Introduction
to sensor
1
Definition of sensor
2
Definition of sensor
Sensor is a device used to sense a physical variable, which includes, but is not limited to:
temperature, strain, humidity, pressure, mass, light, and voltage. To sense these
variables, we need to convert them into a universal and easily accessible signal. This
universal signal is electrical signal.
Physical variable Electrical signal
Sensor
3
Examples
Temperature Resistance Force Voltage
Sensor Sensor
Pressure Resistance Chemical Current
Sensor Sensor
Light Current Acceleration Capacitance
Sensor Sensor
4
Definition of transducer
Transducer is a device which converts energy from one form to another. it is also called
“energy conversion device. In some case, transducer and sensor are the same. The
difference between sensor and transducer is that transducer can consist of sensor and
signal conditioning circuit
Physical variable Physical variable
Transducer
Transducer
Physical variable Electrical signal
sensor Signal conditioning
5
Physical variable
• Acoustic : wave amplitude, wave velocity, wave frequency
• Mechanical: Force, pressure, velocity, acceleration
• Optical : Intensity, absorption, reflectivity, refraction index
• Chemical: Acid, base, chemical substance
• Thermal: temperature, thermal conductivity
• Biological : DNA, RNA, specific protein, virus particle, bacterium
6
Electrical signal
• Resistance
• Capacitance
• Inductance
• Current
• Voltage (universal)
7
Sensor classification
• Type of input
• Type of output
• Power supply
• Material
• Conversion phenomena
8
Application
• Robotic and Automation
• Communication
• Military and Aerospace
• Medical application
• Industrial application
• IoT device
9
Sensor selection
Temperature range
Corrosion
Size
Over-range protection
Environmetal factor Ruggedness
Power consumption
Electromagnetic effect
Humidity effect
Self-test capability
10
Sensor selection
Cost
Economic factor Life-time
Availability
11
Sensor selection
Input/output range
Error
Repeatability
Sensitivity
Performance Resolution
Accuracy and precision
Linearity
Time respond
Time delay
12
Example
Ultrasonic Sensor Potentiometer Pressure sensor
Accelerometer Sensor Encoder Sensor 13
Example
Infrared Sensor Photoresistor Temperature Sensor
Temperature and Humidity Sensor Induction Sensor
14
END
