Section 2 - Sensors

Definition:
A sensor simply measures the amount of something such as movement, heat, light and noise

KEY POINT: Sensors are used to provide input and input is a hardware device

Task 1
Each of the pictures below shows a different type of sensor. Work out what type of sensor each one is and what system its part of.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

A
A
A
A
A

proximity Sensor, being used in an automatic System

motion Sensor, being used in a System
infer red Sensor, being used in a light switch System
temperature Sensor, being used in an air con System
optical Sensor, being used in a finger print System

Task 2

Analogue data is the real world number sequences such as 0.22315 to measure the room temperature it also
changes in small increments (smooth).
ADC is important because sensors produce analogue data computers only understand digital.
Digital data is binary code it is number sequences made up of only 0 and 1 computers are the only thing that
understand digital.

Task 3

A heating system uses a sensor to decide when the radiators should be turned on and off.
The controls are set to maintain a room temperature of 22 Degrees C
When the system turns on, the water must flow round and be constantly warmed.
Sensors

Output Devices

Pressure

Light

Motor

Heater

Moisture

Infra-Red

Pump

Buzzer

Temperature

Light

1. What Sensor(s) would be needed in this system? Explain their use

Temperature is needed because it monitors/maintains the temperature of 22 degrees C

2. What output devices would be needed in this system? Explain their use
Heater to maintain the temperature of the room and a pump to pump the water around the room

3. Fill in the PROCESSES (rules) below that this system would need to follow

Example: If the speed is greater than 70 then turn the motor OFF.

Rule 1: If the temperature is greater than 22 then turn the heater of

Rule 2: If the temperature is less than 22 then turn the heater on

Sensors Exam questions

To answer this question, you will need to think about the rules you created in the final lesson task