Sensors

Sensors are a very common component to many electronic devices. In simple terms, sensors are a type of transducers. You may find direct-indicating sensors, such as a mercury thermometer which can be read by the human eye. Other sensors must be paired with an indicator or display in order to be read. An example of this might be a thermocouple. Most sensors are electrical or electronic in nature, although other types do exist.

Sensors are used in many everyday applications such as automobiles, home appliances for heating and cooling, washing machines, aerospace, medicine, industry and robotics.

In addition to having many uses today, sensors are currently being made that are microscopic in size. Many of these micro-sized sensors are used in computer technology. The process that is being used to do this remarkable work is known as MEMS technology.

In most cases a micro-sensor reaches a significantly higher speed and sensitivity compared with macro-scopic approaches. This allows these particular sensors to work at a much higher rate which is essential to advanced computing. They are also being considered for use in many other applications such as aerospace and health.

Anyone interested in industrial or computing electronics would do well to begin a study of sensors. One reason an early study is called for is that there are many different types of sensors and they do not all work the same way. It is true that they all are based on the same premise that a sensor is a transducer, but the mechanical approaches to how they actually go about doing what they do can vary a lot. The only way to have a good working knowledge of the various types of sensors is to begin studying each type.

Some examples of the types of sensors that are currently being used in many applications might include thermocouples and photo sensors.

Thermo sensor work when heat is applied. These types are often found in hot water heaters or in heating and cooling units, to name a few. In contrast, photoelectric sensors work when light is applied to them. They are usually ignorant of any heat issues, yet they do basically the same work that a thermo sensor will do. In other words, when the sensor is affected by its source, it will open or shut a certain type of device. Open and shut can also be read as On and Off, or IN and OUT.