EC-GATE-2015

GATE 2015 – A Brief Analysis

(Based on student test experiences in the stream of EC on 31st
January, 2015 –Forenoon session)

Section wise analysis of the paper

Section Classification 1 Mark 2 Marks Total No of

Questions
Engineering Mathematics 5 3 8
Networks 3 3 6
Electronic Devices 4 3 7
Analog Circuits 2 3 5
Digital Circuits 3 4 7
Signals and Systems 2 4 6
Control Systems 2 3 5
Communication 2 4 6
Electromagnetics 2 3 5
Verbal Ability 3 3 6
Numerical Ability 2 2 4
30 35 65

Questions from the Paper

Aptitude

−1
1. log 5/7
x =
3
Find x.
Key: (2.74)
3
5 7 7
Exp: = x −1 3 ⇒ = x1 3 ⇒   ⇒ x = 2.74
7 5 5

2. Frog
(A) Croak (B) Roar (C) Hiss (D) Patter
Key: (A)
Exp: Frogs make ‘croak’ sound.

3. Synonym of ‘Educe’
(A) exert (B) educate (C) extract (D) extend
Key: (C)

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

1
 EC-GATE-2015

4. Principal presents chief guest with _____ as a token of gratitude.

(A) Momento (B) Memento (C) Momentum (D) Moment
Key: (B)

5. If
, and → are defined as

a−b
a
b=
a+b
a+b
a b=
a−b
a → b = ab
then find ( 66
6 ) → ( 66 6)
(A) −1 (B) −2 (C) 1 (D) 2
Key: (C)
66 − 6 60 5
Exp: 66
6 = = =
66 + 6 72 6
66 + 6 72 6
66 6= = =
66 − 6 60 5
5 6
(66 6)→(66 6) = × = 1
6 5

6. Cube of side 3 unit is constructed using cube of side 1 unit. The ratio of no. of visible
faces to non-visible faces is
(A) 1:3 (B) 1:4 (C) 1:2 (D) 2:3
Key: (C)
Exp:

1 1 1

1 1 1
1
1 1 1 1
1
1 1 1

Number of faces per cube = 6

Total number of cubes = 9×3 = 27

∴ Total number of faces = 27×6 = 162
∴ Total number of non visible faces = 162-54 = 108
Number of visible faces 54 1
∴ = =
Number of non visible faces 108 2

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

2
 EC-GATE-2015

7. Question based on rephrasing sentence.

8. Question based on paragraph conclusion.

9. Find the missing number ________

6 5 4

7 4 7 2 1

1 9 2 8 1 2 1

4 1 5 2 3

3 ? 3

Key: (3)
Exp: Middle number is the average of the numbers on both sides.
Average of 6 and 4 is 5
Average of (7+4) and (2+1) is 7
Average of (1+9+2) and (1+2+1) is 8
Average of (4+1) and (2+3) is 5
Therefore, Average of (3) and (3) is 3

Technical

1. Which of the following wave forms represent given function?

f(x) = e-x (x2+x+1)
(A) f x (B) f (x)
( )
1.0
1

f (x )
(C) 1
(D) None

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

3
 EC-GATE-2015

Key: (B)
Exp: f(1) = e-x (x2+x+1)
f(0) = 1
f(0.5) = 1.067
For positive values of x, function never goes negative.

2. Vi
c
a +
+

Vin R
t

b− −
d
Which of the following represents output?

(A) Vo (B) Vin

t
t

(C) Vin (D) Vin

t
t

Key: (C)
Exp: The circuit can be re drawn as
a d
+ −
D1
+
Vo R
−

− +
b D2 c
D2

During positive pulse, both diodes are forward biased. So output pulse of +ve polarity is
produced. As polarity at ‘d’ and ‘c’ is given opposite to input terminals, hence +ve pulse
is inverted. During negative pulse, both diodes are reverse biased. So, V0 = 0V
Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

4
 EC-GATE-2015

3. The result of convolution of the signal x(-t)*δ(-t-t0) is

(A) x(t-t0) (B) x(t+t0) (C) x(-t+t0) (D) x(-t-t0)
Key: (D)
Exp: x(− t) * δ ( − t − t 0 ) = x(− t) * δ(t + t 0 )
= x ( −t ( t + t 0 ))
= x ( −t − t 0 )

4. What are values of V1 and V2?

+ +
4Ω I

V2 5A 4Ω 4Ω 2I V1

− −

(A) 5, 25 (B) 25, 30 (C) 5, 5 (D) 25, 25

Key: (A)
Exp: By nodal analysis
−5 + I + I + 2I = 0
4I = 5
5
I= A
4
V1 = 4I = 5volts
V2 = 4(5) + V1
= 20 + V1 = 25 volts

5. In a lead-network, the feed forward path contain R parallel with C and transfer function is
s+2
given as G ( s ) = . The value of RC is __________.
s+4
Key: 0.5
s+2
Exp: Given G(s) =
s+4
1 1
Zero = 2 = =
τ RC
1 1
Pole = 4 = =
ατ RCτ
So, RC = 0.5

10 ( s + 1)
6. The polar plot of transfer function G ( s ) = for 0 ≤ ω ≤ ∞ will be in
s + 10
(A) First quadrant (B) Second quadrant
(C) Third quadrant (D) Fourth quadrant
Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

5
 EC-GATE-2015

Key: (A)
10 ( s + 1)
Exp: G (s) =
s + 10
Put s = jω
10 ( jω + 1)
G ( jω) =
( jω + 10 )
ω = 0, M = 1 < 0
ω = ∞, M = 10 < 0

jω

ω= ∞
σ
ω= 0 10

So, zero is nearer to imaginary axis. Hence plot will move clockwise direction.
It is first quadrant.

d 2 y 2dy
7. Differential equation is given + + y = 0 ; y (0) = y '(0) = 1 .
dt 2 dt
The output y(t) is
(A) (2+t)e-t (B) (1-2t)e-t (C) (2-t)e-t (D) (1+2t)e-t
Key: (D)
Exp: Differential equation is (D2+2D+1).y = 0
D2+2D+1 = 0⇒(D+1)2 = 0 ⇒ D = -1,-1
∴solution is y ( t ) = ( c1 + c 2 t ) e − t → C.F
⇒ y ' ( t ) = c 2 e − t + ( c1 + c 2 t ) ( −e − t )
y(0) = 1; y ' ( 0 ) = 1 gives c1 = 1 and c2+c1(-1) = 1⇒c2 = 2
∴ y(t) = (1+2t)e-t

8. A complex function is given z = x+iy. Which of the following is not true?

z 1
(A) z is an analytic function (B) Residue of 2 at z = 1 is
z −1 2
∫ z dz value is 0
2
(C) (D) None of above
c

Key: (A)

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

6
 EC-GATE-2015

Exp: f (z) = z
= x − iy
u = x, v = − y
⇒ u x = 1and v x = 0
u y = 0 and v y = −1
⇒ u x ≠ v y i.e., C − R equations not satisfied
∴ z is not analytic
(B) z = 1 is a simple pole
 z  z z 1
∴Residue  2  at z = 1 is lim ( z − 1) . 2 = lim =
 z − 1  z →1 z − 1 z →1 z + 1 2
2
(C) Since z is analytic everywhere

∫ z dz = 0
2
∴ Using Cauchy’s integral theorem,
C

9. Maximum power transfer to load is ___________W.

2Ω

4∠0° j2Ω RL

Key: 1.66
4× 2j
Exp: VTh (rms) = = 2 2∠45 ; VTh (mq) = 2∠4
2 + 2j
ZTh = 2 || 2 j = 1 + j
R L = Zth = 2 Ω
Maximum power transfer to RL is
2
2 2 2∠45°
Pmax = I × RL = × 2 =1.66W
2 +1+ j

10.

R R
R R R
R
R R
R eq
R
R R
R R R R

The value of R is 300Ω. R eq is ____________Ω.

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

7
 EC-GATE-2015

Key: 100
Exp:

R R R R
2 2

R R
R R R R
R eq 2 2

By bridge condition

2R R R 2R

R eq

R eq = R = 100Ω
3

1  4 1 2
11. If matrix  2  is eigen vector of the matrix  P 2 1  , then value of P is _______.
 
3  14 −4 10 
Key: 17
4 1 2 1 
Exp: AX = λX ⇒  P 2 1  = λ  2 
 
14 −4 10   3 
 12   λ 
⇒  P + 7  =  2λ  ⇒ λ = 12 − − − − − (1)
 36   3λ 
2λ = P + 7 − − − − − ( 2)
and 3λ = 36 i.e., λ = 12
∴ Equation ( 2 ) gives P + 7 = 24 ⇒ P = 17

12. Find the value of K so that point ( −1 + j2 ) lies on root locus of unity feedback system
K (s + 4)
whose open loop transfer function is given by GH =
( s + 8) (s2 − 9)
Key: 25.5
Exp: By magnitude condition
G ( s ) H ( s ) s =−1+ 2 j = 1

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

8
 EC-GATE-2015

k 2j+ 3
So, =1
7 + 2 j 2 + 2 j −4 + 2 j

20 8 53
K=
13
= 25.5
So K value is = 25.5

13. If vector P is given by x 3 y aˆ x − x 2 y 2 aˆ y − x 2 yzaˆ z then P is

(A) solenoidal and irrotational
(B) not solenoidal but irrotational
(C) solenoidal but not irrotational
(D) neither solenoidal non irrotational
Key: (C)
Exp: P = x 3 ya x − x 2 y 2 a y − x 2 yza z
∇.P = 3x 2 y − 2x 2 y − x 2 y = 0
It is solenoidal.
a x a y a z
∂ ∂ ∂
∇ ×P =
∂x ∂y ∂z
x 3 y −x 2 y2 − x 2 yz
= a x ( − x 2 y ) − a y ( −2xyz ) + a z ( −2xy 2 − x 3 ) ≠ 0
So P is solenoidal but not irrotational.

14. Negative differential resistance is observed in PN junction diode if

(A) Both P and N side are heavily doped.
(B) Only P side heavily doped.
(C) Only N side heavily doped
(D) A intrinsic silicon is inserted between the junction of P and N.
Key: (A)

15.

j0.5
× ×

−0.5 4 0.5
× ×
− j0.5

Zeros of multiplicity 4.

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

9
 EC-GATE-2015

Figure above shows pole zero location in z-plane of a system. The impulse response of
the system is h[n]. If h[0] = 1, then
(A) h[n] is real for all ‘n’
(B) h[n] is imaginary for all ‘n’
(C) h[n] is real for even ‘n’
(D) h[n] is imaginary for odd ‘n’.

16. 3-input majority gate represents as M(a, b,c) = ab + bc + ca .

( )
The function f M(a, b,c), M(a, b, c),c is realized by
(A) 3-input XOR gate (B) 3-input XNOR gate
(C) 3-input OR gate (D) 3-input AND gate
Key: (A) and (B)
Exp: M ( a, b,c ) = ab + bc + ac = ∑ m ( 3,5,6,7 )
M ( a, b,c ) = ∑ m ( 0,1,2, 4 ) = X ( let say for simplicity )
M a, b,c = ab + bc + ac = ∑ m ( 2, 4,6,7 ) = Y ( let )
( )
c = ∑ m (1,3,5,7 ) = z ( let )

( )
f  M ( a, b,c ) , M a, b,c ,c  =
 
= f ( x, y,z ]
= xy + yz + zx
= ( ∑ m ( 0,1,2, 4 ) ) ( ∑ m ( 2, 4,6,7 ) )  + ( ∑ m ( 2, 4,6,7 )∑ m (1,3,5,7 ) ) 
+  ∑ m (1,3,5,7 ) ∑ m ( 0,1,2, 4 ) 
= ∑ m ( 2,4 ) + ∑ m ( 7 ) + ∑ m (1)
∵ AND operater is like intersection 
= ∑ m (1, 2, 4,7 )  
 OR operator is like union 
= A ⊕ B ⊕ C = A  B  C ( standard result )
Both options ( A ) and ( B ) are correct
k
17. The open loop transfer function is G(s) = for unity negative feedback
s(s + 1)(s + 3)
system.
The value of gain k (>0), at which root locus crosses the imaginary axis is ______.
Key: 12
k
Exp: C.E is1 + =0
s ( s + 1)( s + 3)
s3 + 4s 2 + 3s + k = 0
By using Routh Table, s1 row should be zero. For poles to be on imaginary axis
12 − k
= 0 ; k should be 12.
4
Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

10
 EC-GATE-2015

18. For figure shown below, the values of currents are

I 2 = 8mA, I1 = 4mA, VT (thermal voltage) at 27o K is 26 mV. What is the value of
V1 − V2 at 50o C ? _______mV
+12 V

I2 I1

V2 V1

Key: -19.2
VBE 2 ηVT
Exp: I 2 = IS e
VBE2 = V2
VBE1 ηVT
I1 = IS e
VBE = V1
V1 − V2
I1 ηVT
=e
I2
50 + 273
VT ( at 50°C ) = = 27.8 mV
11,600
V −V
1 1 2

= e 27.8m
2
V1 − V2 = −19.2 mV

19. Propagation delay of each gate is 10nsec in below circuit. Initially (at t<0): A=0, B=1,
C=0. Suppose at t=0 inputs flip as: A=1, B=0, C=1, then for how much duration output z
will remain high? _______ nsec
A
B Z

C
Key: 20
Exp:
A Y
Z
B
X
C
Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

11
 EC-GATE-2015

As per information given on question the waveforms of A, B, C are as follows

C
t=0

→ The logic to solve this question is first obtain X, Y waveform and using this obtain Z.
→ To obtain X, initially assume delay of NOT gate is 0 and draw its waveform and
finally shift it by 10nsec to obtain actual X. Similar procedure to be followed for
obtaining Y and Z i.e., first draw waveform with 0 delay and at the end shift by the
amount of delay given in question.
→ X = B ( with 0 delay ) B

t=0

B
t=0

B
( with delay ) t = 10 n sec

→ Y = B.A

A
t =0

B
t = 10
( with delay )

Y = AB
( without delay ) t = 10nsec

Y=B
( with delay ) t = 20n sec

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

12
 EC-GATE-2015

( )
→ z = AB ⊕ C

AB
t = 20

C t = 10 t = 20
t =0

Z
( without delay ) t =0 10 20

Z
( with delay ) 0 10 20 30

Clearly we can say that output is high during 10 nsec to 30 nsec i.e. a duration of 20
nsec
Even though procedure seems to be lengthy but it is pretty systematic and we don’t
have to think much so that we may stuck somewhere.

20. For the given system

y(t)
x(t) Amplifier B.P.F o u tp u t

x(t) = m(t) cos(2000πt)

y(t) = x 2 (t) + 10x(t)
Bandpass characteristic are shown below

f (in Hz)
− 1700 − 700 700 1700

Message signal m(t) spectrum is as below

m(t)

f
−w w

When output is 10x(t), the value of w is strictly less than _________ .

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

13
 EC-GATE-2015

Key: 350
Exp: y(f )

− 2w 2w 1200 − w 1200 1200 + w 2400 H z

2400 − 2w 2400 + 2w

When output is 10 x(t)

It must be 1200 − w > 2w … (1)
2400 − 2w > 1700 … (2)
From (1) & (2)
w < 400 …. (3)
w<350 … (4)
So from (3) & (4)
w<350
So answer is 350.

21. A 4 bit D / A converter. The analog value corresponding to digital signals of values
0000 and 0001 are 0V & 0.0615V respectively. The analog value (in Vots)
corresponding to digital signal 1111 is ________.
Key: 0.9225
Exp: Analog output = [Resolution] × [Decimal equivalent of Binary]
= (0.0615) (15) = 0.9225V

22. f ( x ) = 1 − x 2 + x 3 is defind in closed interval [ −1,1]. The value of x, in the open interval
for which the mean value theorem is satisfied is,
(A) − 1 (b) − 1 (C) 1 (D) 1
2 3 3 2
Key: (B)
Exp: By Lagrange’s mean value theorem
f (1) − f ( −1) 2
f '( x ) = = =1
1 − ( −1) 2
2
-2x+3x = 1
3x2-2x-1 = 0
So x = 1, -1/3
x= -1/3 only lies in (-1,1)

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

14
 EC-GATE-2015

23. In circuit shown below at resonance, the amplitude of the sinusoidal voltage (in Vots)
across the capacitor is _______.

4Ω 0.1mH

10 cos ωt ~ µF

Key: (25)
Exp: VC = QV∠ − 90°
ω0 L 1 L 10
Q= = = = 2.5
R R C 4
VC = 25∠-90°
|VC | = 25V

24. Negative feedback in a closed loop control system does not

(A) reduce overall gain
(B) reduce bandwidth
(C) Improve distance rejection
(D) reduce sensitivity to parameter variation
Key: (B)
Exp: Negative feedback in a closed loop
(i) Increases bandwidth
(ii) Reduces gain
(iii) Improve distance rejection

25. The damping ratio of a series RLC circuit can be expressed as

R 2C 2L R C 2 L
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2L R 2C 2 L R C
Key: (C)
1
Exp: 'ξ ' = (In series RLC circuit)
2Q
1 R C
= =
1 L 2 L
2
R C

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

15
 EC-GATE-2015

26. For the discrete system shown, the poles of the system are located at

X[n] + + Y[n]

1 5
− 6
6

Z−1 Z−1

1 1 1 1
(A) 2,3 (B) ,3 (C) , (D) 2,
2 2 3 3
Key: (C)
Exp:
Y(z) 1 z2
= H(z) = =
X(z) 5 z −2 5
z2 − z +
1
1 − z −1 +
6 6 6 6
z2
=
 1  1
 z −  z − 
 2  3
1 1
So, poles are z = , z = .
2 3

27. The built in potential of an abrupt p-n junction is 0.75V. If its junction capacitance (CJ) at
a reverse bias (VR) of 1.25 V is 5 pF, then the value of CJ (in pf) when VR=7.25V is
______.
Key: (2.5)
1
Exp: Cj ∝
Vbi + VR

C2 j Vbi + VR1
=
C1j Vbi + VR 2
2 C1 j
C 2 j = C1j = = 2.5 pF
8 2
So, answer is 2.5

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

16
 EC-GATE-2015

28. The max area (in sq units) of a rectangle whose vertices lie on the ellipse x 2 + 4y 2 = 1 is
_________.
Key: 1
Exp: rectangle

o ellipse

Let 2x, 2y be the length, breadth respectively of the rectangle inscribed in the ellipse
x 2 + 4y 2 = 1, then
Area of the rectangle (2x) (2y) i.e., 4xy
2
Consider, f = ( Area )
= 16x 2 y 2
 1− x2 
= 4x 2 (1 − x 2 ) ∵ y 2 = 
 4 
1
f ' ( x ) = 0 ⇒ x (1 − 2x 2 ) = 0 ⇒ x =
2
1 1
∴ y2 = ⇒y=
8 8
1
f '' ( x ) = 8 − 48x 2 < 0 when x =
2
1
⇒ f is maximum at x =
2
 1  1 
∴ Area is maximum and the maximum area is 4    i.e., 1
 2  8 

29. A 16kb (=16,384 bit) memory array is designed as a square with as aspect ratio of one
(no. of rows= no. of columns). The minimum no. of address lines needed for the row
decoder is _______.
Key: 7
Exp: Generally the structure of a memory chip = Number of Row × Number of column
= M×N
→ The number of address line required for row decoder is n where M = 2n or
n = log2M
→ As per information given in question : M = N
So M×N = M×M = M2 = 16k = 24×210
⇒ M2 = 214
⇒ M = 128
→ n = log2128 = 7

Disclaimer – This paper analysis and questions have been collated based on the memory of some students who
appeared in the paper and should be considered only as guidelines. GATEFORUM does not take any responsibility for
the correctness of the same.

17