School of Electronics Engineering (SENSE)

B.Tech CAT- I, Winter Semester 2020-21

Course Name : Sensors and Instrumentation
Course Code :ECE1005 Max. Marks: 30
Class No : VL2020210506921
Date : Slot : TD2
Faculty : Dr. Sakthi Swarrup J
Answer ALL the questions

1. An accelerometer placed on flat surface needs to show an output voltage of 0g on the x and y-axis [10]
and +1g output voltage on the z-axis when subjected to a vibration along the z-axis. However, the
sensor shows a different reading in z-axis. Using a block diagram show the measurement system
for this application. Identify the different types of errors that are possible and also suggest ways to
minimize the occurrence of errors.
Or
A displacement sensor that generates 1mV for every 1mm displacement is selected for a particular
application. When working the sensor generates an output voltage of 10.5 mV for an input
displacement of 10mm. Calculate the percentage of error and accuracy of the sensor. Draw a
measurement block for this particular displacement sensor
.
Ans:
Therefore, in a 10-mm range, the sensor’s absolute inaccuracy is 0.5 mm, or in the relative terms,
inaccuracy is (0.5mm/10mm) × 100% = 5%.

2 A thermocouple (TC) consists of a pair of dissimilar wires connected via two junctions called a [10]
hot and cold junction. A difference in temperature between the junctions forms a voltage
difference across them.
The explicit solution to the differential equation for a thermocouple is given as

The time constant of the system, τ, represents the time it takes a step input response to reach ≈
63.2% of the steady-state temperature. T∞ is the far-field temperature of the liquid.
Identify the order of the system and write down the dynamic characteristics associated with the
input and output response.
Or
A thermocouple is used to measure the temperature of a coffee cup. Initially, the thermocouple
sensor measures the air temperature and then the thermocouple is put into the coffee (kept there
for some time so that the thermocouple’s temperature is almost the same as the coffee’s
temperature). Finally. The sensor is removed from the coffee (the temperature will decrease and
eventually approach the temperature of air. The response behavior is shown below. Explain the
 order of the system. Write on the speed of response, fidelity and dynamic error.

3 For a force measurement a strain gauge with gage factor 2.2 and unstrained resistance 240 Ω is [10]
chosen and mounted on a steel beam that is 0.1 m long and 0.4 x 10 -3 m2. The young’s modulus
of steel, E is 207 GN/m2. When a load is applied, the gauge resistance changes by 0.013 Ω.
Calculate the change in length of the steel beam and amount of force applied on the steel beam.

Ans:

Or
For a typical pressure measurement, a strain gauge with gauge factor of 2.1 and a resistance of
120.2 W is installed on a fixed end of a cantilever beam. When a force is applied at the free end of
the cantilever beam, the resistance of the strain gauge changes to 120.25 W. Find the stress and
strain of the cantilver beam. Take E = 205 GPa.

Ans: