Topic: Electrical Transducers: Measurement & Instrumentation

Measurement & Instrumentation
Lecture 5
Course Instructor : Md. Sadiqur Rahman
Lecturer , Dept. of EEE , NUB
Topic: Electrical Transducers

Introduction
• Process of converting one form of energy into another is
called ‘Transduction’, and the device that performs this
function is called a ‘Transducer’.
• Physical parameters to be measured are most of the time

‘non-electrical’.
• Non-electrical quantities are converted into electrical

quantities for better measurements. This is because
electrical methods of measurement (sensing, signal
conditioning, transmission, indication) are much more
advantageous than other methods (e.g. mechanical and
chemical).
• The devices which converts other form of energy into

electrical forms are called ‘Electrical Transducers’
• However, with reference to this course, when we say
‘transducer’, it refers to ‘electrical transducer’.
A nice definition:
‘A transducer is a device which, when actuated by energy in
one form, produces an electrical output energy.
Advantages of Electrical Transducers
The advantages of converting physical quantities into
analogous electrical quantities are:
1. Electrical amplification and attenuation can be done easily
and with static devices.
2. The mass-inertia effects are minimized.
3. Effects of friction are minimized.
4. Can be controlled with a very small power level.
5. Output can be easily used, transmitted, stored and
processed.
6. Miniaturization is possible by the use of ICs.
Classification of Transducers

A classification can be done based on the electrical
circuit parameter that is meant to be changed due to
 the presence of the physical parameter to be measured:


1. Resistance
2. Capacitance
3. Inductance
4. Voltage and Current
Another Classification of Transducers
Primary transducers
Transducers that sense a physical phenomenon at the
first stage of detection; e.g. thermocouple .
Secondary transducers
The physical phenomenon is first sensed by a non-electrical
transducer. It’s output is then converted into an electrical
signal by an electrical transducer. This second transducer is
called secondary transducer.
For example: in one type of pressure meter, a mechanical tube

(Bourdon tube) first converts the pressure to be measured into
an analogous displacement. It is then sensed by an electrical
transducer which is called secondary transducer.
Resistive Transducers
Transducer that employs change in resistance of an sensing

element is called resistive transducer.
Resistive transducers are preferred over transducers
employing other principles.
The well-known equation of resistance of a resistor element:
𝜌𝐿
R= 𝐴
Design basis: vary any combination of the 3 quantities.
For example: temperature can change ρ; strain can change L
and A, altogether.
Applications:
Temperature, strain, displacement, force, pressure etc.
Strain Gauge
If a metal conductor is stretched or compressed, both L and A
change, so R changes.
Theory of Strain Gauges:

Let a tensile stress s be applied to the wire. This causes
a positive longitudinal strain and negative lateral strain.
Let, L= change in length, A=change in area,
D=change in Diameter and R=change in resistance
Handnote will be provided for this slide.

Applications
For example:
1. Structural stress analysis
- e.g., smart bridges. In order to
keep bridges in good conditions,
people use strain gauge sensors
on bridges to monitor stresses on
weak points of a bridge.
- A bridge can have hundreds of

sensors to supervise its stress
levels at hundreds of points of
the bridge
2. Measurement of force, pressure, flow
- indirectly measures the force,
pressure through the material
strains. Mechanics of materials
provide the necessary equation
between strains and stresses.
- First measure differential

pressure in a section of
pipe/tube/channel. Then
Hydrodynamics gives the
necessary equation between
differential pressure and flow
rate.

Topic: Electrical Transducers: Measurement & Instrumentation

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Measurement & Instrumentation

Topic: Electrical Transducers

• Physical parameters to be measured are most of the time

• Non-electrical quantities are converted into electrical

• The devices which converts other form of energy into

For example: in one type of pressure meter, a mechanical tube

Transducer that employs change in resistance of an sensing

Theory of Strain Gauges:

Handnote will be provided for this slide.

- A bridge can have hundreds of

- First measure differential

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