Control Engineering Questions

1. Processors in Integrated circuits use active semiconductor devices. What does

this mean and give an example.
2. Give an example of digital input and an analogue input.
3. For the Logic operator NAND give the truth table for:

Inputs output
A B
On On
On Off
Off On
Off Off
4. Why are controllers needed on an automated dynamic system?
5. In an open control system, how is the system controlled? Give an example.
6. For the following 3 point turn for a controlled car using differential steering.
Give a typical flowchart to demonstrate open control.
QuickTimeª and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.

7. In a typical closed control system the sensor detects error from

the setpoint. How does the system overcome this?
8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of proportional control?
9. Explain how the following prop. Control program works;

QuickTimeª and a
TIFF (LZW) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.

Note for above: the Setpoint is 720°

10. What needs to be done to reduce overshoot in proportional control?

11. Why are programmable Logic Controllers more practical for industrial
applications than computers?

12. Draw a Block diagram showing the main units of a PLC.

13. What does the system bus in a PLC do?

14. Which of the following are not inputs to a PLC:

Bimetallic strip, relay, SPST switch, strain guage, reed switch, wheel encoder,
proximity sensor, pressure sensor, control valve, stepper motor.

15. Why is oil better than water in an hydraulic system?

16. Using Pascals principle what maximum load can be raised in the following
system:
F=
50N

A= A=
100cm2 1m2

17. Draw a Brake system with master – 2 slaves

18. Explain how a cars brake system works?
19. For heavy duty hydraulic systems how is the fluid moved?
20. What advantages do hydraulic systems have?
21. Where is the energy stored in a pneumatic system?
22. What is the RAM in a pneumatic system?
23. What advantages does a pneumatic system have?
24. Choose from the following systems (electronic, mechanical, pneumatic or
hydraulic) for the following applications:
a. Cranes b. high speed reactive switch c. high speed
actuator