Military Institute of Science and Technology

Dept. of Electrical, Electronic and Communication Engineering

EECE 313
Measurement, Instrumentation and Sensors
Assignment no.: 01

(a) For the variable reluctance type transducer arrangement, shown in the figure, show that its inductance
is inversely proportional to the air-gap length.

(b) A capacitive displacement-type transducer arrangement is shown in the figure. It consists of four parallel
plates separated by air. Plates A, C and D are fixed and plate B can be moved. Plate B has a thickness of t
and is at distance d from plates on the either side. Plates B, C, D are all of length 𝑙, while plate A has a
length 2𝑙. All plates have a width 𝑤. The gap between plates C and D can be considered as negligible.
Neglecting the end-effects, derive expression for capacitance 𝐶𝐴𝐶 and 𝐶𝐴𝐷 for movement of the midpoint
of plate B between 𝑥 = ±𝑙/2. Where, 𝑥 = 0 is the position of symmetry. (Hint: go through some A K
Sawhney Examples)
Assignment no.: 02

(a) Briefly explain the construction of an LVDT. Explain how position and linear displacement (including
direction of movement) can electrically be measured in an LVDT.

(b) Briefly explain the functions of instrument transformers.

(c) Why the secondary of a CT should never be open-circuited while its primary is energized?

(d) Write down the desirable properties of an RTD material. Why platinum is especially suited for RTD
applications?

(e) Draw and explain the Current - Time characteristics of a typical thermistor element as a function of
applied voltage. Think of an application of thermistor based on this characteristics.

Assignment no.: 03

(a) A strain gauge is bonded to a structural beam of 1 𝑚 long a 0.4 𝑋 10−3 𝑚2 cross-sectional area. The
gauge has an unstrained resistance of 240Ω and a gauge factor of 2.20. With the application of a
particular load to the beam, the resistance of the gauge changes by 0.013 Ω. Calculate the amount of
force applied to the beam. Also calculate the change in the length of the beam. (Young's Modulus of
Elasticity of the beam material is 207 𝐺𝑁/𝑚2. (Hint: Google the definition and formulations of Young’s
Modulus of Elasticity.)

(b) A linear motion (variable, x) is actuated to the solid dielectric of a parallel-plate capacitive transducer
arrangement. Derive and plot the equation of capacitance between the plates as a function of x. Also,
show that the sensitivity of such a transducer is constant.