Chapter - Continuous Sensors

V1
resistive
film

V1
Vw

Vw

V2
wiper

V2
schematic

physical

Voltage and Relationship

V1
m ax

w
V out
V out

V2

= V 2 V1 + V1
m ax

Encoders
light
emitters

light
detectors

Shaft rotates

Absolute and Relative Encoders

sensors read across

a single radial line

relative encoder
(quadrature)

absolute encoder

Quadrature
Quad input A
clockwise rotation
Quad Input B

Note the change

as direction
is reversed

Quad input A
counterclockwise rotation
Quad Input B

total displacement can be determined

by adding/subtracting pulse counts
(direction determines add/subtract)

Tachometers

rotating
shaft

pickup
coil

Vout
Vout
t

magnet
1/f

Linear Position

Linear Potentiometers

LVDTs

Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT)

A rod drives
the sliding core

x
V = Kx
where,

AC input

V = outputvoltage
K = constantfordevice
x = coredisplacement
signal out

Moire Fringes
Moving

on
off
on
off

Stationary

Base

Accelerometers
Mounting
Stud

Sealant to prevent moisture

isolated
stud

Force
Sensor

hookup wire

accelerometer
isolated
wafer
surface

Mass

Housing

Strain Gages

L
V
+
I
w

V
L
L
R = = =
I
A
wt

F
F
= = = E
A
wt

F
=
Ewt

L'
L 1 +
R' = =
w 1 t 1
w't'
F

1 +
R = R' R = R 1
1 1

stress
direction

Configurations and Placement

uniaxial

rosette

Piezoelectric Crystals
F

ab
C =
c

d
i = g F
dt

+
q
a

Pressure

pressure
increase

pressure
increase

position sensor

position sensor

pressure

pressure

a) Bourdon Tube

b) Baffle

Flow

differential
pressure
transducer

fluid flow

Thermocouples

measuring
device

+
- V out

Vout = T T r ef
Vout
T = + T re f

Thermocouple Types
80

60

K
J

40

20

0
0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Shielding

A Shield is a metal sheath that

surrounds the wires

Analog Input

Analog voltage source

+
-

IN1
REF1
SHLD

Single and Double Ended Inputs

device +
#1
-

Ain 0

device +
#1
-

Ain 1
device +
#1
-

Ain 2

Ain 0
Ain 0

device +
#1
-

Ain 1

Ain 3

Ain 1

Ain 4

Ain 2

Ain 5

Ain 2

Ain 6

Ain 3

Ain 7

Ain 3

COM
Single ended - with this arrangement the
signal quality can be poorer, but more
inputs are available.

Double ended - with this arrangement the

signal quality can be better, but fewer
inputs are available.