Sensors
Why We Use Sensors?
The ability of Sensors is to measure multi various data on the activities taking place
within a system, throws open plenty of use cases.
The data measured by sensors can be used in:
1. Operating the system efficiently.
2. Monitoring the operations for any abnormalities.
3. Controlling the operations.
4. Utilizing the resources effectively.
5. Making design changes to further improve performance.
6. Enhancing Future product portfolio.
For example, the temperature sensor installed in a furnace measures the
temperature data on a periodic interval and sends it to the controlling unit.
Intelligence built into the controlling unit can switch off the power supply to the
furnace if the temperature reaches above an upper limit.
Different Types of Sensors
Different types of sensors that are commonly used in various applications. All these
sensors are used for measuring one of the physical properties like Temperature,
Resistance, Capacitance, Conduction, Heat Transfer etc.
1. Temperature Sensor
2. Proximity Sensor
3. Ultrasonic Sensor
4. Smoke, Gas and Alcohol Sensor
5. Accelerometer
6. Touch Sensor
7. IR Sensor (Infrared Sensor)
8. Colour Sensor
9. Pressure Sensor
10. Humidity Sensor
11. Light Sensor
12. Tilt Sensor
13. Flow and Level Sensor
Temperature Sensor
One of the most common and most popular sensor is the Temperature Sensor.
i.e. it measures the changes in the temperature.
In a Temperature Sensor, the changes in the Temperature correspond to change in
its physical property like resistance or voltage.
There are different types of Temperature Sensors like Temperature Sensor
Thermistors, Thermocouples, RTD (Resistive Temperature Devices), etc.
Temperature Sensors are used everywhere like computers, mobile phones,
automobiles, air conditioning systems, industries etc.
Proximity Sensors
A Proximity Sensor is a non-contact type sensor that detects the presence of an
object.
Proximity Sensors can be implemented using different techniques like Optical (like
Infrared or Laser), Ultrasonic, Hall Effect, Capacitive, etc.
Some of the applications of Proximity Sensors are Mobile Phones, Cars (Parking
Sensors), industries (object alignment), Ground Proximity in Aircrafts, etc.
Ultrasonic Sensor
An Ultrasonic Sensor is a non-contact type device that can be used to measure
distance as well as velocity of an object.
An Ultrasonic Sensor works based on the properties of the sound waves with
frequency greater than that of the human audible range.
Infrared Sensor (IR Sensor)
Infrared Sensor are light based sensor that are used in various applications like
Proximity and Object Detection.
IR Sensors are used as proximity sensors in almost all mobile phones.
There are two types of Infrared Sensors: Transmissive Type and Reflective Type
Transmissive Type IR Sensor, the IR Transmitter (usually an IR LED) and the IR
Detector (usually a Photo Diode) are positioned facing each other so that when an
object passes between them, the sensor detects the object.
Reflective Type IR Sensor. In this, the transmitter and the detector are positioned
adjacent to each other facing the object. When an object comes in front of the
sensor, the sensor detects the object.
Different applications where IR Sensor is implemented are Mobile Phones,
Robots, Industrial assembly, automobiles etc.
Automotive applications of sensors
Braking and Traction control: Antilock Braking System (ABS) Sensors connected to
the wheel, measures the speed of the wheel and braking pressure and keeps sending
them to ABS controlling When the driver applies sudden brake, ABS system, with
breaking pressure and speed data received from the sensors, releases the braking
pressure to avoid skidding/locking of wheels. It is one of the critical safety aspects of
vehicles.
Air Bags – Anti Cushion Restraint System (ACRS): Crush sensors and accelerometers
placed in the vehicle measures the force and sends it to During accidents on sensing
the force exceeds the limit, ACRS will activate the Airbag and save the life of
passengers.
Avoiding Collisions: Proximity sensors in the front, back, and sides of the vehicle
forewarn the driver of a possible Infrared, Video assistance, Ultrasonic technologies
assist drivers while parking their vehicles.
Comfort and Convenience: There are many sensors provides inputs and warnings to
drivers on Vehicle Speed, Engine Speed, Fuel level, Tire pressure, Door/deck, light
bulbs for driving comfort and convenience
Engine Data: Sensors provides so much data on Engine performance such as
Ignition, b. Combustion, c. Exhaust gas oxygen, d. Fuel mix, e. Exhaust gas
recycling, f. Transmission control etc.,
Other Applications a. Heating, ventilation, and Air-condition (HVAC), b.
Navigation, c. Safety Features, d. Smart Cruising, e. Suspension, f. Security, g.
Remote locking
