Sensors and Transducers

DEFINITIONS
• Sensor : A device that responds to a physical
stimulus.
• Transducer: A device or mechanism that
converts power of one form into power of
another form.
• Actuator: A device or mechanism capable of
performing a physical action or effect.
 CLASSIFICATION OF
SENSORS/Transducers
• active and passive sensors
• analog and digital sensors
• contact and noncontact sensors,
An active sensor is a sensor that requires an
external power source. (strain gage,
thermistor,...)
Passive sensors are sensors that do not require
external power sources. They are called self-
generating sensors. ( thermocouples,…)
 CLASSIFICATION OF
SENSORS/Transducers
Analog sensors are those which produce an analog
(continuous) signal based on what they
sense. Digital sensors are those which produce a
digital signal in response to what they measure at
the input.

Contact sensors rely on physical contact with an

object (example: thermistor, thermocouples, strain
gage….) ; whereas Non-contact sensors do not
require physical contact with an object ( Infrared
thermometer, proximity sensors …)
Classifications of sensors
Classifications of Actuators
 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
INTERFACING
• Sensors and actuators almost never operate
by themselves.
• They are more often parts of more complex
systems and function within these larger
systems.
• Therefore, most sensors and actuators need to
be interfaced with the system in which they
operate.