Introduction to

Sensors
Sensors are electronic devices that detect and respond to changes
in their environment. They convert physical quantities into
electrical signals, providing us with information about the world
around us.
by Lalith Vaduguru
Definition and Importance
of Sensors
Sensors act as the eyes and ears of our technological world. They are vital for a
wide range of applications, from simple tasks like turning on lights to complex
operations in healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.

1 2
Environmental Monitoring Medical Diagnosis
Sensors are crucial for monitoring Sensors are used in medical
air quality, water purity, and devices for monitoring vital signs
climate change, helping us like heart rate, blood pressure,
understand and address and body temperature, enabling
environmental challenges. accurate diagnosis and treatment.

3 Industrial Automation
Sensors are indispensable in factories and manufacturing plants for
controlling machines, optimizing production processes, and ensuring safety.
Classification of Sensors
Sensors can be classified based on the physical quantity they measure, the sensing principle, and the output signal
they generate. Common sensor categories include resistive, capacitive, inductive, and piezoelectric sensors.

Resistive Sensors Capacitive Sensors Inductive Sensors

These sensors change their Capacitive sensors measure Inductive sensors measure
electrical resistance based on the changes in capacitance, which is changes in inductance, which is
physical quantity being measured, the ability of a device to store the property of a coil to resist
such as temperature, pressure, or electrical charge. They are used in changes in current flow. They are
strain. applications like proximity sensing used in applications like metal
and level detection. detection and position sensing.
Resistive Sensors
Resistive sensors work by changing their electrical resistance based on
the physical quantity being measured. Examples include thermistors for
measuring temperature, strain gauges for measuring strain, and
potentiometers for measuring position.

Sensor Type Sensing Principle Applications

Thermistor Change in Temperature

resistance with monitoring, climate
temperature control

Strain Gauge Change in Structural

resistance with monitoring, load
strain measurement

Potentiometer Change in Position control,

resistance with volume control
position
Capacitive Sensors
Capacitive sensors measure changes in capacitance, which is the ability of a
device to store electrical charge. This change in capacitance is often due to a
change in the distance between two conductive plates or a change in the
dielectric material between them.

Proximity Sensing
Detecting the presence of an object without physical contact.

Level Detection
Measuring the level of liquids or solids in tanks or containers.

Position Sensing
Determining the position or displacement of a moving object.
Inductive Sensors
Inductive sensors work by measuring changes in inductance, which is the property of a
coil to resist changes in current flow. The inductance of a coil is affected by the
presence of nearby conductive materials, making them ideal for metal detection and
position sensing.

Metal Detection
Identifying the presence of metallic objects.

Position Sensing
Determining the position or displacement of a moving object.

Proximity Sensing
Detecting the presence of a metal object without physical contact.
Piezoelectric Sensors
Piezoelectric sensors work by converting mechanical stress into electrical
signals. They are made from materials that generate an electrical charge when
subjected to pressure or force. This principle is commonly used in applications
like pressure sensing, force measurement, and acceleration detection.

1 Pressure Sensing
Measuring pressure in various applications, from medical devices
to industrial machinery.

2 Force Measurement
Determining the force applied to an object, such as in weighing
scales and robotic grippers.

3 Acceleration Detection
Detecting changes in acceleration, commonly used in car safety
systems and motion detection.
Applications of Sensors
Sensors play a critical role in a vast array of industries and applications, driving
innovation and improving our lives in countless ways. They enable us to monitor,
control, and understand our surroundings, paving the way for a more connected
and intelligent future.

Healthcare Automotive
Sensors are used in medical Sensors are essential in modern
devices for monitoring vital signs, cars for safety systems, driver
providing early diagnosis, and assistance features, and engine
improving patient care. control.

Manufacturing Environmental Monitoring

Sensors play a critical role in Sensors are used to monitor air
industrial automation, process quality, water purity, and climate
control, and quality assurance. change, providing valuable insights
into environmental challenges.