What Do We Understand by a Transducer?
A transducer is an electrical gadget or device that can convert energy from one of its forms into another through the process known as transduction. In most cases and general scenarios, the appliance or instrument can transform a signal from one state into another. The conversion of electrical energy into its mechanical variation is an example of the kind or type of work a transducer can perform.
The most common places where a transducer finds application are the boundaries and margins of control systems, measurements, and automation. The electrical gadget can perform its actions and functions for a few specific conditions and circumstances. Let us choose an example to understand it. A transducer works when a given electrical energy or signal experiences transformation from any form or state of a physical quantity to another. The latter variable or parameter can include force position, motion, light, torque, etc.
What Do We Understand by a Sensor?
A sensor is a unique type of transducer. It receives a signal or a stimulus from a specified physical system and sends a response for it. The device generates and produces a return signal that depicts and represents the data and information of the entire arrangement. Such an approach can get used in different and distinct kinds or sorts of control, statistical, or telemetric systems.
A sensor comes with the ability and capability to detect distinct alterations and changes in its surroundings and environment. After locating the variations, it sends the collected and interpreted material and information to some other form or version of electronics. In general instances, it entails a computer processor. In other cases, manual and human deciphering can also get chosen.
What are the Various Types or Categories of Transducer?
Based on several factors, a transducer can get divided into different types or categories. The first basis of classification can comprise the manner or fashion in which the electrical instrument functions and operates. The kind of work it performs can also get included. In such a case, a transducer can be of the following two varieties or types:
- Mechanical Transducer
A mechanical transducer can change any physical quantity. It can transform it into its mechanical counterpart and form.
- Electrical Transducer
An electrical transducer can change any physical quantity. It can transform it into its electrical counterpart and form.
Besides the mentioned basis of categorization, a transducer can be of two more types. It depends on the style of job that the instrument performs.
- Input Transducer
An input transducer utilizes a specific state or particular form of a physical quantity or variable. It converts it into a readable and interpretable signal. An example that falls under this category includes a microphone. It accepts the produced and created sound waves and works to change them into an electrical form of signal. After that, the parameter or element can get moved or transported to the amplifier. It is feasible with the help of a wire connection system.
- Output Transducer
An output transducer operates in a manner that is the exact opposite of an input transducer. It utilizes the received electrical signals and changes them into some other state or form of energy. An example that falls under this category includes a lamp. It accepts electricity and alters into light energy.
What are the Various Types or Categories of Sensors?
A sensor can be of several types, a few of which entails:
- Position Sensor
A position sensor computes the distance traveled by a body from its reference or starting point. It measures the angular or the linear position. The device does so by comparing the acquired value with a specified location. Furthermore, it can determine the presence and location of an object.
- Strain Gauge
A strain gauge works to compute strain or force. Its resistance changes with the degree of applied force, leading to various electrical outputs. This method helps assess pressure, weight, and tension.
- Flow and Level Switch
A flow and level switch computes liquid or dry substances using a relay, millivolt, or current outputs.
- Vibration Sensor
A vibration sensor computes a machine, system, or equipment’s vibration frequency. The obtained results help to find and determine imbalances and other issues. It also works to correct them.
- Photo Optic Sensor
A photo optic sensor determines the distance and presence of an object. It does so using a photoelectric receiver as well as a light transmitter.
- Humidity Sensor
A humidity sensor computes air humidity conditions at any time and place.
- Force Sensor
A force sensor computes the magnitudes of load, strain, compression, and force.
- Pressure Sensor
A pressure sensor regulates various electrical gadgets and appliances. It also measures a fluid or a gas’ flow and speeds indirectly.
- Fluid Property Sensor
A fluid property sensor checks the dynamic and proportionate relationship between different physical properties. It helps assess the quality, contaminant load, and condition of the fluid.
- Piezo Sensor
A piezo sensor converts a physical variable like acceleration or pressure into an electrical signal. In addition, it can gauge the change in strain, acceleration, and pressure.
- Temperature Sensor
A temperature sensor computes the change in temperature of a gaseous, liquid, or solid matter.
How Does a Sensor Differ From a Transducer?
A sensor is a type of transducer. Nevertheless, each of the electrical instruments has significant points of difference between themselves. A few of their distinctions comprise:
- Nature
A transducer resembles a translator. On the other hand, a sensor is more like a detector.
- Components
A transducer comprises a signal conditioning component and a sensor. A sensor has no additional parts.
- Performance Complexity
The working and operation of a transducer are more complicated than that of a sensor.
- Feedback System
A transducer delivers feedback to a specified system with the help of an output device. It happens after the processing steps end in the signal conditioning component. However, a sensor cannot do so.
- Output Signal Form
A transducer converts the output signal into an electrical form, while a sensor makes no changes.