SENSORS

Johan Rodríguez, Felipe Méndez, William Gutiérrez, Constanza López

Universidad ECCI

RESUMEN
Bajo esta palabra de sensores se entiende tanto las unidades que emite una señal analógica,
como las unidades que emite Sensores para múltiples aplicaciones en la industria e
investigaciones una señal binaria (encendido o apagado). En todos aquellos lugares donde
no sea posible detectar magnitudes eléctricas se requiere los sensores. Convierte una
magnitud física en una magnitud eléctrica. Encontrará en nuestra gama de productos
sensores para diferentes magnitudes físicas. En las siguientes categorías encontrará
sensores para diferentes aplicaciones. Los sensores de temperatura son tal vez los más
conocidos y usados. Los Pt100 o termoelementos es sensores que tienen un campo amplio
de aplicaciones en la industria y la investigación.

INTRODUCTION
A sensor is a device that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical
environment. The specific input could be light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure, or any one
of a great number of other environmental phenomena. The output is generally a signal that
is converted to human-readable display at the sensor location or transmitted electronically
over a network for reading or further processing.

OBJETIVE
learn more about sensor, its application, installation, operation and importance in the
industry with automated processes

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
1. POTENTIOMETER
a. A potentiometer is a manually adjustable variable resistor with 3 terminals. Two
terminals are connected to both ends of a resistive element, and the third terminal
connects to a sliding contact, called a wiper, moving over the resistive element. The
position of the wiper determines the output voltage of the potentiometer. The
potentiometer essentially functions as a variable voltage divider. The resistive
element can be seen as two resistors in series (potentiometer resistance), where the
wiper position determines the resistance ratio of the first resistor to the second
resistor.
 b. the potentiometer is used as a voltage divider in the electronic circuit.
The potentiometer is used in radio and television (TV) receiver for volume control,
tone control and linearity control. The potentiometer is used in medical equipment.
It is used in wood processing machine.
c. advantages: they are cheap, it is easy to use and useful in many applications
where requirements are not severe, potentiometer efficiency is high
disadvantages: also, there is limited bandwidth, there is inertial loading
d. what is the main function of potentiometer?
2. ENCODER
a. A rotary encoder, also called a shaft encoder, is an electro-mechanical device
that converts the angular position or motion of a shaft or axle to analog or digital
output signals. There are two main types of rotary encoder: absolute and
incremental. The output of an absolute encoder indicates the current shaft
position, making it an angle transducer. The output of an incremental encoder
provides information about the motion of the shaft, which typically is processed
elsewhere into information such as position, speed and distance.
b. Encoders are used to translate rotary or linear motion into a digital signal.
Usually this is for the purpose of monitoring or controlling motion parameters
such as speed, rate, direction, distance or position. When applying encoders,
selecting the optimum model and specifying the appropriate configuration are
critical for success. Proper encoder selection begins by understanding the role
of the encoder in the motion control system.
c. Advantages: - Highly reliable and accurate- Low-cost feedback
- High resolution- Integrated electronics- Fuses optical and digital technology
- Can be incorporated into existing applications- Compact size
Disadvantages: - Subject to magnetic or radio interference (Magnetic Encoders)
- Direct light source interference (Optical Encoders)- Susceptible to dirt, oil and
dust contaminates
d. what is an encoder?

3. INCLINOMETERS

a. inclination sensors offer contactless, wear-free, and absolute measurement of tilt angles
ranging from 0 to 180°. The use of MEMS technology makes these sensors particularly
resistant to shock, vibrations, and contamination. As a result, inclination sensors are ideal
for use in outdoor applications. Various designs are available to reflect the wide range of
potential applications.

b. Inclinometer and tilt sensors are among the most common sensors used in various
applications. They are used to measure the tilting position with reference to gravity. They
are used to enable the detection of an object's inclination or orientation. ... Noise can cause
distortions in the function of the sensor.

c. Advantages: Wear-free, Measurement range ±180°, Degree of protection up to IP68 / IP

69, Impact resistant, MEMS technology, Single or dual axis measurement.

d. what is the main function of inclinometer?

4. LVDT

a. LVDT is an acronym for Linear Variable Differential Transformer. It is a common type of

electromechanical transducer that can convert the rectilinear motion of an object to which
it is coupled mechanically into a corresponding electrical signal. LVDT linear position sensors
are readily available that can measure movements as small as a few millionths of an inch up
to several inches, but are also capable of measuring positions up to ±30 inches (±0.762
meter).

b. The LVDT sensor works as the main transducer, and that changes dislocation to electrical
signal straight. This transducer can also work as a secondary transducer. LVDT is used to
measure the weight, force and also pressure. Some of these transducers are used to
calculate the pressure and load.

c. Advantages: It has high measurement range which is from 1.25 mm to 250 mm. It has
low power consumption which is less than about 1 Watt. It is frictionless device. It offers
high resolution which is greater than 10 mm. Higher sensitivity of greater than 40 V/mm
can be achieved. It is smaller in size.

Disadvantages: Large displacement is needed for small output. It is affected due to external
magnetic field and hence the entire LVDT circuit need to be shielded to achieve desired
accuracy. Vibrations due to displacement can affect the performance of the LVDT device.
The performance of LVDT is affected due to increase in temperature.

d. What are the limitations of LVDT?

5. RVDT

a. A rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT) is a type of electrical transformer used

for measuring angular displacement. More quickly a Rotary Variable Differential
Transformer (RVDT) is an electromechanical transducer that provides a variable alternating
current (AC) output voltage that is linearly proportional to the angular displacement of its
input shaft. When energized with a fixed AC source, the output signal is linear within a
specified range over the angular displacement.
b. RVDTs have a well-established reputation for reliability even in the harshest working
conditions. As such, it is a preferred sensor in manufacturing heavy duty equipment within
the aerospace and oil and gas industries. In addition to these, other typical applications of
RVDTs include: Hydraulic pumps, Rotary actuators, Valve positioning, Throttle lever
positioning.

c. Advantages: Durability. RVDTs are durable and robust sensing mechanisms. Applications
which require a sensor that can withstand extreme conditions such as vibration and shock
will benefit from using an RVDT. Inexpensive. Cost-effectiveness is an important
characteristic especially when the application has a limited budget. Although RVDTs are
generally cheap to use, they are still quite robust and reliable.

Disadvantages: The contact among the measuring exterior as well as the nozzle is not
possible for all time. The output of the RVDT is linear (about +40 or -40 degrees), so it
restricts the usability.

d. What is the difference between LVDT and RVDT?

6. GYROSCOPE SENSOR

a. Gyro sensors, also known as angular rate sensors or angular velocity sensors, are devices
that sense angular velocity. Angular velocity. In simple terms, angular velocity is the change
in rotational angle per unit of time. Angular velocity is generally expressed in deg/s (degrees
per second).

b. The main functions of the Gyroscope Sensor for all the applications are Angular velocity
sensing, angle sensing, and control mechanisms. Image blurring in cameras can be
compensated by using Gyroscope Sensor-based optical image stabilization system.

c. Advantages: MEMS version of gyroscopes are extremely small and light in weight.
Gyroscope sensor resolution depends largely on spin rate of the rotor. Moreover, it is much
higher than other force or tilt sensors. Gyroscope compass indicates true north as opposed
to magnetic north unlike magnetic compass. Hence, they are preferred sensor for high
precision navigation systems. It is fast in operation.

Disadvantages: They are more expensive alternative to navigation and tilt sensing
applications. Due to advancement in MEMS technology, MEMS version of gyroscopes are
available at lower costs. Free moving gyroscope type is always dependent on rotation of the
Earth. Hence fast-moving objects moving on trajectory from the east to the west can not
use gyroscopes for navigation purpose. It does not measure linear motion in any direction,
or any static angle of orientation. It is subjected to relative azimuth drift unlike compass.

d. What is gyroscope sensor used for?

7. ACCELEROMETER

a. An accelerometer is a primary sensor responsible for measuring inertial acceleration,

also known as specific force, acting on its input axis direction. As also mentioned before,
to provide a three-dimensional solution, 3 accelerometers are needed, one for each
orthogonal axis. The 3 accelerometers mount together in an almost orthogonal cluster
(due imperfections), also known as triad. The perfect orthogonal reference frame defined
by the accelerometers ideal orthogonal input directions is defined as the platform
reference frame.
b. reliable accelerometers are the vibration measurement products of choice for
customers across many industries and applications to measure vibration, detect faults,
collect trending data, find root cause of failure, and gain a greater understanding on the
performance and condition of rotating machines and their components including bearings,
gears, gearboxes, turbines and shafts before catastrophic failure occurs.
c. Advantages: It is simple to interface and rugged in design. It has high impedance. It
offers higher sensitivity. It has high frequency response. It is available at lower cost due to
advancement in MEMS technology. It uses built-in signal conditioning circuit to measure
capacitance.

Disadvantages: An Accelerometer measures chance in velocity only. It does not measure a

constant velocity. An Accelerometer can not measure rotation around its own axis of
movement. Due to this, it is used in conjunction with gyroscope to measure angular
velocity. It is sensitive to temperature and operates over limited temperature range. Its
efficiency degrades over time. It requires external power for its operation. The other
disadvantages are less longevity and hysteresis error.
d. What is accelerometer sensor in mobile?
8. RTD

a. Resistance thermometers, also called resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), are

sensors used to measure temperature. Many RTD elements consist of a length of fine wire
wrapped around a ceramic or glass core but other constructions are also used. The RTD wire
is a pure material, typically platinum, nickel, or copper. The material has an accurate
resistance/temperature relationship which is used to provide an indication of temperature.
As RTD elements are fragile, they are often housed in protective probes.
b. RTD sensor is used in automotive to measure the engine temperature, an oil level sensor,
intake air temperature sensors. In communication and instrumentation for sensing the over
the temperature of amplifiers, transistor gain stabilizers. RTD is used in power electronics,
computer, consumer electronics, food handling and processing, industrial electronics,
medical electronics, military, and aerospace.
c. Advantages: Inexpensive, Large variety, Large temperature range, Rugged, More Stable,
More accurate, More linear
Disadvantages: Nonlinear, Low voltage, require reference, less stable, Expensive, Current
source required, Small, Self-heating, Small base resistance
d. What is an RTD and how does it function?

9. CAPACITIVE SENSOR
a. Capacitive proximity sensors are non-contact devices that can detect the presence or
absence of virtually any object regardless of material. They utilize the electrical property
of capacitance and the change of capacitance based on a change in the electrical field
around the active face of the sensor.

b. Capacitive displacement sensors are used for distance measurement in low-

temperature as a reference system for other distance sensors. Other typical applications
are tolerance testing in mass production, vibration measurement, strain measurement,
thickness measurement and thickness control of thin metal foils, thickness measurement
of plastic foils during production, beveling and bending of wafers in semiconductor
production and many more.
c. Advantages: It can be used to detect non-metallic targets. It can detect through
containers of certain types also. It is simple in construction and adjustable. It can detect
dense targets and liquids. It is lower in cost. It has higher sensitivity and can be
operational with small magnitude of force. It can be used for the measurement of force,
pressure and humidity etc. It has very good resolution (as low as 0.003 mm) and frequency
response.

Disadvantages: It is very much sensitive to changes in environmental conditions such as

temperature, humidity etc. This will affect the performance. The measurement of
capacitance is hard compare to measurement of resistance. Capacitive proximity sensor is
not so accurate compare to inductive sensor type.
d. What is the use of capacitive sensor?

10. PHOTOELECTRIC SENSOR

a. A photoelectric sensor emits a light beam (visible or infrared) from its light-emitting
element. A reflective-type photoelectric sensor is used to detect the light beam reflected
from the target. A thru beam type sensor is used to measure the change in light quantity
caused by the target crossing the optical axis.

b. Automotive: In the construction of a car body, each part needs to be transported down
the line with precision. Skids must speed up, slow down, and stop in front of each station
to be welded, riveted, and glued with no errors in timing.
Material Handling: Automated storage technology, stacker cranes, and the LS682 optical
data coupler with wireless data transfer make it easier to store and transfer goods in
warehouses.

Machine Engineering: Our sensors also ensure reliable and safe operation in theme parks.
Retroreflective sensors with polarization filter (MLV12-54/47/92) detect the position of a
carriage to be set on and off the tracks of a rollercoaster.

Food and Beverage: Bottle cap feeding machines must align and orient each bottle cap in
the correct position for bottling. With an R201 series diffuse mode sensor, even the smallest
feed error registers, and incidents are stopped before a capping mistake occurs.

Doors, Gates, and Elevators: Buses have automatic doors that open and close as people pass
beneath the incorporated sensors. The sensors need to see the entire area of the doorway
to allow people in and out of the bus.

c. Advantages: It senses all kinds of materials. It has longer life. It has long sensing range
and very reliable. It has very fast response time. It is less costly. Diffuse photoelectric sensor
detects small objects including color mark and label detection. Retro-reflective type can
detect transparent objects. Thru beam type can detect long range and it is tolerant of dirty
environment.

Disadvantages: Over coarse of time lens get contaminated. Its sensing range is affected due
to color and reflectivity of the target. Thru beam type requires transmitter (Tx) and receiver
(Rx) at two separate locations. Retroreflective type requires reflector in addition to Tx/Rx.
This makes system installation complex.

d. How does photoelectric sensor work?

11. MAGNETIC SENSOR

a. A MEMS magnetic field sensor is a small-scale microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)

device for detecting and measuring magnetic fields (Magnetometer). Many of these
operate by detecting effects of the Lorentz force: a change in voltage or resonant frequency
may be measured electronically, or a mechanical displacement may be measured optically.
Compensation for temperature effects is necessary. Its use as a miniaturized compass may
be one such simple example application.

b. Magnetic sensors are widely used in a variety of consumer products such as printers,
scanners, cameras, and flat panels. One of the fastest growing applications of magnetic
sensors is mobile navigation – the electronic compass is a must have feature in mobile
devices such as smartphones and tablets.
c. Advantages: it can detect both metallic and no metallic targets, good stability, high speed,
low cost.

Disadvantages: they are affected by temperature and humidity, difficulties in designing,

capacitive proximity sensors are not as accurate compare to inductive sensor

d. How do magnetic sensors work?

12. NTC THERMISTOR

a. A temperature sensor is a device that detects and measures hotness and coolness and
converts it into an electrical signal. At TE Connectivity (TE), we design and manufacture a
broad portfolio of temperature sensors – including our NTC thermistors, RTDs,
thermocouples, and thermopiles – designed for efficiency and easy installation, with
capacity to reliably integrate technology that responds to human behavior.

b. These applications include temperature measurement, compensation, and control. NTC

thermistor probes are generally used as resistance thermometers. Thermistor probes can
be used in automobile and truck tire curing, as well as for monitoring and controlling engine
temperatures.

c. Advantages: The thermistor has fast response over narrow temperature range. It is small
in size. Contact and lead resistance problem not occurred due to large resistance. It has
good sensitivity in NTC region. Cost is low.

Disadvantages: The thermistor need of shielding power lines. The excitation current should
be low to avoid self-heating. It is not suitable for large temperature range. The resistance
temperature characteristics are nonlinear.

d. What are NTC thermistors used for?

CONCLUSIONS
All these above-mentioned sensors are increasingly utilized in the automation industry. The
recent surge in commercial demonstration of these sensor systems highlights their unique
capabilities.