INSTRUMENTATION III SCRIPT II

MODEL ANSWERS AND MARKING KEY

SECTION A

1. A 2. D
3. D 4. B
5. D 6. C
7. D 8. A
9. B 10. A
11. D 12. B
13. D 14. C
15. A 16. D
17. C 18. C
19. D 20. B
21. A 22. A
23. D 24. C
25. C 26. C
27. A 28. C
29. D 30. B
31. A 32. A
33. A 34. C
35. D 36. B
37. A 38. A
39. C 40. D
Answer six (6) questions only
1. (a) Define the continuous balance DVM. [1 Mark]

Solution

This is a potentiometric type of digital voltmeter which employs voltage

comparison technique. This DVM uses the principle of balancing instead of
sampling using a mechanical movement. In this DVM the unknown voltage is
compared with a reference (feedback) voltage whose value is fixed by the setting
of the calibrated potentiometer in the comparator.

(b) With the aid of a block diagram explain the operation of the continuous
balance DVM. [5 Marks]

Solution

In this DVM the unknown voltage is compared with a reference (feedback)

voltage whose value is fixed by the setting of the calibrated potentiometer in the
comparator. The output voltage of the comparator is the difference of the
between the two voltages.

The input voltage is applied to one side of a mechanical chopper comparator the
other side being connected to the variable arm of a precision potentiometer. The
output (error signal) of the chopper comparator, which is driven by the line
voltage at the line frequency rate, is a square wave signal whose amplitude is a
function of the difference in two voltages connected to the opposite side of the
chopper.

The square wave signal is amplified and fed to a power amplifier, and the
amplified square wave difference (error) signal slides the arm of the
potentiometer in the direction needed to make the difference voltage zero. The
direction of movement of slider depends upon whether the feedback voltage is
larger or the input voltage is larger. The sliding contact moves to such a place
where the feedback voltage equals the unknown voltage. In that case, there will
not be any error voltage and hence there will be no input to the device (2 phase
servo motor) adjusting the position of the sliding, contact and therefore it (sliding
contact) will come to rest.

This magnitude by which the sliding contact moves depends upon the magnitude
of the error signal. The servo-motor also drives a mechanical readout, which is
an indication of the magnitude of the input voltage.
The position of the potentiometer adjustment device at this point is indicated in
numerical form on the digital readout device associated with it. Since the position
at which no voltage appears at potentiometer adjustment device is the one where
the unknown voltage equals the feedback voltage, the reading of readout device
indicates the value of unknown voltage.

(c) Explain operating principle of the successive approximation DVM.

[3
Marks]
Solution

This is an electronic implementation of a technique called binary regression.

Assume that one is to determine the value of a number and is allowed to make
estimates. Each estimate will be evaluated and it would be known if the estimate
was; (1) equal to or less than or (2) greater than the number to be estimated. The
maximum and minimum value of the possible number is also known.
At the beginning of the conversion all the inputs from the Successive
Approximation Register (SAR) are at logic zero. If the estimate is greater than the
input, the comparator output is high and the first SAR output reverses state and
the second output changes to a logic “one”. If the comparator output is low,
indicating that the estimate is lower than the input signal, the first output remains
in the logic one state and the second output assumes the logic one state. This
continues with all the states until the conversion is complete.

(d) State one advantage associated with the successive approximation DVM.
[1
Mark]
Solution
 1. It is economical method of analog-to-digital conversion.
2. The resolution is up to 5 important digits are obtained.

2. (a) Define the logic analyzer. [1 Mark]

Solution
A logic analyzer is a multi-channel digital storage instrument with one bit of
vertical resolution and with flexible triggering and display modes.
A logic analyzer is an electronic instrument which displays signals of a digital
circuit which are too fast to be observed and presents it to a user who can then
precisely observe with greater ease the operation of the digital system under test.

(b) List three categories of logic analyzers. [3 Marks]

Solution

1. The first is mainframes, which consist of a chassis containing the display,

controls, control computer, and multiple slots into which the actual data
capturing hardware is installed.

2. Standalone units (Portable logic analyzers)

3. The third category is PC-based logic analyzers. These consist of an

analyzer unit that is connected to a PC.

(c) Compare the logic analyzer to the digital oscilloscope in terms of the
vertical and horizontal resolution, the horizontal axis, triggering, and
channel inputs. [4 Marks]

Solution

Equipment Number of Vertical Horizontal Triggering

input Resolution Resolution Mode
channels
Oscilloscope 2 to 4 Several several limited
Logic Several to Single bit several Several
Analyzer above 100 trigger
modes

Solution

(d) State two possible applications for the logic analyzer. [2 Marks]
 Solution

The most important application of logic analyzer is diagnosing micro-processor

and digital systems including new systems under development and systems
requiring repair.

3. (a) State the operating principle of the frequency counter. [1 Mark]

Solution
The frequency counter operates on the principle of gating the input frequency
into the counter for a predetermined period. The counter accumulates the
number of events occurring within a specific period of time which are then
displayed.

(b) (i) Explain the display multiplexing technique in the frequency

counters. [2
Marks]
Solution
This is a technique that is employed to reduce the required hardware if the
counter requires a large number of digits, typical 10 or more (i.e. large Displays)
This technique reduces the number of drivers and decoders required to
implement large counter.
(ii) It is always desirable to display the count from the frequency
counter continuously to produce a real time measurement.
Explain how the blur on the display is avoided as the counter
counts (between counts).
[2 Marks]
Solution
The output of the counter cannot be displayed during the counting period as it
would appear as a meaningless blur on the display. The count is first stored in a
simple memory at the end of each measurement period and is displayed during
the next counting period. The next count is again stored in the memory and
displayed.

(c) Assume a seven-digit frequency counter counts 100,002 counts in a gate

interval of 10 seconds. Determine;
(i) the frequency. [2 Marks]
 Solution
100, 002/10 = 10, 000.2 Hz
(ii) resolution of the measurement. [2 Marks]
Solution
The resolution is 0.1 Hz
(d) State the advantage of the synchronous counter as opposed to the
asynchronous counter. [1
Mark]
Solution
Synchronous counter is a superior method of constructing a counter and it
greatly reduces the propagation delay and increases the counting speed. This
requires that all the flip-flop clocks be connected together.

4. (a) Give three conditions or characteristics which must be met by a signal

generator so that it will be able to give valid test results. [3
Marks]

Solution

To achieve valid test results, the signal source should meet certain conditions.
First, the frequency of the signal should be well known and stable. Second, the
amplitude should be controllable from very small to relatively large values.
Finally, the signal should be free of distortion.

(b) Draw a block diagram of a simple (two unit) sine wave generator and
explain the function of each unit. [3
Marks]

Solution

The simple sinewave generator consists of two basic blocks; an oscillator and an
attenuator. The oscillator generates the desired frequency and the attenuator is
 used to set the desired signal level. The generator performance depends on the
success these two main parts. The frequency accuracy and stability and freedom
from distortion depend on the design of the oscillator, while the amplitude
accuracy depends on the design of the attenuator.

(c) A piston-type attenuator has the following dimensions; inner cylinder has a
diameter of 10 mm and a length of 50mm, the outer cylinder has a
diameter of 12mm and a length of 40 mm, and the distance
between the RF input and output loops is 30mm. compute the attenuation
achievable by this attenuator.
[2 Marks]

Solution

L 30 mm
A(dB) = 32 d = 32 10 mm = 96dB

(d) List two functions/applications for signal generators. [2 Marks]

Solution

Using the stimulus- response arrangement the signal generators can be used
in

1. The development of new systems

2. Repairs of communication systems
3. Maintenance of electronic systems
4. Checking and verification of performance electronic systems

5. (a) Define RFI. [1 Mark]

Solution

This is undesired noise that is emitted from radio transmission equipment that
interference with proper operation of other electrical/electronic systems.

(b) Describe the characteristics of white noise. [3 Marks]

Solution

White noise produces a flat frequency response in linear space. The signal has
equal energy per cycle (Hertz). In other words, the signal has equal power in any
 band of a given bandwidth. A signal is considered “white” if it has a flat spectrum
over a defined frequency band (such as the range of human hearing, or the
frequency response of audio/visual equipment)

(c) Explain the impact of RFI on communication systems. [3 Marks]

Solution

In common communications systems, radio frequency interference degrades or

completely disrupts signal quality, overall system performance, connectivity
between two or more stations, and system carrying capacity. Simply put, RFI can
make a RF based system totally non-functional, it can cause an intrusion of
music, conversation or noise, or it can create problems in system performance
that are extremely difficult to trace back to the radio frequency interference
source.

(d) Mention three possible sources of RFI. [3 Marks]

Solution

The sources of RFI are various some are natural while other are artificial, such
as the sun, lightening, Power lines, transformers, medical equipment, electro-
mechanical switches and many others-produce RF energy as they perform their
functions. Others are microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices,
wireless video cameras, outdoor microwave links, wireless game controllers,
fluorescent lights,

6. (a) Define the noise generator. [1 Mark]

Solution
A noise generator is a piece of equipment used to produce various types of
random electrical noise.
(b) Mention three different discipline were noise is an important factor.
[3
Marks]
Solution
1. Acoustics
2. Electrical Engineering
3. Physics
4. Telecommunication
 5. Mechanical Engineering
(c) (i) State two possible causes for power line interference. [2 Marks]
Solution
1. Power grounding or lack of ground in part of the electronic equipment.
2. Poor filtering in the power supply circuit of electronic equipment.
3. Poor shielding of the equipment.
(ii) List two possible ways in which power line interference can be
avoided. [2
Marks]
Solution
Power line interference is generally avoided by
1. using shielded cable
2. paying careful attention to grounding.

(d) State two functions for the noises generator. [2 Marks]

Solution
Functions of the noise generator
1. To test how electrical equipment may react to noise.
2. To measure the intensity of noise.

7. (a) Define signal analyzer instruments. [1 Mark]

Solution

Signal analyzers are instruments that indicate the frequency, time, amplitude
(voltage or power), or logic properties of a signal.

(b) i) Describe the frequency selective wave meter. [3 marks]

Solution

The frequency selective wave analyzer is an instrument designed to measure the

relative amplitude of single frequency components in a complex or distorted
waveform. Basically the instrument acts as a frequency- selective voltmeter
which is tuned to the frequency of one single component while rejecting all other
signal components. For measurements in the audio range (from 20 Hz to 20
KHz), the analyzer has a filter section with a very narrow passband that can be
 tuned to the frequency component of interest. The bandwidth of the instrument is
very narrow typically 1 per cent of the selected frequency.

ii) Describe the heterodyne wave analyzer. [3 Marks]

Solution

The heterodyne wave analyzer is particularly best suited for measurements in the
megahertz range, from 10 KHz to 18 MHz. The input signal to be analyzed is
heterodyned to a higher intermediate frequency (IF) by an internal oscillator. The
bandwidth is controlled by an active filter and can be selected at 200, 1000, and
1500 Hz. Tuning the local oscillator shifts the various signal frequency
components into the passband of the IF amplifier. The output of the IF amplifier is
rectified and applied to the metering circuit. An instrument that uses the
heterodyning principle is called a heterodyning tuned voltmeter.

(c) State the operating principle of the fundamental-suppression harmonic

distortion analyzer. [2 Marks]

Solution

The fundamental-suppression method of measuring distortion is used when it is

important to measure total harmonic distortion (THD) rather than the distortion
caused by each component. In this method the input waveform is fed to a
network that suppresses or rejects the fundamental frequency but passes all the
harmonic frequency components for subsequent measurement.

(d) State one industrial application for wave analyzers. [1 Mark]

Solution

Wave analyzer applications are found in the fields of electrical measurements

and sound vibration analysis. For, example, harmonic distortion of amplifiers can
be readily measured, and the contribution of each harmonic to the total distortion
figure can be determined.

8. (a) (i) Define the Logic analyzer. [1 Mark]

Solution
A logic analyzer is a multi-channel digital storage instrument with one bit of
vertical resolution and with flexible triggering and display modes.
 (ii) State how the logic analyzer determines whether the data at each
probe tip is a logic 1 or 0. [1 Mark]
Solution
An analyzer determines if the data present at each probe tip is logic 1 or 0 by
comparing the voltage to a pre-determined threshold voltage. The threshold
voltage can be adjusted by the user. TTL, for example, typically, has a threshold
set to 1.4V, half way between the low and high thresholds.
(b) Show the block diagram of a general-purpose Logic Analyzer. [4 Marks]
Solution

(c) State two important specifications for general purpose Logic Analyzers.
[2
Marks]
Solution
The three key logic analyzer specifications for most applications are;
1. Logic Analyzer Speed
2. Logic Analyzer Channels
3. Logic Analyzer Memory size

(d) State two possible applications for the logic analyzer. [2 Marks]