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Chapter 3
Transducers

What is a transducer?
A transducer is an electronic device that converts
energy from one form to another. The process of
converting energy from one form to another is known
as transduction.

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Sensing Element
Sensing element is also known as Detecting Element of transducer. It is a part of
transducer which responds to a physical phenomenon or change in physical
phenomena. The response of sensing element must be closely related to the physical
phenomena to have accurate measurement.
A sensing element is the first in the process of conversion of one form of energy
into other, it is also known as primary transducer.

Transduction Element
A transducer, combination of detecting and transduction element, has to change
one form of energy into other. The sensing element responds to the physical change and
generates its output. This output may be in the form of displacement, angular
displacement, strain etc. The output of the sensing element is then linked to the
transduction element. This element is so designed to act upon the response of sensing
element and generate a proportional output in the form of electrical signal.

Why do we need transducer?

To determine the exact magnitude of physical forces
such as temperature and pressure is difficult. But, if these
physical forces are converted into an electrical signal,
then their values can be easily determined using a meter.
The primary function of transducers is to convert a
physical force into an electrical signal so that it can be
easily handled and transmitted for measurement

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Advantages of converting
physical quantity into an electrical
signal
• Electrical signals are easily transmitted and processed
for measurement.
• Electrical signals process less friction error.
• Small power is needed to control the electrical systems.
• Amplification and attenuation of electrical signals are
easy.
• The measuring instrument used for measuring the
electrical signal is very compact and accurate.

Basic Requirements of a
Transducer
1. Range- the transducer must be operable over the minimum and maximum
values of the parameters to be measured
2. Accuracy- It is the conformity of an indicated value to an accepted value a
transducer should be accurate.
3. Repeatability- the closeness of the output value among a number of
consecutive measurements for the same value of the input.
4. Sensitivity- the ratio of change in output to the change in input should be
high enough for the transducer for better resolution of the system.
5. Environmental effects- the influence of temperature, acceleration, shock,
vibration, corrosion should not affect the performance of a transducer
6. Noise- The O/P signal from the transducer should be affected by noise.
7. Loading Effect- it is determined by the mass exterior size, geometric
configuration of the transducer.

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Basic Requirements of a
Transducer
8. Output Impedance- It should be matched with the rest of the devices in
the measuring system.
9. Power Requirements – proper voltage should be applied for externally
excited transducers.
10. Frequency Response- the transducer must have an accurate response to
the minimum and maximum rate of change of the system.
11. Linearity- the input and output characteristics of the transducer should be
linear.
12. Ruggedness- the transducer should be rugged enough to withstand
overloads
13. High Output signal quality- the quality of the output signal should be
good enough.
14. High Reliability and Stability- It should give minimum error in
measurement for temperature variations, vibrations and other changes in
surroundings.
15. Good Dynamic Response.