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Sensors and Actuators

Sensors and actuators are essential components in automation and IoT, with sensors detecting physical properties and converting them into electrical signals, while actuators convert these signals into mechanical motion. Various types of sensors include temperature, pressure, and motion sensors, whereas actuators can be electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic. Their applications span across industries such as healthcare, automotive, and home automation.

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22 views8 pages

Sensors and Actuators

Sensors and actuators are essential components in automation and IoT, with sensors detecting physical properties and converting them into electrical signals, while actuators convert these signals into mechanical motion. Various types of sensors include temperature, pressure, and motion sensors, whereas actuators can be electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic. Their applications span across industries such as healthcare, automotive, and home automation.

Uploaded by

nishiijardar6
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Notes Of Fundamental of IOT

Unit - 2 Sensors and Actuators

Sensors and Actuators: A Detailed Explanation


1. Introduction

Sensors and actuators are fundamental components in automation, robotics, IoT


(Internet of Things), and embedded systems. They play a crucial role in detecting
environmental changes and converting them into meaningful outputs.

2. Sensors
1

Definition:

A sensor is a device that detects and measures a physical property (such as


temperature, pressure, motion, or light) and converts it into an electrical signal.
Types of Sensors:

1.​ Temperature Sensors – Measure temperature (e.g., thermocouples, thermistors).


2.​ Pressure Sensors – Detect pressure variations (e.g., barometers, piezoelectric
sensors).
3.​ Proximity Sensors – Detect object presence (e.g., infrared sensors, ultrasonic
sensors).
4.​ Motion Sensors – Detect movement (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes).
5.​ Light Sensors – Detect intensity of light (e.g., photodiodes, LDR).
6.​ Gas Sensors – Detect gases in the environment (e.g., CO₂ sensors, smoke
detectors).
7.​ Humidity Sensors – Measure moisture content (e.g., capacitive and resistive
humidity sensors).
8.​ Touch Sensors – Detect touch or pressure (e.g., capacitive touch screens).
Working Principle of Sensors:

1.​ The sensor detects a physical parameter (e.g., temperature, pressure).


2.​ Converts it into an electrical signal.
3.​ Sends the signal to a microcontroller or processor for processing.

3. Actuators
Definition:

An actuator is a device that receives an electrical signal and converts it into


mechanical motion or physical action.
Types of Actuators:
2

1.​ Electric Actuators – Operate using electrical energy (e.g., solenoids, stepper
motors, servos).
2.​ Hydraulic Actuators – Use pressurized liquid to create movement (e.g.,
hydraulic cylinders).
3.​ Pneumatic Actuators – Use compressed air for motion (e.g., pneumatic
pistons).
4.​ Thermal Actuators – Work using temperature changes (e.g., bimetallic strips).
5.​ Magnetic Actuators – Use magnetic fields (e.g., electromagnetic relays).
Working Principle of Actuators:

1.​ Receives a control signal (electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic).


2.​ Converts this signal into physical movement.
3.​ Moves a mechanical component (e.g., a motor turning a wheel).

4. Differences Between Sensors and Actuators

Feature Sensors Actuators

Functio Detects physical changes Produces mechanical movement


n

Input Physical property (e.g., temperature, Electrical signal


light)

Output Electrical signal Mechanical motion

Example Thermocouple, LDR, Ultrasonic Servo motor, Hydraulic piston,


s sensor Solenoid
3

5. Applications of Sensors and Actuators

●​ Industrial Automation: Used in manufacturing for process control.


●​ Automobiles: Sensors (speed, temperature) and actuators (fuel injectors,
brakes).
●​ Healthcare: Medical devices (heart rate monitors, insulin pumps).
●​ Robotics: Robots use sensors for perception and actuators for movement.
●​ Home Automation: Smart systems (motion sensors, automatic doors).

Exam Notes & Key Points


Definition-Based Questions:

●​ Define sensors and actuators.


●​ Explain the working principle of sensors and actuators.
Short Notes & Differences:

●​ Types of sensors and actuators with examples.


●​ Difference between sensors and actuators.
Application-Based Questions:

●​ How are sensors used in automation and robotics?


●​ Discuss the role of actuators in smart homes.
Diagram-Based Questions:

●​ Draw and explain the working of a temperature sensor.


●​ Show the integration of sensors and actuators in an IoT system.
4

Second Notes Of
Sensors and Actuators
Sensors and Actuators – Detailed Explanation

1. Introduction​
Sensors and actuators are key components of any automated system, helping
machines and devices interact with their environment.
●​ Sensors detect physical changes and convert them into electrical signals.
●​ Actuators take electrical signals and convert them into mechanical movement
or action.
They are widely used in robotics, automation, IoT, industrial control systems, and
more.

2. Sensors
A sensor is a device that detects and measures physical properties such as
temperature, pressure, motion, light, sound, and chemical composition. It converts
these physical changes into electrical signals for processing.
Types of Sensors

1.​ Temperature Sensors – Measure temperature changes.


○​ Examples: Thermocouples, RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors),
Thermistors.
2.​ Pressure Sensors – Detect pressure variations.
5

○​ Examples: Piezoelectric sensors, Strain gauge sensors.


3.​ Proximity Sensors – Detect objects without physical contact.
○​ Examples: Infrared (IR) sensors, Ultrasonic sensors, Inductive sensors.
4.​ Light Sensors – Detect light intensity.
○​ Examples: Photodiodes, LDRs (Light Dependent Resistors).
5.​ Motion and Position Sensors – Measure movement or position.
○​ Examples: Accelerometers, Gyroscopes, Encoders.
6.​ Gas and Chemical Sensors – Detect the presence of gases or chemicals.
○​ Examples: MQ series gas sensors, pH sensors.
7.​ Humidity Sensors – Measure moisture in the air.
○​ Example: Hygrometers, Capacitive humidity sensors.

3. Actuators
An actuator is a device that converts electrical signals into physical movement. It is
used to control mechanisms like motors, valves, and switches.
Types of Actuators

1.​ Electrical Actuators – Convert electrical energy into motion.


○​ Examples: DC motors, Stepper motors, Servo motors, Solenoids.
2.​ Pneumatic Actuators – Use compressed air to create motion.
○​ Examples: Pneumatic cylinders, Air-driven motors.
3.​ Hydraulic Actuators – Use fluid pressure to generate movement.
○​ Examples: Hydraulic cylinders, Hydraulic motors.
4.​ Thermal Actuators – Use heat energy for motion.
○​ Example: Shape memory alloys, Bimetallic strips.
5.​ Magnetic Actuators – Use magnetic fields to produce movement.
○​ Example: Magnetic relays, Electromagnetic brakes.
6

4. Difference Between Sensors and Actuators

Feature Sensors Actuators

Function Detects physical changes Produces physical motion

Input Physical parameters (temperature, Electrical signals


pressure, etc.)

Output Electrical signals Mechanical movement

Example Temperature sensor, Proximity sensor DC motor, Hydraulic


s cylinder

5. Applications of Sensors and Actuators


●​ Home Automation: Smart thermostats, motion detectors, light sensors.
●​ Automobile Industry: Parking sensors, airbags, electric power steering.
●​ Medical Devices: Heart rate monitors, prosthetic limb actuators.
●​ Industrial Automation: Conveyor belt systems, robotic arms.
●​ Internet of Things (IoT): Smart devices like automated lights and appliances.

6. Exam Notes & Key Points


Definition-Based Questions

●​ Define sensors and actuators.


7

●​ Difference between sensors and actuators.


Concept-Based Questions

●​ Explain how a temperature sensor works.


●​ Working principle of an actuator with an example.
Application-Based Questions

●​ List applications of sensors and actuators in real life.


●​ Why are sensors important in automation?
Important Keywords to Remember

●​ Transducer
●​ Signal Processing
●​ Feedback Mechanism
●​ Smart Sensors
●​ MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems)

Summary for Quick Revision

1.​ Sensors detect physical parameters and convert them into electrical signals.
2.​ Actuators take electrical signals and convert them into motion or action.
3.​ Types of Sensors: Temperature, Pressure, Light, Motion, Gas, etc.
4.​ Types of Actuators: Electrical, Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Thermal, Magnetic.
5.​ Used in automation, robotics, healthcare, IoT, and industrial control
systems.

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