Scribd
Upload
4 views

Sensors

This document provides an introduction to sensors, defining them as devices that convert real-world properties into data for computers. It discusses various types of sensors, their applications in monitoring and control systems, and outlines their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it highlights examples of sensors in use, such as in burglar alarm systems and street lighting, and mentions the role of actuators in control applications.

Uploaded by

Bavanth B
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

Sensors

This document provides an introduction to sensors, defining them as devices that convert real-world properties into data for computers. It discusses various types of sensors, their applications in monitoring and control systems, and outlines their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it highlights examples of sensors in use, such as in burglar alarm systems and street lighting, and mentions the role of actuators in control applications.

Uploaded by

Bavanth B
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 15

SENSORS

An Introduction
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this lesson, you will be able
to:

• define the term “SENSOR”;

• understand the “different types of sensors” and what uses


they perform;

• discuss advantages and disadvantages of sensors;


Introduction
• A normal PC has no way of knowing what is happening in
the real world around it. It doesn’t know if it is light or dark,
hot or cold, quiet or noisy. How do we know what is
happening around us? We use our eyes, our ears, our
mouth, our nose and our skin - our senses.

• A normal PC has no senses, but we can give it some: We


can connect sensors to it...

• A sensor is a device that converts a real-world property


(e.g. temperature) into data that a computer can process.
Sensors
• A sensor measures a specific property data and sends a
signal to the computer. Usually this is an analogue signal,
so it needs to be converted into digital data for the
computer to process. This is done using by an Analogue-
to-Digital Converter (ADC).

• Sensors are used extensively in monitoring / measuring /


data logging systems, and also in computer control
systems.
Definition - Sensors
• A device which automatically inputs data into a computer
system, where the data is constantly changing and can be
measured.

• Temperature Sensor Pressure Sensor Infrared Sensor


Sensors - Overview
Sensors send signals to a
microprocessor / computer

The signals are converted


into digital (if required)using
an ADC

The computer /
microprocessor analyses the
data received by checking it
against stored values.

Monitoring System If the received data is outside Controlling System


the acceptable range…

a warning message is sent The microprocessor /


to a screen or an alarm is computer sends signals to
activated. control valves, motors, etc.,
ACTUATOR
• an ACTUATOR is used in these control applications.
Although these are technically output devices, they are
mentioned here since they are an integral part of the
control system.
• An actuator is an electromechanical device such as a relay,
solenoid or motor. Note that a solenoid is an example of a
digital actuator; part of the device is connected to a
computer which opens and closes a circuit as required.
When energised, the solenoid may operate a plunger or
armature to control, for example, a fuel injection system.
• Other actuators, such as motors and valves, may require a
DAC so that they receive an electric current rather than a
simple digital signal direct from the computer.
Examples of Monitoring and Controlling Systems

• Examples of monitoring include:


• monitoring a patient in a hospital for vital signs such as heart rate,
temperature, etc.
• monitoring of intruders in a burglar alarm system
• checking the temperature levels in a car engine
• monitoring pollution levels in a river.

• Examples of control include:


• turning street lights on at night and turning them off again during
daylight
• regulating the temperature in a central heating/air conditioning system
• changing the traffic lights at a road junction
• operating anti-lock brakes on a car when necessary
• regulating the environment in a greenhouse.
Burglar Alarm System

An infra –red sensors


senses movement of
an intruder.

A sound sensors This data is put through This data is then sent to
senses footsteps or an ADC a computer /
breaking glass. microprocessor.

An pressure sensors
senses weight of an
intruder.

If the data is out of range, the


microprocessor/computer will send The data is compared
signals through a DAC to sound an alarm with stored values.
or flash lights.
Street Lighting System

A light sensor on a lamp


sends data to a
microprocessor through
an ADC.

The microprocessor
Data < stored Value check this data against Data >= stored Value
a stored value.

A signal is sent to the lamp A number of A signal is sent to the lamp


through a DAC to turn it on. minutes pass through a DAC to turn it off.
before another
reading.
Common Sensors & Applications
Sensors Application
temperature • Control a central heating system
• Control/monitor a chemical process
• Control/monitor the temperature in a greenhouse

moisture/humidity • control/monitor the moisture levels in soil in a


• greenhouse
• control/monitor the humidity levels in the air in a
• greenhouse
• monitor dampness levels in an industrial application
• (e.g., monitor moisture in a paint spray booth in a car
• factory)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
Reading taken using sensors are more Faulty sensors can give incorrect
accurate than those taken by a results.
human.
Sensors can monitor information
constantly.
Sensors can respond to information
immediately.
No need for humans to operate .
• Autonomous vehicles are being tested on some of the world’s
roads. These vehicles can travel in convoys with each vehicle
following the one in front with a set distance between them. The
whole operation is computer controlled. If the vehicle in front slows
down, then the following vehicle also slows down to maintain the
distance between them. A proximity sensor is used to detect how
close the vehicle is to the vehicle in front.
• Describe how the microprocessor would maintain the set distance
between the vehicles. [6]
•

You might also like