UNIT 1-MODULE 1
What is sensor?
Sensor is a measurement device that produces a signal in response to its detecting the physical variable of interest, for example temperature, force, pressure, position, speed, acceleration and vibration. Eg thermometer Still, in measurement system, one will also encounter the term transducer. Transducer converts the previously mentioned physical variable into another form by quantifying the variable into a signal that can be interpreted as the value of the measured variable. Some of signal conditioning devices are also classified as transducer. However, in some cases, sensor and transducer can be the same device.
Block Diagram of the Instrumentation System
TRANSDUCERS
Its a device which convert one form of energy to another form Non electrical quantity is converted into an electrical form by a transducer. Another name is pick up
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Advantage of Electrical Transducers
Electrical amplification and attenuation can be done easily. Mass inertia effects are minimized. The effect of friction is minimized. The electrical or electronic systems can be controlled with a very small power level.
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Conti..
The electrical output can be easily used , transmitted and processed for the purpose of measurement. Telemetry (aerospace remote indication / recording) Miniaturization on account of use of ICs.
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Two parts/element of transducer
Sensing or detector element. A detector or a sensing element is that part of a transducer which responds to a physical phenomenon or a change in a physical phenomenon. Transduction element. A transduction element transforms the output of a sensing element to an electrical output. The transduction element in a way acts as a secondary transducer. 7
Classification of Transducers
On the basis of transduction form used. As primary and secondary transducers As passive and active transducer. As analog and digital transducer. As transducers and inverse transducers.
Classification based upon principle of transduction
Resistive Inductive Capacitive etc Depending upon how they convert the input quantity into resistance, inductance or capacitance respectively. Eg piezoelectric, thermoelectric, magneto restrictive, electro kinetic and optical
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Primary and Secondary Transducers
LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) Primary- Pressure to displacement (bourdon tube) Secondary-Displacement into analogous voltage (LVDT).
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Passive and Active Transducer
Active Transducer: Also known as self generating type, develop their own voltage or current from the physical phenomenon being measured. Velocity , temperature , light intensity and force can be transduced with the help of active transducer.
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Conti..
Passive Transducer: Also known as externally powered transducers, i.e., derive the power required for energy conversion from an external power source. e.g. POT (Potentiometer)-used for the measurement of displacement .
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Analog and Digital Transducer.
Analog Transducers : It converts the input quantity into an analog output which is a continuous function of time. E.g. LVDT, Thermocouple or a thermistor (gives output which is continuous function of time)
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Conti..
Digital Transducer: Converts input quantity into an electrical output which is in the form of pulse.
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Transducers and Inverse Transducers
Transducer: Non electrical to electrical quantity Inverse transducer: Electrical quantity into non electrical quantity.
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Factors influencing choice of transducers
Size
Weight
Shape Sensitivity to desired, modifying and interfering inputs Accuracy Operating range Transient and Frequency response
Static characteristics
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Ruggedness (shock surround) Reliability (MTBF, MTTR) Availability and Delivery Stability ( characteristics not changing with time) Environmental compatibility Cost Electrical aspects ( Impedance, length and type of cable)
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Devices used to convert one form of energy to another.
Radiant Electrical Mechanical Thermal Chemical Magnetic
Radiant Electrical
Filter LED
Photodiode transistor Reverse PiezoElectricity Gear box peltier Electro plating coil
Mechanical
Direct PiezoElectricity, Piezoresistance seebeck
Thermal
Heat exchanger
Chemical
pH
Hall effect
Chemical reaction
Magnetic 18 ckt
Magnetic
Response of transducer to environmental influences.
It should not be subjected to any disturbances like stray electromagnetic and electrostatic fields, mechanical shocks and vibrations temperature changes, pressure and humidity changes, changes in supply voltage and improper mechanical mountings.
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