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Sensors

Sensors are input devices that measure physical properties like light, temperature, and movement. Sensors are used in monitoring systems to track states and in control systems to control systems based on sensor input in a feedback loop. Common sensors include light, temperature, pressure, and proximity sensors.

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25 views4 pages

Sensors

Sensors are input devices that measure physical properties like light, temperature, and movement. Sensors are used in monitoring systems to track states and in control systems to control systems based on sensor input in a feedback loop. Common sensors include light, temperature, pressure, and proximity sensors.

Uploaded by

sajid ali
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam

Sensors

 Sensors are input devices


 They measure a physical property of their environment such as light levels, temperature
or movement
 Sensors can be used for monitoring systems and control systems
o A monitoring system tracks the state of a system, it gathers data and may issue warning
messages
o A control system will control the system based upon the input from sensors
o For example, if the water temperature in a fish tank fell below the acceptable level, a
control system would start up a heater. The system will then continue to check the
water temperature readings and when they are within the acceptable range it
will switch off the heater
 This process of the outputs affecting the following set of input values received from
the sensors is called a feedback loop

Exam Tip

 You are likely to be given a scenario and asked to identify the sensors that would be used.
 The 14 sensors you need to be aware of are in the table below

Type of Sensor What it measures Typical Use


Acoustic Sound levels - To detect changes in
sound levels of industrial
machinery

- To monitor noise
pollution

- In security system to
detect suspicious sounds

Accelerometer Acceleration rate, tilt, - Detecting sudden changes


vibration in vehicle movement and
deploy safety features if
needed

- In mobile phones to
detect orientation of the
device

Flow Rate of gas, liquid or powder - Detect changes in the flow


Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam
flow through pipes in water
system

Gas Presence of a gas e.g. carbon - Detect levels of gas in


monoxide confined spaces

- Detect gas levels when


fixing gas leaks

Humidity Levels of water vapour - Monitor humidity in


greenhouses

Infra-red Detecting motion or a heat - Security systems


source detecting intruders who
break the beam

- Measures heat radiation


of objects - used by
emergency services to
detect people

Level - Detects levels of petrol in


Liquid levels a car tank

- Detect levels of water in a


water tank

- Detect a drop in water


levels due to a leak

Light Light levels - Automatically switching


on lights when it gets dark
(street lights, headlights)

Magnetic field - Anti-lock braking system


Presence and strength
- Monitoring rotating
machinery such as
turbines

Moisture Presence and levels of - Monitoring moisture in


Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam
moisture soil

- Monitoring damp in
buildings

pH Acidity or alkaline - Monitoring soil to ensure


optimum growing
conditions

- Monitor pH levels in
chemical processes

Pressure Gas, liquid or physical - Monitoring tyre pressure


pressure
- Monitoring pressure in
pipes during
manufacturing process

Proximity Distance - Monitoring position of


objects in robotics

- Used in safety systems to


prevent objects colliding

Temperature Temperature in Celsius, - Used to maintain


Fahrenheit or Kelvin temperature in swimming
pools

- Used to control
temperature in chemical
processes
Computer Science 2210 By Sajid Ali Imam

Worked example
What type of sensor would be used to help drivers when reversing? [1]

A Motion
B Infra-red
C Light
D Proximity

 D
[1]
 A proximity sensor would be used to monitor how close the car was to objects. It would
then sound a warning alarm when the proximity is below a certain value (meaning the car
is too close to an object)

Is this a monitoring system or a control system? [1]

A Monitoring
B Control

 A [1]
 The reversing warning system is a monitoring system. It indicates to the user when the car
is too close to an object but it does not stop the car automatically

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