Topic wise Questions from Previous Year Question Papers ( From Common

Topics Only)
MODULE-3
RESISTOR COLOR CODING
 In a 4 band resistor the last color in the color band is gold. If the upper range of
resistance is 3.465Ω find its color code. (4 marks)
 Describe the color coding of a resistor. (4 Marks)
 A carbon resistor has color code blue, orange, red and gold. Find the range of
resistance value?
 Describe the color coding of a resistor with example. (5 marks)
 Give any four specifications of a resistor. (4 marks)
 Explain the color coding of resistor. Illustrate with examples. (6)
 The color bands marked on a capacitor are Yellow, Violet, Orange, White, Red.
What is the value of Capacitance?
 What are the merits and demerits of resistor color coding schemes?

Merits and Demerits of Resistor Color Coding Schemes (4 Marks)

Merits:

1. Universal Standard: Color coding is a globally accepted method, making

it easy to identify resistor values universally.
2. Space Efficiency: It allows for clear identification of resistor values on
small components where printing numbers is impractical.

Demerits:

1. Color Perception Issues: People with color vision deficiencies may

struggle to distinguish certain colors, leading to errors.
2. Environmental Effects: Colors can fade or change due to heat or wear,
making them harder to read over time.

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE COMPONENTS

 Distinguish between active and passive electronic components with examples for
each. (4 marks)
 Draw the symbol of resistor and explain any three specifications. (4)
 What are the specifications of a resistor? Define any three (5 Marks)
Ans:
o Resistance Value: The nominal resistance value of the resistor, expressed in ohms (Ω). It
determines how much the resistor will oppose the flow of current in a circuit., Example: 100 Ω, 1
kΩ, 10 MΩ.
o Power Rating: The maximum amount of power the resistor can dissipate without being
damaged, measured in watts (W). Example: 0.25 W, 1 W, 5 W.
o Tolerance: The permissible deviation of the resistor's actual resistance from its nominal value,
expressed as a percentage. Example: ±1%, ±5%, ±10%.
 What is an inductor? How does an inductor work? (5) (In Previous Years, this topic
was specifically mentioned in syllabus, now its not, may or maynot ask)
 What is a variable capacitor? List any two applications of variable capacitor. (4)
 (Previous Years, this topic was specifically mentioned in syllabus, now its not, may
or maynot ask)
 Explain the different types of variable resistors. (Previous Years, this topic was
specifically mentioned in syllabus)

 Find the resistance and tolerance of each resistance marked using four-band color
code: (i) Yellow, Violet, Red, Silver (ii) Blue, Grey, Gold, Gold.
PN JUNCTION DIODE and V-I Characteristics of PN DIODE
 How an N-type semiconductor is formed? (4)
 Describe the VI characteristics of PN junction diode. (4 marks)
 What is depletion region in a diode? How is it formed? (4)
 What do you understand by depletion region? (5 marks)
 Explain the VI characteristics of a diode with relevant sketches. (6 marks)
  What do you mean by majority and minority carriers in a semiconductor? (4
marks)
 Explain the formation of a potential barrier in a P-N junction diode
 Explain the formation of potential barrier in a P-N junction diode. (5)
 Draw and explain the V-I characteristics of a PN junction diode under forward and
reverse bias. (5 Marks)
 With necessary diagram, explain the V-I characteristics of PN junction diode. (5)
 With the help of volt-ampere characteristics, explain the working of a PN junction
diode.
 Draw and explain the forward and reverse characteristics of PN Junction diode (6)
Avalanche and Zener Break down:
 Differentiate between Avalanche breakdown and Zener breakdown? (4marks)
 Explain Avalanche breakdown? (4 marks)
 Explain Avalanche breakdown? (4 Marks) repeated questions
 What is meant by Avalanche Breakdown?
ZENER DIODE and VOLTAGE REGULATION
 Describe the working of a Zener diode voltage regulator. (5 marks)
 Define line regulation and load regulation. (4 marks)
 Give the circuit diagram of a simple Zener voltage regulator. Explain its working.
(5)
 Explain the working principle of Zener voltage regulator. (4)

Answer: Working Principle of a Zener Voltage Regulator (4 Marks)

1. Zener Diode in Reverse Bias:

o A Zener diode is connected in reverse bias across the load. This allows it to maintain
a constant voltage across the load when the input voltage fluctuates.
2. Zener Breakdown Voltage:
o When the input voltage exceeds the Zener breakdown voltage, the Zener diode
conducts, and the excess current flows through the diode, keeping the output voltage
stable.
3. Voltage Regulation:
o The Zener diode maintains a constant output voltage (V_Z) by shunting excess
current, ensuring the load voltage remains steady despite variations in the input
voltage.
4. Load and Line Regulation:
 o Load Regulation: The Zener regulator maintains constant voltage across varying
load conditions.
o Line Regulation: It stabilizes the output voltage against fluctuations in the input
supply voltage.

Summary: The Zener voltage regulator uses a Zener diode's reverse breakdown property to maintain
a constant output voltage, ensuring stable voltage across the load despite changes in input voltage and
load conditions.

 Draw the circuit diagram of a simple Zener voltage regulator and explain its
working. Define the terms line regulation and load regulation. (6)

TRANSISTORS:

Working of TRANSISTORS
 Describe the principle of operation of an NPN transistor. (5)
 With neat sketches, explain the working of a NPN transistor. Also draw the three
configurations of a transistor. (10)
 Explain the working of an NPN transistor mentioning all current components. (6
Marks)

ANSWER: Working of an NPN Transistor (diagram in notebook): An NPN

transistor is a type of bipolar junction transistor (BJT) consisting of two n-type
materials separated by a thin p-type layer. The three terminals are the Emitter (E),
Base (B), and Collector (C).

1. Biasing:
o Forward-Bias (Base-Emitter Junction): The base-emitter junction is
forward-biased, meaning the p-type base is connected to a higher potential than
the n-type emitter.
o Reverse-Bias (Base-Collector Junction): The base-collector junction is
reverse-biased, meaning the p-type base is connected to a lower potential than
the n-type collector.
2. Current Components:
o Emitter Current (IE): The emitter injects electrons into the base. This current
is denoted as IE.
o Base Current (IB): A small portion of these electrons recombines with holes in
the base, creating the base current, IB.
o Collector Current (IC): The remaining electrons in the base diffuse towards
the collector, forming the collector current, IC.
 Current Flow:

 Emitter Current (IE): This is the total current flowing out of the emitter, given by:

IE = I B + I C

 Base Current (IB): The small current flowing into the base due to electron-hole
recombination.
 Collector Current (IC): The main current flowing from the collector to the emitter,
primarily consisting of electrons that cross the base-collector junction.

Operation:

1. Forward Active Region:

o When the base-emitter junction is forward-biased and the base-collector
junction is reverse-biased, the transistor is in the active region.
o The emitter injects a large number of electrons into the base.
o Most of these electrons cross the base region and reach the collector, creating
the collector current.
o Only a small fraction of the electrons recombines in the base, contributing to
the base current.
2. Equation Relations:
o The collector current is related to the base current by the current gain (β) of the
transistor: IC = β IB

Summary:

In an NPN transistor, the emitter current (IE) is the sum of the base current (IB) and the collector
current (IC). The transistor operates by allowing a small base current to control a larger
collector current, enabling amplification and switching in electronic circuits.

 Explain with necessary diagrams, the principle of operation of NPN transistor (5

Marks)
 Explain doping concentration and size of three layers in a transistor with neat
diagram.

Input-Output Characteristics of Transistors.

 Sketch the output characteristic of a transistor and explain different regions of
operation. (6 marks)
 Explain the input and output characteristics of common emitter configuration
with neat diagrams (7 marks)
  Draw and explain the input and output characteristics of a transistor in common
emitter configuration. With a neat diagram, mention any one application of
transistor in common emitter configuration. (10)
o Solution hint: APPLICATION: Circuit of Common emitter AMPLIFIER
 With neat sketches, explain the input and output characteristics of a transistor in
Common Emitter configuration. (10)

Transistor Amplifier -Frequency Response

 Explain the working of an RC coupled amplifier. (5marks)

 Describe the amplifier action of a BJT with diagram.
 What are the factors that cause a reduction of gain at lower and higher
frequencies, in RC coupled amplifier? 4 marks
 Answer:
 Explain the working of RC coupled amplifier with circuit diagram and relevant
waveforms. Also explain the frequency response of RC coupled amplifier.
(10 Marks)
 Discuss the role of coupling and bypass capacitors in a single stage RC coupled
amplifier(5)
 Draw and explain the frequency response of an RC coupled amplifier. (5 marks)
 Give reasons for decrease in transistor amplifier gain at low frequencies and high
frequencies. (4 marks)
 Why does voltage gain of an RC coupled amplifier decrease at low and high
frequencies? (4 marks)
 Describe gain and bandwidth of an RC coupled amplifier. (4 marks)
 Draw the circuit diagram of a CE amplifier and discuss the role of each component
used in it (6 marks).
 Draw the circuit diagram of a common emitter amplifier. (3 marks)
 With a neat circuit diagram, explain the components and working of an RC
coupled amplifier. Draw its frequency response and mark 3dB bandwidth. (10)
 Write a note on potential divider biasing (Used in RC Coupled amplifier circuit).
(repeated question -4marks) ( (Previous Years, this topic was specifically
mentioned in syllabus, but now it is not, may or may not ask)

ANSWER: Potential Divider Biasing: Potential divider biasing is a method used to

provide a stable operating point (Q-point) for a transistor. It employs a pair of resistors
(R1 and R2) connected in series across the supply voltage (Vcc) to divide the voltage and
provide a fixed base voltage (Vb) to the transistor. The emitter is grounded through a
resistor (Re) to enhance stability.

𝑉𝑐𝑐∗𝑅2
The base voltage is given by: Vb=
𝑅1+𝑅2

Advantages:

1. Provides a stable Q-point.

2. Reduces dependency on transistor parameters like β.
3. Ensures thermal stability.

This method is commonly used in amplifier circuits for consistent and reliable
performance.
 Draw the circuit of voltage divider biasing arrangement and mention the functions of
various components used in the circuit. (same as above question- Voltage devider
bias in RC Coupled Amplifier) .

 Describe gain and bandwidth of an RC coupled amplifier.

(repeated question-4 marks)
 Sketch the frequency response of a transistor amplifier and comment on the shape
of the curve. (7 Marks)
 What is the role of emitter resistor in an RC coupled amplifier? (3 Marks)
 Give the circuit diagram of an RC coupled amplifier. Explain its working. (5)
 Plot the frequency response of a RC coupled amplifier and justify the shape of the
curve.(4)

Transistor Configuration and Current gain (alpha, Beta, Gamma)

 Derive the relation between common base current gain and common emitter
current gain (4 marks)
 Explain the three transistor configurations with figures. Derive the relation
between current gains in all three transistor configurations.
 The dc current gain of a transistor in common emitter configuration is 100. Find
its dc current gain in common base configuration. (4 Marks)
 For an NPN Transistor, α = 0.98, IB =100 µA, Find IE and IC. (4)
 Compare the three transistor configurations. (4)
 For an npn transistor if the common base current gain is 0.99 and collector current
is 20mA, Find the value of base current and emitter current?
 Discuss the parameters ‘alpha’ and ‘beta’ of a transistor and quote the relationship
between them. The collector current of a transistor varies by 1.987 mA when its
emitter current is varied by 2 mA. Compute alpha and beta of the transistor.

HINT: Given Data:

 Change in collector current (ΔIC) = 1.987 mA

 Change in emitter current (ΔIE) = 2 mA
 (α): ΔIC/ ΔIE

Alpha (α): 0.9935

 Collector Current, IC=1.987 mA

 Emitter Current, IE=2 m A
 find the base current (IB):

IE=IC+IB
IB = I E - IC
IB=2 mA−1.987 mA
IB=0.013 mA

Then, compute Beta (β): Ic= βIB

therefore β = IC/IB

 Beta (β): 153

 For an NPN transistor, α=0.95 and IE=10mA. Find IB and IC. (5 )

Solution:
 Derive the relation between current gain of CE and CB configurations in a
transistor.

RECTIFIERS and CAPACITIVE FILTERS

 Explain the working of a full wave bridge rectifier. (5 marks)
 Describe the working of a full wave bridge rectifier. (4)
 Sketch and explain the working of a full wave bridge rectifier with capacitor filter.
Suggest methods to reduce the ripple content of the output.(6)
 Explain the working of a full wave bridge rectifier. Draw its input and output
waveforms.
 Narrate the working of a capacitor filter. (4 Marks)

Answer: working of a Capacitor Filter (4 Marks)

1. Rectified Output: The rectifier converts AC to pulsating DC with ripple.

2. Capacitor Charging: During the peaks of the pulsating DC, the capacitor charges to the peak voltage.
3. Capacitor Discharging: When the rectified voltage drops, the capacitor discharges, supplying current
to the load.
4. Ripple Reduction: This charging and discharging smooth out the ripple, resulting in a steady DC
output.

This process effectively reduces fluctuations in the rectified signal, providing a smoother and more reliable DC
voltage.
 Explain the working of a full wave bridge rectifier with capacitor filter. (7 Marks)
 ANSWER: Explain the full wave Bridge rectifier given in note and then explain the capacitor filter,
Capacitor Filter: To smooth the rectified output and reduce the ripple, a capacitor filter is used:
Components: A capacitor (C) connected in parallel with the load resistor (RL)
Working Principle:
Charging: During the positive peak of the rectified output, the capacitor charges to the peak voltage
of the rectified waveform.
Discharging: As the input voltage decreases, the capacitor discharges slowly through the load
resistor, maintaining the voltage across RL until the next peak of the rectified output. This reduces
the ripple and smooths the output voltage.

 Explain the action of shunt capacitor filter.

Answer: Action of a Shunt Capacitor Filter (4 Marks)

1. Rectified Output: The rectifier produces a pulsating DC signal with ripple.

2. Capacitor Charging: During the peak voltage of the pulsating DC, the capacitor charges
to the peak value.
3. Capacitor Discharging: When the rectified voltage drops, the capacitor discharges,
supplying current to the load.
4. Ripple Reduction: The capacitor's charging and discharging action smooths out the
voltage variations, providing a steady DC output.

This process effectively reduces the ripple in the rectified signal, ensuring a more stable and
continuous DC voltage for the load.

 Draw and explain the working of a full wave bridge rectifier circuit. (5)-repeated.
 With a neat circuit diagram, explain the working of an RC coupled amplifier and
draw its frequency response?
 Why bridge rectifier is preferred than center tapped full wave rectifier (4)
 List the merits and demerits of bridge rectifier.(4)
 DC Power Supply
 Sketch the block diagram of a DC power supply and explain the role of each block.
(5)
 Describe the components of a DC power supply using a neat block diagram. (10)
 Draw the block diagram of DC power supply and explain the function of each
block.(5 Marks)
 Draw the block diagram of a DC power supply and mention the functions of each
block with waveforms.
 What is the purpose of filter in a rectified power supply?

MODULE -4
AM and FM
 Distinguish between AM and FM. (4 Marks)
 Write the equation of an AM wave if m(t) = Amcos(2πfmt) and c(t) = Accos(2πfct).
Also draw the AM waveform..
 Define amplitude modulation. Write the expression for representing amplitude
modulated wave. In an AM modulation (4)
 Describe the principle of amplitude modulation (AM) with relevant waveforms. (4)

Principle of Amplitude Modulation (AM)

Amplitude Modulation (AM) is a modulation technique used in electronic

communication, primarily for transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. In
AM, the amplitude of the carrier wave is varied in proportion to the instantaneous
amplitude of the modulating signal (information signal), while the frequency and phase of
the carrier wave remain constant.

Key Elements:

1. Carrier Wave (C):

o A high-frequency sinusoidal wave that is modulated by the input signal.
2. Modulating Signal (M):
o The low-frequency signal that contains the information to be transmitted
(e.g., audio signal).
 3. AM Wave (S):
o The resulting wave after modulation, where the amplitude of the carrier
wave is varied in accordance with the modulating signal.

 find the total power of AM signal if the carrier power is 100 watts and modulation
index is 0.9.(3)
Solution:

 Draw the frequency spectrum of an amplitude modulated (AM) wave. Given that
modulating signal is of frequency fm and amplitude Vm and carrier is of frequency
fc and amplitude Vc. Take modulation index as m. What is the bandwidth
requirement of this AM wave? (5 marks)

Ans: Bandwidth Requirement

The bandwidth of the AM wave is the difference between the Upper Sideband and Lower Sideband frequencies.
This is given by: Bandwidth (B) = (fc + fm) - (fc - fm) = 2 * fm. So, the bandwidth required for the AM wave is
twice the frequency of the modulating signal.

 Write the expression for an AM wave and comment on the bandwidth

requirement and modulation index. (5)
 State the merits and demerits of Amplitude Modulation. (4)
 Differentiate between amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation
(FM). (4)
 Compare amplitude and frequency modulation. (5)
 What is modulation? Differentiate between AM and FM.(6)
 Compare AM and FM (4 marks)
 Explain the term ‘modulation index’ in a radio communication system. An AM
modulated carrier wave has maximum and minimum amplitudes of 600 mV and
450 mV respectively. Find the modulation index.
SOLUTION:
 SUPER HETERODYNE RECEIVER.
 Explain the relevance of Intermediate Frequency in a super heterodyne receiver.
(4 marks)
 With a neat sketch explain AM super heterodyne receiver. (5 Marks).
 Sketch the block diagram of a super heterodyne receiver and explain its working.
(6)
 With necessary block diagram explain the principle of super heterodyne receiver.
(5)
 Describe the working of a super heterodyne receiver using a block diagram.

ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION
 With a neat sketch explain the block diagram of an instrumentation system. (3
marks)
 With necessary block diagram, explain an electronic instrumentation system. (5)

GSM
 Describe the principle and block diagram of a GSM system. (5 marks)
 With a neat sketch explain the basic block diagram of a GSM system. (7 Marks).
 Draw the block diagram of a GSM system and explain its working. (7)
 Draw the block diagram of GSM and explain the principle of operation. (7 marks)
 Draw the block diagram of a GSM system and explain its working principle. (10)
 With a block diagram, explain the principle of GSM system. (10)
 Explain the principle and block diagram of GSM. (10 marks)

ANSWER: Principle of GSM System

GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is a standard developed to describe

protocols for second-generation (2G) digital cellular networks.
Principle

1. Digital Transmission: GSM uses digital signals for transmission, improving

quality and efficiency.
2. Multiple Access Techniques: It employs Time Division Multiple Access
(TDMA) and Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) to allow multiple
users to share the same frequency channel by dividing it into time slots and
separate frequency bands.
3. Cellular Network Structure: The network is divided into cells, each served by a
base station, enhancing coverage and capacity.
4. Roaming: GSM allows users to access the network from different locations,
maintaining service continuity.
5. Security: GSM provides secure communication through encryption and
authentication.

Block Diagram of a GSM System (GIVEN IN NOTE)

The GSM system is composed of several interconnected components, each responsible

for a specific function.

Refer NOTE BOOK for architecture and explanation

Summary:

GSM relies on digital transmission, TDMA, FDMA, and a structured cellular network to
provide efficient and high-quality mobile communication. The system consists of Mobile
Stations, Base Station Subsystems, and Network Switching Subsystems, each performing
crucial roles in the network’s operation.

This comprehensive setup ensures seamless and efficient communication for GSM users,
making it one of the most widely used mobile communication standards globally.

NEW TOPICS INTRODUCED IN 2024 SCHEME:

CAN EXPECT QUESTIONS FROM THE NEWLY INTRODUCED TOPICS:

MODULE3:

 HALF WAVE AND CENTER TAPPED RECTIFIER

 MOSFET
 LOAD LINE
 TRANSISTOR AS A SWITCH
 MODULE 4:

 OPTICAL FIBER COMMUNICATION

 MODERN ELECTRONICS :IOT