Chapter 6

Example Problems with Solutions

Problem 1
Problem Objective: To work with the m-bit terminology involved in A/D conver-
sion methods.

Statement: Consider the A/D board between stations D and E of the temperature
measurement system shown in Figure 6.1. Determine how many bits (M =
4, 8, 12 or 16) would be required to have less than 0.5% quantization error for
the input voltage of 9 V with EF SR = 10 V .

Solution:
Known:
Q
Absolute quantization error (in mV ) = 2 .
EESR
And, Q = 2M .

Schematic:

R=25W

Rs Computer
+5V

R=25W R=25W Amplifier Filter A/D Board

RTD Sensor
Wheatstone Bridge

A B C D E

Figure 6.1: An example temperature measurement system configuration.

Analysis:

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 AbsQE (in mV )
9000 mV = 0.005,

AbsQE = (9000)(0.005) = 45 mV = Q/2.

Then, Q = 90 mV /bit = EF SR /2M = 10, 000 mV /2M ,

2M = 10, 000/90 = 111.11.

log 111.11
Thus, M = log 2 = 6.79 (need M = 8 bit A/D at a minimum).

Comments:

For this particular problem, one could also use 12 or 16 bit, but the cost would probably be
more.

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 Problem 2

Problem Objective: To develop an understanding of circuits.

Statement: An engineer is tasked with the job of specifiying several components

of a temperature measurement system. The output voltages from a Type J
thermocouple referenced to 0 C vary linearly from 2.585 to 3.649 mV over
the temperature range from 50 to 70 C. The thermocouple output is to be
connected directly to an A/D converter having a range from 5 to +5 V . For
both a 12 bit and a 16 bit A/D converter determine [a] the quantization error
(in mV ), [b] the percentage error at T = 50 C, and [c] the percentage error at
T = 70 C. Now if an amplifier is installed in between the thermocouple and the
A/D converter, determine [d] the amplifiers gain to yield a quantization error
of 5% or less.

Solution:
Known:

The quantification error of an M-bit device is: eQ = 0.5(EF SR /2M ).

Analysis:

[a] eQ = 0.5(EF SR /2M ) = 0.5(10 V /4096) = 1.22 mV .

[b] One can expect the relative quantification error to vary from:

eQ /E = 1.22 mV /2.585 mV = 0.472 or 47% at 50 C, to

[c] eQ /E = 1.22 mV /3.649 mV = 0.33 or 33% at 70 C.

Both values are significantly large.

[d] One means to reduce the quantification error is through amplification of the analog signal
prior to quantization.

To achieve 5% or less error requires an input signal of the magnitude, E = eQ /0.05 =

1.22 mV /0.05 = 24.40 mV .

At 50 C (the smallest voltage quantized), this requires a linear amplifier gain of G =

Eo /Ei = 24.40 mV /2.582 mV = 9.44 ' 10, or roughly, an amplifier having a linear gain of 10.

Comments:

This problem demonstrates the use of an amplifier to improve the signal-to-noise ratio to
within a specified amount.

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 Problem 3

Problem Objective: A grasp of the mathematics behind filters.

Statement: Consider the filter between stations C and D of the temperature mea-
surement system shown in Figure 6.2. Assume that the temperature varies in
time with frequencies as high as 15 Hz. For this condition, determine [a] the
filters cutoff frequency (in Hz), and [b] the filters time constant (in ms). Next,
find [c] the filters output voltage (peak-to-peak) when the amplifiers output
voltage (peak-to-peak) is 8 V and the temperature varies with a frequency of
10 Hz, and [d] the signals phase lag through the filter (in ms) for this condition.

Solution:

Known:
1
= 2fc

1
M () =
1+( )

tan1 ( )
=

Schematic:

R=25W

Rs
Computer
+5V

R=25W R=25W Amplifier Filter A/D Board

RTD Sensor
Wheatstone Bridge

A B C D E

Figure 6.2: An example temperature measurement system configuration.

37
Analysis:

[a] The cutoff frequency, fc , is the highest frequency of interest, fmax .

So, fmax = 15 Hz fs = 30 Hz and fc = 15 Hz.

[b] The time constant for a single-stage low-pass filter is given by:
1 1
= 2fc = (2)(15) = 0.0106 s = 10.6 ms.

[c] 10 Hz = (2)(10) = 62.8 rad/s = .

1 1 1
M () = = = 1.2 = 0.83.
1+( )2 1+(62.80.0106)2

So, Eo,f ilter = (0.83)(8) = 6.64 V .

()
[d] =

tan1 ( ) tan1 (0.666) 33.66

= = 62.8 = 62.8rads

33.66
= (57.3 /rad)(62.8 rad/s) = 9.35 103 s = 9.35 ms.

Comments:

This problem shows how a low-pass filter behaves as part of a typical measurement system.

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