shivpratap singh
shivpratap singh
shivpratap singh
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Sensors:
The sensor attains a physical parameter and converts it into a signal suitable
for processing (e.g. electrical, mechanical, optical) the characteristics of any
device or material to detect the presence of a particular physical quantity.
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BLOCK DIAGRAM
Source: Geeksforgeeks
Classifiction of Sensors-
● Passive & Active Sensors
● Analog & Digital Sensors
● Scalar & Vector Sensors
1. Passive Sensor –
Can not independently sense the input. Ex- Accelerometer, soil
moisture, water level and temperature sensors.
2. Active Sensor –
Independently sense the input. Example- Radar, sounder and laser
altimeter sensors.
3. Analog Sensor –
The response or output of the sensor is some continuous function of its
input parameter. Ex- Temperature sensor, LDR, analog pressure sensor
and analog hall effect.
4. Digital sensor –
Response in binary nature. Design to overcome the disadvantages of
analog sensors. Along with the analog sensor, it also comprises extra
electronics for bit conversion. Example – Passive infrared (PIR) sensor
and digital temperature sensor(DS1620).
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5. Scalar sensor –
Detects the input parameter only based on its magnitude. The answer
for the sensor is a function of magnitude of some input parameter. Not
affected by the direction of input parameters.
Example – temperature, gas, strain, colour and smoke sensor.
6. Vector sensor –
The response of the sensor depends on the magnitude of the direction
and orientation of input parameter. Example – Accelerometer,
gyroscope, magnetic field and motion detector sensors.
Types of sensors –
2. Light sensor:
Light sensor is also known as photo sensors and one of the important
sensor.
Light dependent resistor or LDR is a simple light sensor available today.
The property of LDR is that its resistance is inversely proportional to the
intensity of the ambient light i.e when the intensity of light increases, it’s
resistance decreases and vise- versa.
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3. Touch sensor:
Detection of something like a touch of finger or a stylus is known as touch
sensor.
They are classified into two types:
i. Resistive type
ii. Capacitive type
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5. Mechanical sensor:
Any suitable mechanical / electrical switch may be adopted but because a
certain amount of force is required to operate a mechanical switch it is
common to use micro-switches.
6. Pneumatic sensor:
These proximity sensors operate by breaking or disturbing an air flow.
The pneumatic proximity sensor is an example of a contact type sensor.
These cannot be used where light components may be blown away.
7. Optical sensor:
In there simplest form, optical proximity sensors operate by breaking a
light beam which falls onto a light sensitive device such as a photocell.
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These are examples of non contact sensors. Care must be exercised with
the lighting environment of these sensors for example optical sensors can
be blinded by flashes from arc welding processes, airborne dust and
smoke clouds may impede light transmission etc.
8. Speed Sensor:
Sensor used for detecting the speed of any object or vehicle which is in
motion is known as speed sensor .For example – Wind Speed Sensors,
Speedometer ,UDAR ,Ground Speed Radar.
9. Temperature Sensor:
Devices which monitors and tracks the temperature and gives
temperature’s measurement as an electrical signal are termed as
temperature sensors .These electrical signals will be in the form of voltage
and is directly proportional to the temperature measurement .
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PIR stands for passive infrared sensor and it is an electronic sensor that is
used for the tracking and measurement of infrared (IR) light radiating from
objects in its field of view and is also known as Pyroelectric sensor .It is
mainly used for detecting human motion and movement detection.
Application of Sensors on the basis of Industrial Use & Day to day life
Uses:
1. Automotive
2. Manufacturing
Here are some of the manufacturing applications of sensors given below:
3. Aviation
Sensors deployed in the aviation industry measures the data during navigation
of aircraft, monitoring various systems, and controlling instruments. These
data are utilized inefficient flight operations, improve aircraft performance and
design improvements.
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4. Medical & Healthcare
Signals generated by Sensors in Medical equipment, surgical instruments and
devices are used for diagnosis, treatment and control functions by Doctors.
5. Marine
Sensors in ship measures fuel tank levels, liquid cargo levels, tank
pressure/temperature. Pitch, roll, speed and other vessel moments are also
measured and monitored with sensors’ help. There are a lot of sensors in
Engines measuring typical attributes of internal combustion parameters.
Sensors in the food sector used for quality control operations are utilised for
measuring carbohydrates, alcohol, and acids. These devices are also being
employed to monitor fermentation. The use of pathogens in fresh meat,
poultry, or fish is very vital to identify. For air and water quality control, sensors
are successfully utilised. It can be used to collect traces of pesticides from
organophosphates and to monitor wastewater toxicity levels. A kettle utilises
temperature sensors to guarantee the temperature reaches the proper degree
while preparing a cup of coffee. A coffee maker utilises pressure switches to
check the volume of liquid delivered.
Some household appliance applications using sensors are the boiler, washing
machines and dishwashers for heating systems, and other white products.
Many vehicles, including automobiles, trains, buses, etc., employ sensors to
monitor petroleum temperature and pressure, jets and steering systems, and
so many more. Magnetic sensors are used to detect movement by the use of
the magnetic field of the earth. It has several uses, such as portable
navigation, product promotion, indoor and urban navigation, etc.
The primary operation of light sensors is tuning light on the day. In addition to
facilitating human-centric lighting, daylight harvesting, and lighting planning for
energy savings, efficiency, and the environment, it automates lighting
operations in smart buildings. Thermal sensors are required to automate room
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temperature in smart buildings and businesses. The temperature is
continuously inside, regardless of how the temperature swings externally.
These sensors also conserve energy by regulating the temperature with the
climatic environment.
Sensors are used to detect items such as liquids, powders, and granular
solids. Many sectors, including oil, water and drinks processing, and food
production, employ high-level sensors. Trash management systems are typical
because level sensors can monitor waste levels in waste containers or
dumpsters. These sensors measure the presence of fuel or hazardous gases
and detect changes in air quality. Mining, oil and gas, chemical research, and
manufacturing are the industries adopting sensors.
Gas detection and surveillance are always strongly related to the safety of
people in difficult circumstances when the presence of toxic gases is identified.
Sensors can easily monitor and measure the amount of gas frequently to be
greater than usual and ensure the safety of persons operating in and near
dangerous gases. Indoor air quality is another significant business that
employs gas sensor technology to monitor.
Actuators:
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Taking the sensor discussion forward, actuators do the opposite of a
sensor. They convert electrical impulses into physical actions or objects. In
the light example, as the sensor is reading the brightness of the light by
converting it into an electrical signal, an actuator takes action according to
the desired setting. So here, it will decrease or increase the light brightness
according to the set parameters.
We can leverage actuators to control and manage our devices in the IoT
network according to the information sent by the sensors.
Different types of
Actuators
1. Motion
The two primary motions that actuators can produce are linear and rotary.
a. Linear actuators
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Tools that generate movement along a straight line are known as linear
actuators. They typically appear in hydraulic or pneumatic equipment and
might be mechanical or electrical. A linear actuator is usually present in any
device that needs to move in a straight line.
b. Rotary actuators
2. Source of energy
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a. Hydraulic actuators
With the help of a cylinder or fluid motor, hydraulic actuators can provide
mechanical motion, producing linear, rotatory, or oscillatory motion.
A force is applied to the bottom of the piston, which is also inside the
hydraulic cylinder of the actuator, when the fluid enters the lower chamber
of the cylinder.
The sliding piston is moved upward, and the valve is opened by the
pressure, which carries the piston in the opposite direction of the force
produced by the upper chamber's spring.
b. Pneumatic actuators
Air cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, and air actuators are some examples. It
is dependable, has a long working life, and requires little maintenance.
The motion starts and stops very quickly, making the actuator reliable.
Air requires upkeep and is subject to pollution. The pressure loss could
reduce its effectiveness.
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c. Electric actuators
i. Electromechanical actuators:
d. Thermal actuators:
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A non-electric motor known as a thermal actuator produces linear motion in
reaction to temperature variations.
e. Magnetic actuators:
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Application of Actuators on the basis of Industrial Use & Day to
day life Uses:
vii. Regulating the flow of fuel and air into internal combustion engines.
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