Transducers

- Classification and selection - Primary Sensing Element

Transducer
A measuring device, to convert noneelectrical variable into electrical variable and vice versa
Non-electrical quantity Sensing Element Sensor Response Transduction Element Electrical Signal

Transducer
Classification: 1. Basic of transduction principle used 2. Active and passive 3. Analog and digital 4. Primary and secondary 5. Common and inverse

Classification
Basic of transduction principle used How the input variable is being converted into capacitance or resistance or inductance values

Classification
Active and Passive No any external excitation to provide the output. Required an external excitation for passive.

Classification
Analog and Digital Producing the output in analog and digital form respectively

Classification
Primary and Secondary Measuring and converting a variable into another variable and whose output forms the input of another transducer. Converting the output of first transducer into an electrical signal.

Classification
Usual and Inverse Measuring and converting an electrical variable into non-electrical variable

Exercise !!!
What is a pressure transducer? A pressure transducer, sometimes called a pressure transmitter, is a transducer that converts pressure into an analog electrical signal. Although there are various types of pressure transducers, one of the most common is the strain-gage base transducer. The conversion of pressure into an electrical signal is achieved by the physical deformation of strain gages which are bonded into the diaphragm of the pressure transducer and wired into a wheatstone bridge configuration. Pressure applied to the pressure transducer produces a deflection of the diaphragm which introduces strain to the gages. The strain will produce an electrical resistance change proportional to the pressure.

Transducer
Selection
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Operating principle Operating range Accuracy Sensitivity Stability and reliability Usage and ruggedness Transient and frequency response Loading effect Electrical parameters

Selection
Operating principle
Basically the transducers are selected based on their operating principle. Examples of operating principles used by the transducers are resistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, inductive, up to electronic principle etc.

Spec

Selection
Operating range
This factor is considered so that the transducer should be able to function within the specified range with good resolution. Every transducer should be provided with some rating within which there will be breakdown in its function

Selection
Accuracy
It is one of the most desired characteristic of any transducer. If the transducer doesn't needs frequent calibration, it must have high degree of accuracy and repeatability. Because errors may occur due to the sensitivity of the transducer to other stimulations Spec

Selection
Sensitivity
It is also a desired characteristic of a transducer. Every transducer should be sufficiently sensitive to provide some output that can be sufficient and detectable Spec

Selection
Stability and reliability
The transducer should have high degree of stability during its function and also storage life. It should also have a high degree of reliability

Selection
Usage and ruggedness
The ruggedness, size and weight of a transducer should be chosen depending on the application in which it is used

Selection
Transient and frequency response
The transducer should have required time domain specifications such as, settling time, rise time, peak over shoot and small dynamic error etc Spec

Selection
Loading effects
The transducers should undergo minimum loading effect so that if can provide accurate measurement. The parameters of a transducer are that, which characterize the loading effect is its input and output impedance. lt is considered in order to get minimum loading effects (Which can be neglected). For minimum loading effect the transducer should have low output impedance and high input impedance

Selection
Electrical parameters
The type and length of cable required, signal to noise ratio in case the transducer is used with amplifiers and frequency response limitations should also be considered

Spec

Selection

Sensing Element

Non-electrical quantity

Sensing Element

Sensor Response

Transduction Element

Electrical Signal

Sensing Element
Capacitive Sensors Consists of two parallel metal plates. There is either air or some others medium between the plates (dielectric). Given, To detect displacement by applying moveable plates Capacitive displacement forms part of measuring pressure, sound or acceleration Also, can detect liquid level if the dielectric is part liquid

Sensing Element
Resistive Sensors - Operating in variation of the resistance. - Temperature measurement using thermistor. - Displacement measurement using piezoresistive sensors

Sensing Element
Magnetic Sensors - Utilize the magnetic phenomena of inductance, reluctance and eddy current. - By moving the T core, current on the coil changed.

Sensing Element
Hall-Effect Sensors - To measure the magnitude of a magnetic field. - V = KIB, where K is known as Hall constant. - The magnitude of the field changes when the device come close to any ferrous metal object as application in proximity sensor.

Sensing Element
Strain Gauges Changing in resistance when stretching and straining. Able to detect very small displacement, 0-50 m. Its consists of a length of metal resistance wire formed into a zigzag pattern and mounted onto a flexible backing sheet. Gauge factor = R/S

Sensing Element
Piezoresistive Sensors - Made from semiconductor material, P-type region has been diffused into a N-type base. - Producing higher gauge factor. - Proper piezoelectric strain gauges also known as semiconductor strain gauges.

Sensing Element
Optical Sensors

- Air path, to measure proximity, translational or rotational motion and gas concentration. - Fiber optic path, 2 major classes intrinsic and extrinsic sensors.

Sensing Element
Ultrasonic Sensors - The most common element is a piezoelectric crystal. - It can operate interchangeably as either a transmitter or a receiver. - The principle operation is an AC voltage generates an ultrasonic wave and vice versa.

Sensing Element
Nuclear Sensors
- The basic operation is quite similar to optical sensor. - Caesium-137 is used commonly as a -ray source, and a sodium iodide device is used commonly as a ray detector. - To measure a level of liquid in storage tanks.

Sensing Element
Microsensors
- In millimeter-sized, two and three-dimensional micromachined structures. - To measure temp, pressure, force, acceleration, humidity, magnetic field, radiation and chemical parameters. - Usually, constructed from a silicon semiconductor material. - Radiation microsensors are made from silicon p-n diodes or avalanche photodiodes.

Conclusion
Most non-electrical parameters can be measured by electronic instruments. The parameters will be detected and then interpreted/converted to voltage or current in forms of analog or digital techniques. Combination of the task are operated using transducers. Sometime, the operating with individual device but others in cooperation.

Thank You, See Again

Spot Test
1. What is transducer? 2. Write the classifications of transducers? 3. What parameters should be considered in selecting a transducer? 4. Write short notes on strain gauge sensor?