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Ans. 1. Sensor:
2. Transducer:
- Example: Thermocouple
3. Actuator:
Ans. Let's classify the given sensors and transducers based on their
analog/digital nature and active/passive characteristics:
- Analog: Yes
2. Thermocouple:
- Active/Passive: Passive
3. Thermistor:
- Analog: Yes
- Active/Passive: Passive
- Analog: Yes
- Active/Passive: Passive
5. Strain Gauge:
- Analog: Yes
- Active/Passive: Passive
6. LM35:
- Analog: Yes
- Active/Passive: Active
7. DHT11:
- Analog: Digital
- Active/Passive: Active
8. DHT22:
- Analog: Digital
- Active/Passive: Active
9. Load Cell:
- Analog: Yes
- Active/Passive: Passive
10. PT100:
- Analog: Yes
- Active/Passive: Passive
- Analog: Yes
- Active/Passive: Passive
- Analog: Yes
- Active/Passive: Passive
Q. What are the selection criteria for the sensors? OR how to
classify the sensors?
Ans. The selection criteria for sensors can be classified into various categories,
as outlined in the provided document:
3. Size and Weight: Sensors should have small size and less weight .
5. Operating Range: Sensors should have a wide operating range and good
accuracy over the range .
6. Resolution: Sensors should have high resolution, but it should not be too high
to pick up very minute fluctuations that would require additional processing .
7. Speed Response: The time taken by the sensor to respond should be minimal,
and the response time should be very short .
9. Nature of Output: The nature of output required from the sensor, whether
digital or analog, has to be considered while selecting a sensor .
10. Linearity: Sensor’s curve should be linear, and the percentage of deviation
from the best-fit linear calibration curve should be minimal .
- Temperature Sensor
- Proximity Sensor
- Accelerometer
- Pressure Sensor
- Light Sensor
- Ultrasonic Sensor
- Touch Sensor
- Color Sensor
- Humidity Sensor
- Position Sensor
- Tilt Sensor
- PIR Sensor
These classification criteria and selection considerations are crucial for choosing
the most suitable sensor for a specific application in a Mechatronics system.
Ans.
A. Input Characteristics:
2. Loading Effects:
- Ideally, the sensor should not impose any force, power, or energy on the
measured quantity.
B. Transfer Characteristics:
1. Transfer Function:
- qo = f(qi)
2. Error:
- Error occurs when the actual relationship deviates from \(q_o = f(q_i)\).
C. Transducer Response:
D. Output Characteristics:
2. Output Impedance:
- Limited by noise signals (lower end) and maximum useful input level (upper
end).
UNIT 2
Q.How to measure pressure using Bourdon’s tube and LVDT ?
Explain using neat diagram.
Ans. Measuring pressure using Bourdon's tube and LVDT involves converting the pressure into
a displacement, which is then measured using a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT).
Here's a step-by-step explanation along with a neat diagram:
1. Bourdon's Tube: Bourdon's tube is a curved tube that tends to straighten when pressure is
applied. The tube is connected to the fluid whose pressure is to be measured.
2. Pressure Application: When the fluid enters the Bourdon's tube, the pressure causes the tube
to straighten or deform. This deformation results in the movement of the free end of the tube.
3. Mechanical Linkages: The movement of the free end of the Bourdon's tube is then transmitted
through mechanical linkages to an LVDT.
4. Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT): The LVDT is a type of electrical displacement
transducer that converts the mechanical movement of the Bourdon's tube into an electrical
signal.
5. Output: The LVDT produces an electrical output that is proportional to the displacement of the
Bourdon's tube, which in turn is proportional to the applied pressure.
6. Measurement: The electrical output from the LVDT can be calibrated and used to indicate the
pressure on a scale or can be further processed for control or recording purposes.
Here's a simple diagram to illustrate the process:
```
Pressure
│
▼
Bourdon's Tube
│
▼
Mechanical Linkages
│
▼
Linear Variable
Differential Transformer
│
▼
Electrical Output
```
This setup allows for the accurate measurement of pressure using Bourdon's tube and LVDT,
providing a reliable method for various industrial and scientific applications
➔ Ans: Sound Wave Generation: The sensor emits ultrasonic waves (sound
waves at frequencies higher than 20 kHz) from a transmitter.
➔ Propagation: These waves travel through the air and hit an object in their path.
➔ Reflection: When the ultrasonic waves encounter an object, they bounce back
(reflect) towards the sensor.
➔ Reception: The sensor's receiver captures the reflected waves.
➔ Time Measurement: By measuring the time taken for the waves to return after
being emitted, the sensor calculates the distance to the object.
➔ Calculating Distance: Using the speed of sound in the air (approximately 343
meters per second or 1,235 kilometers per hour at room temperature), the
sensor computes the distance to the object based on the time it took for the
waves to return.
➔ Output: The sensor provides an output, often in the form of an electrical signal
or digital data, representing the distance to the object.
● Ans. Apply Force: Place the load cell where the force will be applied
(compression, tension, or shear).
● Deformation: The force causes the load cell to slightly deform.
● Generate Electrical Signal: This deformation changes the load cell's strain
gauges, producing a small electrical signal.
● Amplify and Convert: Amplify and convert this signal into a readable form
(analog or digital).
● Calibrate: Ensure accuracy by calibrating the load cell using known weights or
forces.
● Read Output: The load cell provides an output signal representing the force or
weight applied. Use this data for measurement or control purposes.
Ans. Sensing Element: Tactile sensors can be made using various materials like
piezoelectric materials, conductive polymers, or resistive elements.
Outer Layer: Often covered with a flexible, protective outer layer that allows it
to interact with objects.
Electrical Connections: Equipped with electrical connections or leads to
transmit signals generated by touch or pressure.
Ans.
Comparison Summary:
Ans.
RTD (Resistance Temperature Thermistor Thermocouple
Detector):
Ans.
1)Thermistor
Construction:
Working:
Characteristics:
2)Thermocouple
Construction:
Working:
● Seebeck Effect: Thermocouples operate based on the Seebeck effect, where a
voltage is generated when there's a temperature difference between the two
junctions of dissimilar metals.
● Voltage Generation: When the two junctions experience different
temperatures, a voltage is created across the ends of the wires due to the
temperature difference.
● Output Voltage: This voltage, known as the thermoelectric voltage, is
proportional to the temperature difference between the two junctions.
Characteristics:
3)RTD
Construction:
● RTDs typically consist of a length of wire made from a pure metal or alloy with
a known and predictable resistance-temperature relationship.
● The most common material used is platinum (Pt), although other metals like
nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) can also be employed.
● The wire is wound or formed into a coil or thin film and encapsulated within a
protective sheath or housing, often made of stainless steel or ceramic
materials.
Working:
● Resistance Changes with Temperature: RTDs operate on the principle that the
electrical resistance of certain metals changes in a predictable manner with
temperature variations.
● Linear Relationship: The change in resistance is relatively linear with
temperature changes within a specified range, especially with platinum-based
RTDs (PT100 or PT1000).
● Measurement Method: The RTD's resistance is measured using a known
current source or voltage across the RTD, and the resulting voltage or current
drop across the RTD is used to determine the temperature through calibration
or lookup tables.
Characteristics:
Construction:
Working Principle:
● Pressure Application: The pressure being measured enters the Bourdon tube
through the attached end.
● Deformation: The pressure causes the tube to straighten or deform from its
initial curved shape.
● Movement: As pressure changes, the free end of the tube moves, resulting in
mechanical movement proportional to the applied pressure.
5)Diaphragm
6)Capsule
7)Bellows
8)Strain gauge
Construction:
● Material: Strain gauges are made of thin wires or foil grids typically composed
of metals like constantan or nickel-chromium alloy.
● Mounting: They are mounted onto a flexible backing material, often made of
polymers, to adhere to the surface of the material undergoing deformation.
● Wiring: Connected to a circuit via lead wires to measure changes in electrical
resistance due to strain.
Working Principle:
● Strain Measurement: Strain gauges work based on the principle that the
electrical resistance of the wire or foil changes when subjected to strain or
deformation.
● Wire Resistance: As the material deforms, the strain gauge experiences a
change in length or shape, causing the wire's resistance to change.
● Wheatstone Bridge Configuration: Multiple strain gauges are often arranged in
a Wheatstone bridge circuit to measure small changes in resistance
accurately.
● Electric Signal: The deformation-induced change in resistance generates a
small electrical signal.
Characteristics:
● Sensitivity: Strain gauges are highly sensitive and can detect small changes in
strain or deformation.
● Accuracy: They offer high accuracy in measuring strain, especially when used
in Wheatstone bridge configurations.
● Range: Available in various configurations to measure different levels of
strain, from small deformations to higher levels.
● Temperature Compensation: Some strain gauges incorporate temperature
compensation to account for temperature-induced changes in resistance.
● Applications: Widely used in structural engineering, load testing, material
testing, and stress analysis in mechanical and civil engineering.
QExplain the working principle of Strain Gauge. Explain how
strain gauge is used to measure Pressure.
Resistance Change: Strain gauges are composed of thin wires or foil grids
made of materials with high resistance, like constantan or nickel-chromium
alloy.
Deformation Sensitivity: When bonded to a material, the strain gauge
undergoes the same mechanical strain as the material it's attached to.
Resistance Change with Strain: As the material deforms due to applied force
or pressure, the strain gauge experiences a proportional change in length or
shape.
Resistance Change Measurement: This deformation alters the strain gauge's
electrical resistance. The change in resistance is directly proportional to the
amount of strain experienced by the material.
a) Piezoelectric transducer
Ans. Piezoelectric Transducer
• It is generally used to convert mechanical stress/pressure/force into
an electrical
signal
• Works on Piezoelectric effect
• The Piezoelectric transducer is an active transducer
Features and Specifications
•Impedance:≤500Ω;
•Voltage:≤30Vp-p;
•Operating temperature:-20°C~+60°C
•Storage temperature:-30°C~+70°C
•Low Soldering temperature
•Strain sensitivity: 5V/μƐ
•Material: Quartz (mostly used)
b) ultrasonic sensor
Ans.
Q.What is load cell? Explain the working principle of Load cell.
Unit 3
Q. How to design the sensor? Explain the steps for sensor design
with suitable example.
Ans. Designing a sensor involves several key steps:
1. Define Requirements: Clearly outline the parameters, measurement
range, and environmental conditions for the sensor.
2. Select Sensing Principle and Type: Choose a sensing principle (e.g.,
resistive, capacitive) and a specific sensor type based on the application
needs (e.g., thermistor for temperature).
3. Determine Electrical Output: Decide on the type of electrical output
(e.g., voltage, current) and consider calibration and compensation
techniques for accuracy.
4. Materials and Construction: Choose suitable materials for the sensor's
physical structure, considering size, shape, and durability.
5. Prototype, Test, and Refine: Build a prototype, conduct thorough
testing, and iteratively refine the design based on performance results.
Document specifications and operating procedures.
Example Illustration: For a temperature sensor with an industrial
application (e.g., -50°C to 150°C, ±1°C accuracy), design a
thermistor-based sensor with voltage output. Consider materials suitable
for industrial environments, implement calibration methods, and iterate the
design based on testing results. Document specifications and operating
instructions.
Ans.