A Non-Technical Guide to Categories and Applications of Sensors

 

Sensors have been instrumental in technological advancements for many decades now, and many conventional devices consist of sensors as a vital part of automation. In many ways, sensors help make life more comfortable, and most people are not aware of the importance of sensors in their daily lives. Take for example the opening and closing of elevators doors, the auto-rotate function of mobile phones, and the automatic function of street lights. All of these seemingly mundane items have sensors that are integral to how they work.

To understand what a sensor is, you’ll need to begin by identifying different sensor categories and their working principles. Sensors vary in sizes and measure various parameters. You’ll also distinguish them by the technology used by sensor manufacturers such as http://www.positek.com. Some manufacturers produce sensors using a non-contact or inductive technology, while others produce traditional sensors used for less rugged applications.

Identifying sensors according to application

Sensors measure different environmental parameters that impact an object or device. Whether used for controlling processes or as a safety feature, below are different sensors categories and their specific applications:

  • Speed sensors. A car’s speedometer is a type of speed sensor used to detect how fast an object is moving. Other examples of speed sensors include Doppler radar and airspeed indicators. In industrial settings, a speed sensor helps in building a system that synchronises the speed of multiple machines.
  • Temperature sensors. A temperature sensor is a device which produces a corresponding electrical signal to temperature. Similar to speed sensors, temperature sensors are also widely used in industrial applications. Controlling temperature is a vital function necessary for automation, quality control, and process safety.
  • PIR sensors. A PIR sensor measures and detects infrared light within its field of view. These sensors detect the heat emitted by an object and use it to produce a specific output. The most common example of a PIR sensor is an electronic elevator door.
  • Position sensors. Position sensors are a broad range of devices which are used to detect the movement or displacement of an object. The most popular type of position sensor is a linear sensor. Other examples include inclinometers and tilt sensors. Position sensors play a vital role in many industrial machines, even automobiles.

Although sensors are standard in everyday electronic devices, there are modern applications of sensors that are giving way to a promising future. Modern robotics would not be possible without sensors, and many studies are being conducted to harness the possibility of using robotics to improve human lives.

Undoubtedly, sensors will continue to shape technology as we know it today. Industrial machines used in food production, transportation, medical research, and pharmaceuticals significantly benefit from advanced forms of sensors with enhanced features and capabilities. Engineers are also experimenting with using different materials which make sensors more robust and durable while improving functionality. Today, sensors are used in some of the most rugged conditions to explore underwater ecosystems which can yield discoveries that will fuel the modern world in the years to come.

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