About this previous year paper
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.