) Industrial robots
d) Microprocessors

Answer: a
Explanation: First level of the mechatronic system is a basic control system which integrates
electrical signal with mechanical action. An example of this level is a fluid valve. Automatic
machine tools and industrial robots come under the second level and the microprocessor in
the third level respectively.

32. Interface design is an example of hardware integration.

a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Explanation: Interface design is a part of software integration which involves the Operating
system. Hardware integration involves process design and electronic design respectively.

33. What is the role of the second level in the mechatronics system design?
a) Integrates microelectronics into electrically controlled devices
b) Integrates electrical signal with mechanical action
c) Advanced control strategy level
d) Providing artificial intelligence

Answer: a
Explanation: Role of the second level is to integrate Microelectronics into electrically
controlled devices. Integration of electrical signal with mechanical action, Advanced control
strategy, and artificial intelligence comes under the first, third and fourth level of
mechatronics design respectively.
34. Microprocessor based electrical motors are used for ____
a) Prediction of fault in the system
b) Correction before a fault occurs
c) Actuation purpose in robots
d) Providing intelligence

Answer: c
Explanation: Microprocessor based electrical motors are used for actuation purpose in
robots. The other functions such as Correction before a fault occurs, Providing intelligence
or prediction of fault in the system is done using Artificial intelligence.
35. Deployment in mechatronics design is associated with the final product.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: Deployment is the third main step in the process of a mechatronics design
process. It is associated with the final product, Embedded software deployment, and life
cycle.

36. Which phase of a mechatronics system consists of hardware designing?

a) Prototyping
b) Modeling
c) Simulation
d) Deployment

Answer: a
Explanation: Hardware design and simulation is a part of Prototyping. Conceptual design
and mathematical modeling come under modeling and simulation.

37. What is the function of “analysis” in the modeling and simulation phase?
a) Database for maintaining project information
b) Sub models for eventual reuse
c) Contains Numerical methods
d) To produce high-level source code

Answer: c
Explanation: Analysis provides numerical methods for frequency domain, time domain, and
complex domain design. Database for maintaining project information, Sub-models for
eventual reuse are part of project management. High-level source codes are produced by
the code generator.
38. Describing the behavior characteristics through block diagram is done in ____
a) Modeling and simulation
b) Prototyping
c) Deployment
d) Design optimization

Answer: a
Explanation: In Modeling and simulation, physical systems are represented by a suitable
model for describing the behavior characteristics such as a block diagram. Hardware design
and simulation is a part of Prototyping. Deployment is associated with the final product,
Embedded software deployment, and life cycle.

39. Prototyping involves ____

a) Conceptual design
b) Replacing non-computer systems with actual hardware
c) Database for maintaining project information
d) Sub models for eventual reuse

Answer: b
Explanation: Prototyping involves replacing non-computer systems with actual hardware.
Conceptual design and mathematical modeling come under modeling and simulation.
Database for maintaining project information, Sub-models for eventual reuse are part of
project management.

40. What are transducers?

a) They convert power from one form to another
b) They convert work from one form to another
c) They convert work to power
d) They convert energy from one form to another

Answer: d
Explanation: Transducer are devices that convert energy from one form to another. This
energy can be either mechanical energy, light energy, heat energy or any other forms of
energy.
41. Active transducer do not require any type of additional power source for an
operation.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: Active transducers do not require any additional power source for converting
the energy from one form to another as they work on the principle of energy conversion.
One such example of active transducer is thermocouple.

42. What type of energy conversion does a piezoelectric transducer perform?

a) It converts mechanical energy to sound energy
b) It converts sound energy to mechanical energy
c) It converts mechanical energy to electrical energy
d) It converts electrical energy to mechanical energy

Answer: c
Explanation: A piezoelectric transducer converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.
They are generally used to detect a knock or any impulsive force. They are also used in
electronic drum pads to detect the impulse provided by the drumsticks.
43. Pirani Gauge is an example of which type of transducer?
a) Pressure transducer
b) Temperature transducer
c) Light transducer
d) Mechanical transducer

Answer: a
Explanation: Pirani Gauge is a pressure transducer. It’s a thermal conductivity gauge used
to detect pressure in vacuum conditions. It was named after a German physicist “Marcello
Stefano Pirani” who invented it in 1906

44. An Eddy current type displacement sensor can detect which types of objects?
a) Wooden Objects
b) Metal Objects
c) Plastic Objects
d) Bricks

Answer: b
Explanation: Eddy current type displacement sensor can detect metal objects because it
uses high frequency magnetic field for the detection of objects. When this metallic object
come in the range of magnetic field, due to the electromagnetic induction, eddy current
starts to flow through the object in vertical direction which causes a change in the
impedance of the sensor. This change in impedance is used to measure the distance.
45. Which displacement sensor has the slowest response time among Optical type,
Eddy current type, Ultrasonic type and Laser focus type?
a) Optical Type
b) Eddy Current Type
c) Ultrasonic Type
d) Laser Focus Type

Answer: c
Explanation: Ultrasonic type displacement sensor has the slowest response time among all
the above mentioned type sensors. It’s so because it uses ultrasonic sound waves for the
measurement while Optical and Laser type uses light for the measurement which is much
faster than the ultrasonic waves. Eddy current type sensors uses high frequency magnetic
field which is also faster than the ultrasonic waves.

46. Which displacement sensor has the lowest accuracy to measure displacement
among Optical type, Eddy current type, Ultrasonic type, Laser focus type?
a) Optical Type
b) Eddy Current Type
c) Ultrasonic Type
d) Laser Focus Type

Answer:c
Explanation: Ultrasonic type displacement sensor has the lowest accuracy to measure
displacement among all the above mentioned type sensors. It’s so because it uses ultrasonic
sound waves for the measurement while Optical and Laser type uses light for the
measurement which is much faster than the ultrasonic waves and also has quick response
time. Eddy current type sensors uses high frequency magnetic field which too has a greater
response time compared the ultrasonic type which make it more accurate in measuring
distances.
47. Which type of material can be sensed by inductive proximity sensor?
a) Wooden type
b) Metallic type
c) Plastic type
d) Glass type

Answer: b

Explanation: Metallic type of material can be sensed by inductive proximity sensor. Inductive
proximity sensor works on the principle of electromagnetic induction, that is it creates a
magnetic field which induces an emf(electromotive force) which used to determine the
presence of objects.

48. Will an infrared proximity sensor detect a black object when it comes in suitable
range?
a) Yes, It will detect the object
b) No, It will not detect the object
c) Yes but it will produce random output
d) The sensor will stop working

Answer: b
Explanation: No, It will not detect the object if a black object comes in the range of an
infrared proximity sensor. Since infrared proximity sensors work on reflection of Infrared ray
from the objects but when these rays hit a black object, the ray gets absorbed and does not
bounce back. So the sensor is unable to detect the object.
49. Which is the emf(electromotive force) induced in a coil if it has 8 turns and rate of
change of flux with respect to time is 0.5?
a) -10 V
b) -25 V
c) 5.5 V
d) -4 V

Answer: d
Explanation:Given:
Number of turns(N)=8
Change of flux with respect to time(dΦ/dt)=0.5
Emf(electromotive force)(e)=-N*(dΦ/dt)
e=>-8*0.5=-4 V
-4 V is the emf (electromotive force) induced in a coil if it has 8 turns and rate of change of
flux with respect to time is 0.5.

50. Which metal will have a larger range of detection by inductive proximity sensor?
a) Iron
b) Aluminium
c) Copper
d) Lead

Answer: a

Explanation: Iron will have a larger range of detection by inductive proximity sensor. A ferrous
metal enables a longer range of detection whereas non-ferrous metals can reduce the
sensing range by 60%. Iron is a ferrous metal whereas all others are non-ferrous which is
why iron will have a longer range of detection.