Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering

Lesson Plan
19ECE46: Introduction to Sensors and
Actuators
2021-22

Course Coordinator Dr. Vidya Kudva

Course Instructor Dr. Vidya Kudva
Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

COURSE PLAN

Course:Introduction to Sensors and Actua- Course Code:19ECE46

tors
Total Contact Hours: 39 Duration of SEE: 3Hrs
CIE Marks: 50 SEE Marks: 50
Lesson Plan Author: Dr. Vidya Kudva Date: 03-09-2021
Checked By: Date:

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This Course will enable students to,

1. To provide an introduction to Mechatronics system Design.

2. To provide an introduction to sensors and actuator technology.

3. To discuss the basic principles of Signal Processing needed for sensors.

PREREQUISITES
Fundamental knowledge of Basic electronics and Network analysis

2 Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering 2021-22

 Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

COURSE CONTENT

Course Code: 19ECE46 L+T+P+S: 2+0+2+0

Course Title: Introduction to Sensors and Actuators CIE: 50
Teaching Hours: 28+11(Lab) SEE: 50

Unit-I
[Text-1]

Sensors: Introduction, Position and Speed Measurements, Stress and Strain Measurement,
Temperature Measurement, Vibration and Acceleration Measurement, Pressure and Flow
measurement, Semiconductor Sensors and Micro-electro-mechanical devices

(11+4)Hrs

Unit-II
[Text-1]

Actuators: Introduction, Solenoids and Relays, DC Motors, Stepper Motors, Hydraulics,

Pneumatics
(10+4)Hrs

Unit-III
[Text-2,3]

Signal Conditioning: Amplification, Filtering, Protection, Linearization, error compen-

sation (7+4)Hrs

COURSE OUTCOMES
At the end of the course the student will be able to

CO1 Explain the performance parameters of sensors.

CO2 Describe the principle of operation and characteristics of proximity sensors, switches,
potentiometers, LVDT, optical encoders, strain gages, load cells, thermocouples, and
accelerometers and design simple application circuits using the same.

CO3 Discuss the construction and working of stepper motor, DC motor, Solenoid and Relay.
Determine the specification of motor required for a given application.

CO4 Discuss the components of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

CO5 Describe the need for Signal conditioning and Design the basic Signal Conditioning
circuits.

MAPPING OF POS & COS:

PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 PSO1 PSO2 PSO3
CO1 2 - - 3 - - - - 1 1 - - 3 2 -
CO2 2 2 3 - - - - - 1 1 - - 3 2 2
CO3 2 3 - - - - - - 1 1 - - 3 2 2
CO4 3 - - - - - - - 1 1 - - 3 2 -
CO5 3 2 - - - - - - 1 1 - - 3 2 -

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Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

TEXT BOOKS
T1 David G. Alciatore and Michael B. Histand “Introduction to Mechatronics and
Measurement Systems", 4th Edition, McGraw Hill.

T2 Bolton W,“Mechatronics-Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical and Elec-

trical Engineering”, 3rd Edition, Pearson Education.

T3 Clarence W. de Silva, “Sensors and Actuators: Engineering System Instru-

mentation", 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 2015.

REFERENCE BOOKS
R1 Helfrick, “Modern Electronic Instrumentation and Measurement Techniques",
1st edition, Prentice Hall India Learning Private Limited, 1992

R2 Analog Devices Technical Reference Books, “Practical Design Techniques for Sen-
sor Signal Conditioning”, Analog Devices, 1999.

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 Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

EVALUATION SCHEME
CIE SCHEME

Assessment Weightage in Marks

Mid Semester Exam 1 (MSE1) 15
Mid Semester Exam 2 (MSE2) 15
Tests/Mini Project 20
Total 50

SEE SCHEME
Semester End Examination (SEE) is a written examination, of three hours duration of 100
marks, with 50% weightage.

COURSE UTILIZATION

No of full questions in*

Unit Name Hours
MSE1 MSE2 SEE
1 Sensors 11 4 - 3
2 Actuators 10 - 2 3
3 Signal Conditioning 7 - 2 2
* The number of questions in MSEs can be modified depending on the syllabus coverage

Note
• Each full question in MSE1/MSE2 is for 10 Marks and may consist of sub-questions

• Answer 2 full questions out of 4, each of 10 marks, by selecting one from each Unit in
MSEs

• Each full question in SEE is for 20 Marks and may consist of sub-questions

• Answer Five full questions choosing TWO full questions from Unit- I and Unit- II and
One full question from Unit- III in SEE

2021-22 Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering 5

Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

UNITWISE PLAN
UNIT-I PLAN

Course Code: 19ECE46 Course Title: Introduction to Sensors and

Actuators
Unit: I Unit Title: Sensors
Planned Hours: 11 BTL Level: L1, L2, L3

Unit Learning Objectives

After studying this unit, the student shall be able to

1. Understand the different types of sensors

2. Working Principle of different sensors

Class No. Portion covered per hour

1 Introduction
2 Position and Speed Measurements
3 Position and Speed Measurements (Contd. . . )
4 Laboratory exercise on Sensors
5 Stress and Strain Measurement
6 Stress and Strain Measurement (Contd. . . )
7 Laboratory exercise on Sensors
8 Temperature Measurement
9 Temperature Measurement (Contd. . . )
10 Laboratory exercise on Sensors
11 Pressure and Flow measurement
12 Pressure and Flow measurement (Contd. . . )
13 Laboratory exercise on Sensors
14 Semiconductor Sensors
15 Micro-electro-mechanical devices

Review Questions
1. Explain the principle of working of LVDT.

2. Explain the working of absolute encoder

3. Explain the working of incremental encoder.

4. Derive the expression for gage factor of a strain gage by approximating the metal
foil grid lines in the active portion of the gage by singe rectangular conductor with
resistance R length l and area A.

5. With neat diagram explain the working of standard configuration of thermocouple for
measuring temperature with single reference junction and two reference junctions.

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 Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

6. Explain the five basic laws of thermocouple behavior necessary to design systems using
thermocouples for temperature measurement.

7. Explain the working of resistance temperature device (RTD).

8. Explain the construction and working of piezoelectric Accelerometer.

2021-22 Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering 7

 USN

NMAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NITTE

(An Autonomous Institution affiliated to VTU, Belagavi)
V Sem B.E. (E&C) Mid Semester Examinations - I
18ECE46 – INTRODUCTION TO SENSORS AND ACTUATORS
Duration: 1 Hour Max. Marks: 15
Note: Answer any One full question from each Unit.

Unit – I Marks BT*

1. a) With the neat diagram explain the principle of working of LVDT.
5 L2
b) If a 120 Ω strain gage with gage factor 2.0 is used to measure a strain of
100 µ how much does the resistance of the gage change
from the unloaded state to loaded state?
2 L3

2. a) Explain with neat diagram working of absolute encoder 4 L2

b) Explain the working of resistance temperature device (RTD).
3 L2

Unit – II
3. a) With neat diagram explain the working of standard configuration of
thermocouple for measuring temperature with single reference junction
and two reference junctions.
4 L2
b) Explain the construction and working of piezoelectric Accelerometer.
4 L2

4. a) Explain the five basic laws of thermocouple behavior necessary to

design systems using thermocouples for temperature measurement.
4 L2
b) With neat diagram explain the working of standard configuration of
thermocouple for measuring temperature with single reference junction
and two reference junctions.
4 L2
 Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

UNIT-II PLAN

Course Code: 19ECE46 Course Title: Introduction to Sensors and

Actuators
Unit: II Unit Title: Actuators
Planned Hours: 10 BTL Level: L1, L2, L3

Unit Learning Objectives

After studying this unit, the student shall be able to

1. Identify different classes of actuators.

2. Understand how to design electronics to control a stepper motor.

3. Identify and describe the components used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Class No. Portion covered per hour

16 Introduction
17 Solenoids and Relays
18 Solenoids and Relays (Contd. . . )
19 Laboratory exercise on Actuators
20 DC Motors
21 DC Motors (Contd. . . )
22 Laboratory exercise on Actuators
23 Stepper Motors
24 Stepper Motors (Contd. . . )
25 Laboratory exercise on Actuators
26 Hydraulics
27 Hydraulics (Contd. . . )
28 Laboratory exercise on Actuators
29 Pneumatics

Review Questions
1. With the neat diagram explain the construction and components of typical electric
motor?

2. Explain the electronic control of a permanent magnet DC motor

3. With neat diagram explain the torque-speed characteristics of stepper motor.

4. Explain the construction and stepping sequence of unipolar stepper motor with stan-
dard unipolar stepper motor field coil schematic.

5. Explain with neat circuit and timing diagram unipolar stepper motor full-step drive
circuit.

6. Discuss the factors needs to consider for selection of a motor for specific mechatronics
applications.

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Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

7. With the neat diagram explain the hydraulic system components.

8. Discuss about the following hydraulic valves a)Check and poppet valves b)Spool valve

9. With the neat diagram explain the pneumatic system components.

10 Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering 2021-22

 USN

NMAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NITTE

(An Autonomous Institution affiliated to VTU, Belagavi)
V Sem B.E. (E&C) Mid Semester Examinations - II
18ECE46 – INTRODUCTION TO SENSORS AND ACTUATOR
Duration: 1 Hour Max. Marks: 15
Note: Answer any One full question from each Unit.

Unit – I Marks BT*

1. a) With the neat circuit diagram explain the electronic control of a
permanent magnet DC motor
5 L2
b) Discuss about the Check and poppet valves hydraulic valves
2 L2

2. a) With the neat diagram explain the hydraulic system components.

5 L2
b) Discuss any two factors needs to consider for selection of a motor
for specific mechatronics applications.
2 L2

Unit – II
3. a) Discuss about the processes that are involved in the signal
conditioning.
5 L2
b) Explain the characteristics of ideal Low-pass, high-pass and band
pass filers.
3 L2

4. a) Write a short note on protection circuits involved in sensors.

4 L2
b) Explain the principle of working of op-amp as an inverting amplifier. 4 L2
Introduction to Sensors and Actuators

UNIT-III PLAN

Course Code: 19ECE46 Course Title: Subject Title: Introduction

to Sensors and Actuators
Unit: III Unit Title: Signal Conditioning
Planned Hours: 7 BTL Level: L1, L2

Unit Learning Objectives

After studying this Unit, the student shall be able to

1. Understand process involved in signal conditioning

2. Explain the requirements for protection and filtering

Class No. Portion covered per hour

30 Amplification
31 Amplification (Contd. . . )
32 Laboratory exercise on Actuators
33 Filtering
34 System Specification vs System Requirement
35 Laboratory exercise on Actuators
36 Filtering
37 Linearization
38 Laboratory exercise on Actuators
39 Error compensation

Review Questions
1. Discuss about the processes that are involved in the signal conditioning.

2. Explain the characteristics of ideal Low-pass, high-pass and band pass filers.

3. Write a short note on protection circuits involved in sensors.

4. Explain the principle of working of op-amp as an inverting amplifier.

12 Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering 2021-22

 USN

NMAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NITTE

(An Autonomous Institution affiliated to VTU, Belagavi)
Fifth Semester B.E. (E&C) (Credit System) Degree Examinations
18ECE46 – INTRODUCTION TO SENSORS AND ACTUATORS
Duration: 3 Hours Max. Marks:
100
Note: 1) Answer any Two full questions from Unit-I and Unit-II
2) Answer any One full question from Unit-III.

Unit – I Marks BT*

1. a) Derive the expression for gage factor of a strain gage by
approximating the metal foil grid lines in the active portion of the
gage by singe rectangular conductor with resistance R length l and
area A.
8 L2
1. Describe with the neat diagram LVDT as a displacement sensor
b) L2
6
c) Explain the principle of working of LVDT 6 L2

2 a) With neat diagram explain the working of standard configuration of

thermocouple for measuring temperature with single reference
junction and two reference junctions.
8 L2
b) Explain with neat diagram working of absolute encoder 8 L2
c) Explain the working of resistance temperature device (RTD).
4 L2

3 a) Explain the working of incremental encoder 10 L2

b) Explain the five basic laws of thermocouple behavior necessary to
design systems using thermocouples for temperature measurement.
8 L2
c) If a 120 Ω strain gage with gage factor 2.0 is used to measure a
strain of 100 µ how much does the resistance of the
gage change from the unloaded state to loaded state?
2 L3

Unit – II
4. a) With neat diagram explain the torque-speed characteristics of
L2
stepper motor.
8
b) With the neat diagram explain the pneumatic system components.
6 L2
c) Explain the construction and stepping sequence of unipolar stepper
motor with standard unipolar stepper motor field coil schematic.
6 L2

5. a) Discuss the factors needs to consider for selection of a motor for

6 L2
 specific mechatronics applications.
b) Explain with neat circuit and timing diagram unipolar stepper motor
L2
full-step drive circuit.
8
c) With the neat diagram explain the construction and components of
typical electric motor?
6 L2

6. a) Discuss about the following hydraulic valves

a) Check and poppet valves
b) Spool valve
4 L2
b) Explain the electronic control of a permanent magnet DC motor L2
8
c) With the neat diagram explain the hydraulic system components.
8 L2

Unit – III
7. a) Discuss about the processes that are involved in the signal
conditioning. 8 L2
b) Explain the characteristics of ideal Low-pass, high-pass and band
pass filers. 8 L2
c) Write a short note on protection circuits involved in sensors. 4 L2

8. a) Explain the principle of working of op-amp as an inverting amplifier. L2

6
b) Describe the temperature compensation in strain gauges 8 L2
c) With neat circuit diagram explain the signal conditioning circuit
which is used to linearize the nonlinear out from the sensors 6 L2