NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (VOCATIONAL)

MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS
NQF LEVEL 2

(6040102)

12 March 2019 (X-Paper)

09:00–12:00

This question paper consists of 6 pages and 1 addendum.

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TIME: 3 HOURS
MARKS: 100

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. Answer ALL the questions.

2. Read ALL the questions carefully.

3. Number the answers according to the numbering system used in this question
paper.

4. ALL drawings must be neat and correctly labelled.

5. ALL symbols must be of IEC standard.

6. ALL terminal numbers must be labelled.

7. Write neatly and legibly.

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QUESTION 1

1.1 Explain the term energy. (2)

1.2 List THREE sources of energy. (3)

1.3 The energy flow in technical systems can be represented by block diagrams
that show the energy conversion that takes place in a technical system,
subsystem or components that make up the system.

Draw a block diagram that represents energy conversion. (3)

1.4 FIGURE 1 shows how a winch is used to bring up a cage with a mass of
1 000 kg from a conveyor system on ground level to the overhead conveyor
system moving through a distance of 20 m.

20 m

1 000 kg

FIGURE 1

Calculate the minimum amount of work done by the winch. (4)

1.5

A B

FIGURE 2

Name the TWO types of energy the fork lifts A and B in FIGURE 2 represent. (2)

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1.6

DAM
A WALL B C D

FIGURE 3

Redraw FIGURE 3 showing a hydro-electric power plant and complete the

labelling of the subsystems represented by the letters (A–D). (4 × 1) (4)

1.7 Name the energy output produced between stages A and B as well as
between stages C and D shown in FIGURE 3. (2)
[20]

QUESTION 2

2.1 Relay ladder-logic hardwired control circuits are made up of event-based and
time-based enabling conditions.

2.1.1 Explain event-based enabling conditions. (2)

2.1.2 Explain timed-based enabling conditions. (2)

2.2 Briefly explain how cascaded timer-based control is achieved. (2)

2.3 Study the table of electrical elements used in relay ladder-logic hardwired
control circuits shown in the ADDENDUM (attached).

Draw a fully labelled cascaded-control relay ladder-logic hardwired circuit with

the correct terminal numbers using the symbols of the electrical elements
shown in the ADDENDUM. The drawing must meet the following conditions:

The system must be able to start and stop and THREE lamps must be turned
on having 5-second intervals in a positive sequence after being started. (8)

2.4 Draw a timing diagram that will represent the operation of the cascaded timing
circuit designed in QUESTION 2.3. (6)
[20]

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QUESTION 3

3.1 Explain the basic pneumatic technical system. (2)

3.2 Draw a single block diagram of a pneumatic technical system. (4)

3.3 Explain the operation of a pressure switch. (3)

3.4 Make a pictorial drawing showing how the pressure switch is connected to the
electrical control circuit of the compressor. (4)

3.5 Label the pictorial pneumatic service unit shown in FIGURE 4 by writing only
the answer next to the question number (3.5.1–3.5.3) in the ANSWER BOOK.
(3 × 1) (3)

3.5.2

3.5.3
3.5.1

FIGURE 4

3.6 Draw the pneumatic service unit using IEC pneumatic symbols. (4)
[20]

QUESTION 4

Solenoid valves replaced manual-operated valves found in pneumatic applications.

4.1 Draw a basic labelled construction of a single-acting solenoid spring return

valve. (4)

4.2 Explain how a solenoid works in a solenoid valve. (2)

4.3 Explain how the spool works in a solenoid valve. (2)

4.4 Draw a labelled symbol of a single-acting 3/2 solenoid spring return valve. (2)

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4.5 Draw a fully labelled indirectly controlled electropneumatic circuit that would
feed a workpiece from the magazine onto a conveyor belt when the start
button is activated and will return after a 3-second time delay has elapsed.
The system must also have a stop/reset control push button. (7)

4.6 Draw the labelled working electropneumatic circuit for the task given in
QUESTION 4.5. (3)
[20]

QUESTION 5

5.1 List FOUR commissioning checks that can be performed on a mechatronic

electropneumatic application. (4)

5.2 List FOUR safety considerations when troubleshooting a mechatronic

electropneumatic application. (4)

5.3 Discuss the difference between live-circuit testing and dead-circuit testing with
respect to personal safety. (2 + 2) (4)

5.4 Draw a fault-finding flow chart that can be used to troubleshoot the control
circuit of a mechatronic electropneumatic application. (8)
[20]

TOTAL: 100

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(6040102) NC2090(E)(M12)V

ADDENDUM

COMPONENT SYMBOL DESIGNATION FUNCTION

Pb Push button (NO) – push to make

3
with a spring return – green or black
button used for start or reset function
in a control circuit of a system
4

Pb Push button (NC) – push to break

1
with a spring return – red button
normally used to stop a system

1 Sw Emergency-stop push button (NC)

– used to remove the supply from the
power and control circuits when an
emergency hazard is present –
2
requires manual resetting

3 Sw Indent (KEY) switch – can be

operated by push button, key, rotary
action – used to turn the system on
or off
4

12 14 R Relays – used in low-voltage control

applications using relay ladder logic
A1
and as a safety-control relay

A2
11

17 15 TON Timer delay on – delay-on timer will

A1 energise once a preset time value
has been reached
A2
18 16

L N PS Power supply – brings the control

voltage to 24 V DC

+V 0V

H Indication lamp – colour coded to

X1 X2 inform on the status of the machine
or application

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