(SEM III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2020-21 SENSOR AND INSTRUMENTATION

This document is the B.Tech Semester III Theory Examination 2020–21 question paper for the subject Sensor and Instrumentation (KOE034) under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU).
The exam is of 3 hours duration, carries 100 marks, and consists of three sections only — Section A, Section B, and Section C exactly as shown in the uploaded file.

The paper evaluates the fundamental and advanced concepts of sensors, transducers, data acquisition, virtual instrumentation, and smart sensors. The structure is clean and highly organized, with questions arranged in a tabular format on Page 1 of the document.

SECTION A — Short Questions (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)

This section contains ten short and direct 2-mark questions that test the basic theoretical understanding of:

Classification of sensors

Piezoelectric sensors

Concept of thermal imaging

Thermocouple characteristics

Role of software in virtual instrumentation

Definition of clusters

Meaning of data acquisition

Use of data sockets in network communication

Applications of smart sensors

Definition of intelligent sensors

These questions are brief and conceptual, designed to check quick recall and fundamental clarity.
(Visible clearly in the question table on Page 1.)

SECTION B — Descriptive / Long Questions (Any 3 × 10 = 30 Marks)

Section B contains five long questions, out of which students must attempt any three.
These questions require explanation, diagrams, classification, and detailed understanding of the subject.

Topics include:

Detailed classification of sensors with examples and applications

Working of inductive-type proximity sensors

Comparison of traditional instruments and virtual instruments

Successive-approximation ADC (A/D conversion)

Applications of smart sensors with one explained in detail

These questions test deeper reasoning, explanation skills, and conceptual application.

SECTION C — Advanced / Applied Questions (Q3–Q7, One Attempt from Each)

Section C contains five groups of 10-mark questions (Q3 to Q7).
Each group has two alternatives, and the student must choose one from each.

This section covers advanced sensor topics and calculations:

Q3 — Displacement Sensors / Strain Measurement

Working of LVDT with neat sketch, advantages, disadvantages
OR

Numerical based on strain gauge, gauge factor, stress, and output voltage

Q4 — Level & Flow Sensors

Capacitive-type level sensor
OR

Ultrasonic and laser flow sensors (working principles)

Q5 — Virtual Instrumentation & Data Structures

Arrays and their function
OR

Architecture of virtual instrumentation with block diagram

Q6 — DAC & Data Acquisition

R–2R ladder DAC working
OR

Complete DAQ system with block diagram

Q7 — Smart Sensors

General structure & components of smart sensors
OR

Characteristics of smart sensors

This section tests numerical skills, diagram-based reasoning, and practical instrumentation knowledge.

OVERALL SUMMARY OF THE DOCUMENT

The question paper comprehensively evaluates important areas of Sensor and Instrumentation, including:

Types and classification of sensors

Piezoelectric, inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic, laser-based sensors

Thermal imaging and thermocouples

Virtual instrumentation architecture

Data acquisition systems and DAC/ADC methods

Smart sensors: structure, components, applications, and characteristics

Strain gauge measurement and LVDT

Communication tools like Data Sockets

The uploaded paper maintains a three-section exam format, combining short-answer, detailed theory, numerical problems, and diagram-based explanations to assess both foundational and applied knowledge in instrumentation.