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Sensor

The document provides an overview of various types of sensors, detectors, and transducers, including their functions, specifications, and applications. It covers categories such as vision and imaging sensors, temperature sensors, radiation sensors, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, position sensors, photoelectric sensors, particle sensors, motion sensors, metal sensors, level sensors, leak sensors, and humidity sensors. Each type is described with key specifications and potential uses in different industries.

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Narendra Pattanayak
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© © All Rights Reserved
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2 views

Sensor

The document provides an overview of various types of sensors, detectors, and transducers, including their functions, specifications, and applications. It covers categories such as vision and imaging sensors, temperature sensors, radiation sensors, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, position sensors, photoelectric sensors, particle sensors, motion sensors, metal sensors, level sensors, leak sensors, and humidity sensors. Each type is described with key specifications and potential uses in different industries.

Uploaded by

Narendra Pattanayak
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sensor/Detectors/Transducers are electrical, opto-electrical, or electronic devices

composed of specialty electronics or otherwise sensitive materials, for


determining if there is a presence of a particular entity or function. Many types of
sensors, detectors, and transducers are available including those for detecting a
physical presence such as flame, metals, leaks, levels, or gas and chemicals,
among others. Some are designed to sense physical properties such as
temperature, pressure, or radiation, while others can detect motion or proximity.

Vision and Imaging Sensors

Vision and Imaging Sensors/Detectors are electronic devices that detect the presence
of objects or colors within their fields of view and convert this information into a visual
image for display. Key specifications include sensor type and intended application,
along with any particular transducer features. More information on vision and imaging
sensors may be found in our related guide All About Vision and Imaging Sensors.

Temperature Sensors

Temperature Sensors/Detectors/Transducers are electronic devices that detect thermal


parameters and provide signals to the inputs of control and display devices. A
temperature sensor typically relies on an RTD or thermistor to measure temperature
and convert it to an output voltage. Key specifications include sensor/detector type,
maximum and minimum measurable temperatures, as well as the dimensions of
diameter and length. Temperature sensors are used to measure the thermal
characteristics of gases, liquids, and solids in many process industries and are
configured for both general- and special-purpose uses. More information about
temperature sensors may be found in our related guide All About Temperature Sensors.

Radiation Sensors

Radiation Sensors/Detectors are electronic devices that sense the presence of alpha,
beta, or gamma particles and provide signals to counters and display devices. Key
specifications include sensor type and minimum and maximum detectable energies.
Radiation detectors are used for surveys and sample counting. More information about
radiation sensors may be found in our related guide All About Radiation Detectors.

Proximity Sensors

Proximity Sensors are electronic devices used to detect the presence of nearby objects
through non-contacting means. A proximity sensor can detect the presence of objects
usually within a range of up to several millimeters, and, doing so, produce a usually dc
output signal to a controller. Proximity sensors are used in countless manufacturing
operations to detect the presence of parts and machine components. Key specifications
include sensor type, maximum sensing distance, minimum & maximum operating
temperatures, along with dimensions of diameter and length. Proximity sensors are
generally short-range devices but are available too in designs that can detect objects up
to several inches away. One commonly used type of proximity sensor is known as a
capacitive proximity sensor. This device uses the change in capacitance resulting from
a reduction in the separation distance between the plates of a capacitor, one plate of
which is attached to the object being observed, as a means of determining motion and
position of the object from the sensor. More information on proximity sensors may be
found in our related guides All About Proximity Sensors and Capacitive Proximity
Sensors.

Pressure Sensors

Pressure Sensors/Detectors/Transducers are electro-mechanical devices that detect


forces per unit area in gases or liquids and provide signals to the inputs of control and
display devices. A pressure sensor/transducer typically uses a diaphragm and strain
gage bridge to detect and measure the force exerted against a unit area. Key
specifications include sensor function, minimum and maximum working pressures, full-
scale accuracy, along with any features particular to the device. Pressure sensors are
used wherever information about the pressure of a gas or liquid is needed for control or
measurement. More information on pressure sensors may be found in our related
guide Common Types of Pressure Sensors.

Position Sensors

Position Sensors/Detectors/Transducers are electronic devices used to sense the


positions of valves, doors, throttles, etc. and supply signals to the inputs of control or
display devices. Key specifications include sensor type, sensor function, measurement
range, and features that are specific to the sensor type. Position sensors are used
wherever positional information is needed in a myriad of control applications. A common
position transducer is a so-called string-pot, or string potentiometer. More information
about position sensors may be found in our related guide All About Position Sensors.
See also proximity sensors.

Photoelectric Sensors

Photoelectric sensors are electrical devices that sense objects passing within their field
of detection, although they are also capable of detecting color, cleanliness, and location
if needed. These sensors rely on measuring changes in the light they emit using an
emitter and a receiver. They are common in manufacturing and material handling
automation for purposes such as counting, robotic picking, and automatic doors and
gates.

Learn more in our related article on Photoelectric Sensors.


Particle Sensors

Particle Sensors/Detectors are electronic devices used to sense dust and other airborne
particulates and supply signals to the inputs of control or display devices. Particle
sensors are common in bin and baghouse monitoring. Key specifications include
transducer type, minimum detectable particle size, operating temperature range, sample
volume, and response time. Particle detectors used in nuclear engineering are referred
to as radiation detectors (see above). More information about particle sensors may be
found in our related guide All About Particle Sensors. See also proximity sensors.

Motion Sensors

Motion Sensors/Detectors/Transducers are electronic devices that can sense the


movement or stoppage of parts, people, etc. and supply signals to the inputs of control
or display devices. Typical applications of motion detection are detecting the stalling of
conveyors or the seizing of bearings. Key specifications include the intended
application, sensor type, sensor function, and minimum and maximum speeds. More
information about motion sensors may be found in our related guide All About Motion
Sensors. See also proximity sensors.

Metal Sensors

Metal Detectors are electronic or electro-mechanical devices used to sense the


presence of metal in a variety of situations ranging from packages to people. Metal
detectors can be permanent or portable and rely on a number of sensor technologies
with electromagnetics being popular. Key specifications include the intended
application, maximum sensing distance, and certain feature choices like handheld and
fixed systems. Metal detectors can be tailored to explicitly detect metal in specific
manufacturing operations such as sawmilling or injection molding. More information
about metal sensors/detectors may be found in our related guide All About Metal
Sensors and Detectors.

Level Sensors

Level Sensors/Detectors are electronic or electro-mechanical devices used for


determining the height of gases, liquids, or solids in tanks or bins and providing signals
to the inputs of control or display devices. Typical level sensors use ultrasonic,
capacitance, vibratory, or mechanical means to determine product height. Key
specifications include sensor type, sensor function, and maximum sensing distance.
Level sensors/detectors can be of the contacting or non-contacting type. More
information about level sensors may be found in our related guide All About Level
Sensors.

Leak Sensors
Leak Sensors/Detectors are electronic devices used for identifying or monitoring the
unwanted discharge of liquids or gases. Some leak detectors rely on ultrasonic means
to detect air leaks, for example. Other leak detectors rely on simple foaming agents to
measure the soundness of pipe joints. Still, other leak detectors are used to measure
the effectiveness of the seals in vacuum packages. More information about leak
sensors may be found in our related guide All About Leak Sensors.

Humidity Sensors

Humidity Sensors/Detectors/Transducers are electronic devices that measure the


amount of water in the air and convert these measurements into signals that can be
used as inputs to control or display devices. Key specifications include maximum
response time and minimum and maximum operating temperatures. More information
about humidity sensors may be found in our related guide All About Humidity Sensors.

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