A.
RESISTIVE TRANSDUCER
Definition:
The transducer whose resistance varies because of the environmental effects such type of transducer is
known as the resistive transducer. The change in resistance is measured by the ac or dc measuring
devices. The resistive transducer is used for measuring the physical quantities like temperature,
displacement, vibration etc.
The measurement of the physical quantity is quite difficult. The resistive transducer converts the
physical quantities into variable resistance which is easily measured by the meters. The process of
variation in resistance is widely used in the industrial applications.
The resistive transducer can work both as the primary as well as the secondary transducer. The primary
transducer changes the physical quantities into a mechanical signal, and secondary transducer directly
transforms it into an electrical signal.
Example
The circuit of the sliding resistive transducer is shown in the figure below. The sliding contacts are
placed on the resistive element. The slider moves horizontally. The movement of the slider changes the
value of the resistive element of the transducer which is measured by the voltage source E.
Sliding-transducer
The displacement of the slider is converted into an electrical signal.
Advantages of Resistive Transducer
The advantages of the resistive transducer include the following.
These transducers give quick responses.
These are available in different sizes and they have high resistance.
The voltage otherwise current for both the AC & DC is suitable for calculating variable
resistance.
They are low-cost.
The operation of these transducers is very easy and used in various applications wherever the
necessities are not mostly severe.
These are used to measure the huge amplitudes of displacement.
Its electrical efficiency is extremely high and gives adequate output to let control operations.
Both the AC and DC, current or voltage is appropriate for the measurement of variable
resistance.
The resistive transducer gives the fast response.
It is available in various sizes and having a high range of resistance.
Disadvantages
When using these transducers, huge power is necessary to move the sliding contacts. The sliding
contacts can exhaust, become uneven and produce noise.
Thus, this is all about the resistive transducer which is used in different applications within the measured
transduction like pressure, mechanical strain, displacements, load, force, temperature, as well as the
velocity of fluid velocity into electrical o/ps. These apparatus are based on the change within resistance
brought about through the measured. Here is a question for you, what are the examples of resistive
transducer?
Working Principle of Resistive Transducer
The resistive transducer element works on the principle that the resistance of the element is directly
proportional to the length of the conductor and inversely proportional to the area of the conductor.
R = ρL/A
Where R – resistance in ohms.
A – cross-section area of the conductor in meter square.
L – Length of the conductor in meter square.
ρ – the resistivity of the conductor in materials in ohm meter.
The resistive transducer is designed by considering the variation of the length, area and resistivity of the
metal. The transducer’s resistance can be changed because of the exterior environmental factors as well
as the conductor’s physical properties. The change in resistance can be measured using AC devices or
DC devices. This transducer acts like a primary as well as the secondary transducer. A primary transducer
is used to change the physical quantity to the mechanical signal whereas a secondary transducer is used
to convert a mechanical signal to an electrical signal.
Applications of Resistive Transducer
The following are the applications of the resistive transducer.
Potentiometer
The translation and rotatory potentiometer are the examples of the resistive transducers. The
resistance of their conductor varies with the variation in their lengths which is used for the
measurement of displacement.
Strain gauges
The resistance of their semiconductor material changes when the strain occurs on it. This property of
metals is used for the measurement of the pressure, force-displacement etc.
Resistance Thermometer
The resistance of the metals changes because of changes in temperature. This property of conductor is
used for measuring the temperature.
Thermistor
It works on the principle that the temperature coefficient of the thermistor material varies with the
temperature. The thermistor has the negative temperature coefficient. The Negative temperature
coefficient means the temperature is inversely proportional to resistance.
There are a number of ways because of which the resistance of the metal changes with the changed in
the physical phenomenon. And this property of conductors is used for measuring the physical quantities
of material.
