Scribd
Upload
11 views10 pages

An Introduction To Sensors and Its Types

Uploaded by

sakthivelsalvam1809
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views10 pages

An Introduction To Sensors and Its Types

Uploaded by

sakthivelsalvam1809
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 10

An Introduction to Sensors and its Types-

Analog and Digital

Introduction:
Sensors are an integral part of embedded systems. Before
interfacing a sensor with a microcontroller, we must know about its
particular function, its types, and its working. Here we will first
introduce you to sensors, their types and their uses.

What is a Sensor?
Sensors are devices used to measure properties such as
pressure, position, temperature, acceleration etc. and to respond
with feedback. They are basically chips/modules that work by
observing the changes in the physical world and sending feedback
to the microprocessor. The sensors must be provided with a power
supply in order to work.

Classification of Sensors:
Microcontrollers accept two types of sensors based on their input
i.e. analog or digital.

 Analog Sensors measure the external parameters and give an


analog voltage as an output. They produce a continuous output
signal or voltage which is proportional to the quantity being
measured. The output voltage may be from the range of 0 to 5V.
Low logic 0 (0V-3.5V) and High logic (3.5V-5V).
 Digital Sensors act as electronic sensors where data is digitally
converted and transmitted. Digital sensors produce discrete values
(0s and 1s) or ‘binary’ signals.

Difference between Analog sensor and


Digital sensor.

Analog Sensor

• It produces continuous output signal or


voltage which is proportional to quantity to be
measured.
• It produces analog output.
• Quantities such as temperature, speed,
displacement, pressure, strain etc. are analog
quantities as they are continuous in nature.
• Example: Temperature of liquid can be
measured using thermometer or thermocouple
which continuously responds to changes in
temperature as liquid is heated up or cooled
down.

Digital Sensor

• It produces discrete digital output signal or


voltage which is digital representation of
quantity to be measured.
• It produces binary output in the form of ones
(1s) and zeros (0s).
• Digital sensors overcome limitations of
analog sensors counterpart.
• They are used in various applications such as
waste water, water and other industrial
processes.
• Digital sensor consists of sensor itself, cable
and a transmitter.
• Examples: Measurements such as pH level,
conductivity, dissolved oxygen, ammonium,
nitrate etc. are conducted using digital
sensors.
• Refer Analog Signal Processing Vs Digital
Signal Processing >> for more information.

➤The major difference between analog sensor


and digital sensor is based on their respective
output. As mentioned above, analog sensor
produces analog output where as digital
sensor produces digital output.

Choosing your Sensor:


In order to choose the correct sensor, you must know about digital
and analog circuits. Analog circuits use analog components
(resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors) whereas digital circuits
use digital components (logic gates, microcontroller chips). Analog
signals are more affected by external noise and can give an error
in readings; Digital signals are not so affected and are therefore
preferred.

Types of Sensors:
Now that we have discussed the classification of sensors, we will
now give you some of the types of sensors you will find in many
industrial applications.

1: Analog Pressure Sensor:


Analog Pressure sensors measure pressure and convert it into a
standardized electrical measurement signal. The output is an
analog value. Pressure is measured in psi (pounds per square
inch).
2: Digital Pressure Sensor:
Digital sensors work by using ADC (analog-to-digital converter)
which converts the analog input to digital pressure output. Most of
the digital sensors generate i2c based digital signals. Digital
Pressure sensor is used in leak detection in gas pipes and cables,
measuring pressure for an environmental purpose, respiration
analytics, medical devices, drones, inhalers etc.

3: Position Sensor (Analog Hall Effect/Magnetic


Sensor):
This type of sensor works on the magnetic field, by sensing the
magnetic field and giving output voltage. At a positive magnetic
field, the output voltage increases above the null voltage. Position
sensors of such are used in GPS positioning, current sensing,
metal detectors, and magnetic code detectors etc.

4: Weighing Sensors (Load cell):


Load cells are used to measure and process weight. Based on
their application we have many types of load cells. For example,
the Beam Load Cells are suited for normal weight measurement in
industrial sectors (tank weighing, packaging of machinery, vehicle
onboard weight etc.), the Single Point Load Cell is suited for
measurement of low weight systems (waste collection, package
and filling machinery etc.), and the Compression Load Cells are
suited for high weight scaling systems (measuring equipment,
railway weight checkers, pump controlling devices etc.)

5: Temperature Sensor:
Analog temperature sensors work by measuring the temperature
of the current location through resistance in variation. This is
because a change in temperature means a change in the value of
resistance. RTD (Resistance Temperature Detectors) sensors are
more stable, accurate and reliable and also show a wide range of
temperature. They are used to measure air and water temperature,
air conditioning, food processing etc.

6: Wind Speed/Direction Sensor:


Wind Speed/Direction sensors (also called anemometer) use the
ultrasonic technique to calculate wind speed and direction. They
are used in weather stations, oceanographic stations,
meteorological stations, road tunnels etc.

7: Solar Radiation Sensor:


Solar radiation sensors (Global radiation sensors) use a
photovoltaic diode in order to measure solar radiation. It is used in
meteorological stations, irrigation, hydrological and agricultural
applications etc.
8: Humidity Sensors:
Humidity sensors are used to calculate the levels of humidity
(moisture mainly due to water vapors in the air) at a particular
location. It is important in environmental observations, electronics,
and medical diagnosis. It holds important applications such as in
humidity transmitter, refrigerators, air compressors, weather
stations, dew measurement, medical systems etc.

9: Light Sensor:
Light sensors work by converting light energy into an electrical
signal output. They are also known as ‘photoelectric devices’ or
‘photo sensors’. They are used in TVs, cameras, CCTV, display
backlight in mobiles and LCDs etc.
10: Water Level Sensor:
Water level sensors are used to calculate the depth of water in
water bodies such as lakes, rivers, dams etc. They may be either
analog or digital. They are used in monitoring water levels,
groundwater tanks, and in surface water applications.

You might also like