ME3242/ME3242E

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

ME3242/ME3242E INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

(Semester I : AY2010/2011)
Time Allowed : 2 Hours

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:

1.

This examination paper contains FOUR (4) questions and comprises FIVE (5)
printed pages.

2.

Answer ALL FOUR (4) questions.

3.

All questions carry equal marks.

4.

This is a CLOSED-BOOK EXAMINATION with authorized materials: One A4sheet of note/formulae written/printed on both sides is allowed into the examination
room.

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ME3242/ME3242E

QUESTION 1
(a)

Figure 1.1 shows a spool-based 3/2 directional valve. Express the Boolean
relationship of the output T in terms of the inputs x1 , x2 and x3 .
(5 marks)
T

x1

x2 x3

Figure 1.1
(b)

Figure 1.2 shows four pneumatic push buttons A, B, C and D. Design a pneumatic
circuit to express the Boolean expression
Y = A B C + A B D + A B C + A B D using the minimum number of valves.

(7 marks)

Figure 1.2
(c)

In an automation process, four pneumatic cylinders A, B, C and D are used to perform

a specified sequence of
A+ B+ A- D+ C+ A+ D- B- A- C-.
Each of the cylinder is controlled by a 4/2 valve with double pilot activation. Design a
fully pneumatic circuit such that when a START button is briefly pressed, it activates
the above sequence of actions.
(13 marks)

Continue on next page.

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ME3242/ME3242E

QUESTION 2
Figure 2.1 shows the desired sequence for an automation task which involves five cylinders,
A, B, C, D and E. Each cylinder is controlled by a 4/2 valve with double solenoid activation
and two SPDT limit switches for the detection of the fully extended and fully retracted
positions of the cylinder.

A-

C+
A+

B-

B+
D+

E+

D-

C-

E-

Figure 2.1

(a)

Design a ladder circuit such that when a START button is briefly pressed, it activates
the above sequence of actions.
(15 marks)

(b)

The automation of the above sequence is to be implemented using a PLC. Choose

appropriate PLC inputs and outputs for your input/output devices and write the
corresponding PLC program in Instruction List.
(10 marks)

Continue on next page

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ME3242/ME3242E

QUESTION 3
Figure 3.1 shows two pneumatic cylinders A and B that are used for an automation process.
Each cylinder is controlled by a single solenoid and spring return 4/2 valve. Each cylinder is
also fitted with two limit switches to detect its fully retracted and fully extended positions as
shown in Figure 3.1. The ladder logic to control these cylinders is shown in Figure 3.2.
Using a sequence chart to trace the state of these components when the START button is
briefly pressed.
What is the sequence of actions when the START button is briefly pressed?
(25 marks)

Vcc

Start

a1

y2

y1
y2

y1

a1

a2

A+

b1

b2

Y1

a1
y1

b2

b1

y2
y1

y2

y1

y2

y1

y2

y1

y2

y1

y2

Y2

A+

a2

B+

a2

B+

Figure 3.1

Figure 3.2

Continue on next page.

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ME3242/ME3242E

QUESTION 4
A table lamp consists of two bulbs L1 and L2 with power ratings of 15 W and 25 W,
respectively. These bulbs are controlled by a SPST normally open push button P. The power
supply to each of the bulbs L1 and L2 is controlled by pressing the push button P as illustrated
by the transition state diagram of Figure 4.1.

1
0/00

2
1/01

3
0/01

4
1/10

8
1/00

7
0/11

6
1/11

5
0/10

N
P/L2L1

Figure 4.1

(a)

Derive the Primitive Flow Table and Merged Flow Table for this problem. Assign
appropriate relay(s) for the Merged Flow Table. Hence, construct the path map for the
merged flow table.
(8 marks)

(b)

Obtain the necessary K-maps for the control of any flip-flops that are needed for the
outputs L1 and L2.
(7 marks)

(c)

Obtain the necessary Boolean expressions required and draw the ladder diagram to
control the outputs L1 and L2.
(10 marks)

- END OF PAPER -