Course: Design of microprocessor-based systems

Department for Automatic control and electronics

Faculty of Electrical Engineering
University of Sarajevo

Example of first partial exam

Problem 1 (6 points)

1. Explain the difference between Von Neumann and Harvard architecture of a microprocessor based
system, and illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
2. Explain the difference between a microprocessor and a microcontroller, and name the basic modules
in a modern microcontroller.
3. Which are the difference between the asynchronous and synchronous bus?
4. Explain the difference between masked and non-masked interrupts.
5. Draw the electrical schematic of the interface between a digital input AC 230V and DC TTL (5V).
6. Explain the concept of a programmable logic controller (PLC).

Problem 2 (7 bodova)

A simplified example of an industrial bottle filling machine is given in figure.

The machine works in the following way:

1. A single-phase motor (2kW, 230V) is used for controlling the conveyor. The motor is spinning with
constant speed and may be just turned on and off (speed is not regulated).
2. In order to detect the bottle under the pour valve three sensors are used (F1, F2, i F3), of type
Schneider XUB0APSNL2.
3. In order to pour the liquid a simple on-off electro-valve is used (where 48V - ON, 0V - OFF).
4. The level of the liquid is checked with the capacitive sensor (N1) which is a Schneider XT230A1PCM12.
5. Control voltage is 24V.
In addition, the following equipment is available:
 Component Reference Manufacturer

Switch XB7ND21

Pushbutton XB7NA31

Pushbutton XB7NA42

Relay RSL1AB4BD Schneider Electric

Relay RSLZVA1

K power switch LP1K1210BD

Auxilliary relay CA3KN40BD

It is necessary to draw a complete schematic of the control cabinet of the machine, in order to obtain
the functionality:
1. Once the switch is pressed the motor is turned on,
2. After the second sensor (F2) detects the bottle, the conveyor should be stopped,
3. Next, the pouring valve should be turned on, and liquid should be poured until the sensor N! does not
detect that the bottle is full,
4. Then, the pouring valve should be closed, and paused for 2 seconds,
5. Next, the conveyor belt motor should be (automatically) started and the process should be continued.

Note: the schematics should be drawn according to standard IEC notation. Next to each sensor
(transmitter, transducer) the NO/NC contacts should be marked (if they exist). The schematic should be
implemented in such way that in case of power failure (e.g. turning off the switch) the liquid flow is
stopped (fail-safe).

Problem 3 (7 points)

Consider the same machine given in problem nr.2. In addition, a Zelio PLC SR3B102BD is available. It is
necessary to implement the following functionality:
1. Pressing the pushbutton connected to a PLS the motor/conveyor is started,
2. When the sensors (F1, F2, i F3) determine that the bottle is in the desired position, the pouring valve
is turned on,
3. Unlike the case in problem nr.2, the sensor N1 is used only for detection of the liquid level above the
maximal allowed value (e.g. 90%). The desired value is set with the rotational potentiometer which is
positioned on a control panel, and the resistance of the potentiometer is proportional with the liquid
desired value (0-100%). The opening of the valve is controlled with a timer (e.g. the bottle will reach the
100% level in 4 seconds, 50% in two seconds etc.).
4. On Zelio PLC LCD display, the level which is set with a potentiometer, should be indicated.
5. After the liquid level in the bottle reaches the desired value, the pouring valve is closed, the motor is
started and the process continues.
Please draw the electrical schematic which implements the above functionality, and write the program
(Ladder logic or Functional Block Diagram).
Course: Design of microprocessor-based systems
Department for Automatic control and electronics
Faculty of Electrical Engineering
University of Sarajevo

Example of second partial exam

Problem 1 (8 points)

1. Explain what is the I2C communication protocol, and how it handles the collision on the I2C bus?
2. Name the most important methods of arbitration on a communication channel. Which type of
arbitration is used by Modbus, Ethernet and WLAN respectively?
3. Which types of Program Organizing Units are defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard, and which
programming "languages" for PLC are defined by the same standard?
4. Draw a schematic which allows a PLC to change the three-phase asynchronous motor connection
from star to triangle, and vice-versa.

Problem 2 (12 points)

The problem should be solved by computer simulation using SoMachine 4.1 package, and PLC
TM241CE24T with HMI S5T.

2.1. Implement a 6-bit Johnson counter on PLC outputs (Q1,Q2, ..., Q6). The counter is counting
automatically after power-on, with a period of T=1[s], in a following manner: 000000, 100000, 110000,
111000, 111100, 111110, 111111, 011111, 001111, 000111, 000011, 000001 and repeats.
2.2. Modify the code from 2.1 in order to enable to choose between two different counting periods:
T1=1[s] i T2=0.5[s], based on the state of the digital input I1 (FALSE/TRUE).
2.3. One part of a step-motor driven machine is presented in the figure.
The step motor is driven using half-stepping, which requires the following sequences:

Step 0 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7

Q1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0
Q2 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1
Q3 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1
Q4 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

There are two pushbuttons on digital inputs (LEFT, RIGHT), two inductive sensors (SENS1 and SENS2),
two limit switches (LIM1 and LIM2). The control system has two modes of operation: MANUAL and
AUTOMATIC. The mode is chosen with a switch on a digital input. Motor speed is constant and it is equal
to 1 step in 500 [ms].
Implement the MANUAL mode of operation which means that the motor is driven in one or in another
direction based on the pushbuttons LEFT and RIGHT. The motor should not spin in the direction
determined by the pushbuttons if the corresponding limit switch is activated.
2.4. Modify the code in 2.3 so that when the machine head is in the space between sensors SENS1 and
SENS2 (Zone 2) then it moves more quickly (1 step per 200 [ms]), and when it is in the Zone 1 or 3 it
moves slowly (1 step per 500 [ms]). The speed of the motor should be adjusted according to the position
of the machine head. Sensors give a brief pulse when the head is over them.
2.5. Modify the code in 2.3 so that the machine may work in AUTOMATIC mode, in the following way: 1.
The motor moves the head to the left until it hits the limit switch (LIM1) 2. Next, it moves the head N=20
steps from the left limit switch and stops the head.
2.6. Interface a HMI, and using the display show the outputs Q1,...Q4, and simulate the pushbuttons
LEFT, RIGHT and limit switches LIM1 and LIM2.
2.7. On the HMI display (problem 2.6) add the simulation of sensors SENS1 and SENS2, and indicate the
zone in which the head is (Zone 1,2 or 3).