DR. D.Y.

PATIL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Presents
Team Predators Racing recruitment 2023

TYPES OF SENSORS

Group No. 8

Group Members

1. Prathamesh Milind Ranjanikar (FE. Computer)

2. Yash Krishna Manani (FE. Instrumentation)
3. Sanket Satyawan Ghadage (SE. Mechanical)
4. Varad Anil Dadke (FE. Robotics & Automation)
What is Sensor?
Sensor is an input device which provides an output signal with respect to a specific physical
quantity.
A sensor converts the physical parameter (temperature, pressure, speed etc.) into a signal
which can be measured electrically.
It is the device which converts signals in the form of mechanical motion, waves, temperature
etc in to electrical output signals is called as sensor.

Classification of sensors

1. Active Sensor: - Independently sense the input.

Ex – Radar, sounder and laser
2. Passive sensor: - cannot independently sense the input.
Ex- Accelerometer, soil moisture, water level and temperature sensor
3. Analog sensor: - the response or output of the sensor is some continuous function of its
input parameter.
Ex- temperature sensor, LDR, pressure sensor
4. Digital sensors: - Response in binary nature (1,0). Design to overcome the advantages of
analog sensors. Along with the analog sensor it also comprises extra electronics for bit
conversion.
Ex- passive infrared sensor (PIR), digital temperature sensor (DS1620).
5. Scalar Sensor: - Detects the input parameter only based on its magnitude. The answer for
the sensor is a function of magnitude of some input parameter. Not affected by the direction
of input parameters.
Ex- temperature, gas, smoke etc.
6. Vector sensor: - the response of the sensor depends on the magnitude of the direction
and orientation of input parameter.
Ex- Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetic field and motion detector sensors.

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. Usually a
transducer converts a signal in one form of energy to a signal in another. [1] Transducers are
often employed at the boundaries of automation, measurement, and control systems, where
electrical signals are converted to and from other physical quantities (energy, force, torque,
light, motion, position, etc.). The process of converting one form of energy to another is
known as transduction.

Classification of transducer:
1. Based On Quality to Be measured
 1.1. Temperature Transducer
1.2. Pressure Transducer
1.3. Displacement Transducer
1.4. Oscillator Transducer
1.5. Induction Transducer
2. Based On Principle of Operation
2.1. Piezoelectric Transducer
2.2. Mutual Induction Transducer
3. Based On Whether External Power Source Is Required
3.1. Active Transducer
3.2. Passive Transducer

Detailed Information of The Transducer-

1) Temperature Transducer- A temperature transducer is employed to measure the
temperature of a physical object. Ordinarily, a transducer is nothing but transforming
a physical quantity into electrical energy. Thus, a temperature transducer is an
instrument used to convert the thermal energy of the substances into electrical form.
In other words, it is a piece of electrical equipment applied for automated measuring
of temperature.
2) Pressure Transducer- The most popular pressure transducer structures comprise a
force collector such as an elastic diaphragm and a transduction component that
employs a dependent resistive, inductive, or capacitive method to produce an
electrical signal.
3) Displacement Transducer- A displacement transducer is an electromechanical device
used to convert the motion of an object into electrostatic, electromagnetic, or
magnetoelectric signals which are read & interpreted into data. There is a wide range
of displacement transducers like linear & rotary.
4) Oscillator Transducer- An oscillator transducer is a type of transducer that can be
used to measure force, pressure, or displacement by converting it a voltage, which
can then be measured by a voltmeter. Oscillator transducer are mostly used as
secondary transducers, with their output calibrated in terms of their input quantity.
5) Piezoelectric Transducer- A piezoelectric transducer (also known as a piezoelectric
sensor) is a device that uses the piezoelectric effect to measure changes in
acceleration, pressure, strain, temperature, or force by converting this energy into an
electrical charge. i.e., the material induces voltage when the pressure or stress
applied to it.
6) Mutual Induction Transducer- When the armature position is changed by connecting
to the movable mechanical element, then the inductance changes. The air gap
between the armature and the magnetic material and voltage induced in the coil
depends on the change in the armature position. This type is also called a differential
mutual inductive transducer.
7) Active Transducer- An active transducer is a self-generating type transducer that can
produce an electrical voltage or current output without utilizing any external power
source. These transducers draw the energy demanded for their operation from the
measuring system.
8) Passive Transducer- “Passive Transducers are the transducers which require external
power for the measurement of process variable or or processing of output from
 primary sensing element (Sensor). These are also known as externally powered
transducers.

Actuator
It is a component of a machine which can produce motion when control signal is provided. It
is a mover. Actuate means to make a machine operate. They are used for lifting, tilting,
E n e rg y s o u rc e u s e d a s in p u t

clamping, opening, closing, etc.

Hydraulic Actuator

Pneumatic
Actuator

Electrical Actuator

Hydraulic Actuator-
They convert fluid pressure energy into mechanical energy. A pump driven by electric motor
is used to create a flow of fluid. The pressure, direction and rate of flow is controlled by
valves. This fluid is then introduced in inlet valve of hydraulic actuator, there it gets more
pressurised and this pressure energy is converted into mechanical energy in form of linear or
rotational motion.
Types of Hydraulic Actuator-
a) Linear Actuator
b) Rotary Actuator
c) Semi-Rotary Actuator
A. Linear Actuator- They provide a linear motion in straight line. A cylinder and piston
arrangement is used in linear hydraulic actuator. The cylinder extends & retracts the
piston rod to produce push or pull force for the linear motion of load.
B. Rotary Actuator- They can provide continuous angular movement along circular
plane.
C. Semi- Rotary Actuator- They can provide limited angular movements; they may be
multiple complete revolutions or less than 360° revolutions
Pneumatic Actuators-
Pneumatic actuators are devices that use pressure energy of compressed air to provide
mechanical energy to perform useful work. In pneumatic actuator, air cylinder is used for
providing linear straight-line motions with very high speed. These air cylinders are suitable in
high temperature conditions (200 - 250°C) unlike hydraulic cylinders. Pneumatic cylinders
are used for operations like clamping, transferring, ejecting, metering, tilting, bending,
turning.
Depending Upon Cylinder Action, We Have Two Types of Cylinders
1. Single Acting Cylinder-
 It has only one air inlet line. It can produce work in only one direction. Stroke length
of piston is limited due to compressed length of spring. Power is lost in single acting
cylinder as air has to overcome pressure of the spring.

2. Double acting cylinder-

It has two air inlet lines. It can produce work in both forward and backward
directions. Stroke length is unlimited. There is no power loss in double acting
cylinder.
Electrical Actuator-
Electric actuators are devices that convert electrical energy into linear motion. They are
typically used in applications where precise control of movement is required, such as in the
manufacturing of electronic devices and medical equipment. Electric actuators can be either
rotary or linear, and they are available in a variety of sizes and power ratings to meet the
specific needs of each application. The main components of an electric actuator are the
motor, the drive train, and the actuator rod. The motor provides the power to move the
actuator rod, and the drive train converts the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion.
The actuator rod is the part of the actuator that actually moves, and it is typically made of
steel or aluminium.
Applications of Electronic Actuator-
i. Manufacturing: Electric actuators are used in a variety of manufacturing
processes, such as assembly, packaging, and testing.
ii. Medical equipment: Electric actuators are used in a variety of medical
devices, such as surgical robots and imaging equipment.
iii. Automation: Electric actuators are used in a variety of automated systems,
such as conveyor belts and robotic arms.
Advantages of Electric Actuators:
High precision: Electric actuators can be controlled with very high precision, which makes
them ideal for applications where accuracy is critical.
Low noise: Electric actuators are relatively quiet, which makes them ideal for use in noise-
sensitive environments.
Long life: Electric actuators have a long service life, which can save money on maintenance
and replacement costs.
Types of sensors
1) Temperature sensor
2) proximity sensor
3) Electrical sensor
4) speed sensor
5) Infrared sensor
6) Contact sensor
7) Non-contact sensor

Temperature sensor: -
Temperature Sensors are electronic devices that detect thermal parameters and
provide signals to the inputs of control and display devices. A temperature sensor
typically relies on an RTD or thermistor to measure temperature and convert it to an
output voltage. The term temperature sensor refers to a class of devices that provide
a measurement of the temperature of objects, and either display a reading directly
or produce an output signal whose value can be translated into a temperature
reading.  Key specifications include sensor/detector type, maximum and minimum
measurable temperatures, as well as the dimensions of diameter and length.
Temperature sensors are used to measure the thermal characteristics of gases,
liquids, and solids in many process industries and are configured for both general-
and special-purpose uses.

Types of temperature sensor

Temperature sensors generally fall into one of these primary types:
 Thermocouple
 RTDs (resistance temperature detector)
 Thermistor temperature sensor
 Semiconductor temperature sensor
 LM35 Temperature Sensor: It is used for remote battery checking framework,
and is operated on 5V.

1) Proximity sensor
Proximity Sensors are electronic devices used to detect the presence of nearby
objects through non-contacting means. A proximity sensor can detect the presence
of objects usually within a range of up to several millimetres, and, doing so, produce
 a usually dc output signal to a controller. Proximity sensors are used in countless
manufacturing operations to detect the presence of parts and machine components.
Key specifications include sensor type, maximum sensing distance, minimum &
maximum operating temperatures, along with dimensions of diameter and length.
Proximity sensors are generally short-range devices but are available too in designs
that can detect objects up to several inches away. One commonly used type of
proximity sensor is known as a capacitive proximity sensor.

Types of proximity sensors: -

 Magnetic sensor
 Photoelectric sensor
 Ultrasonic sensor
2) Contact sensor: -
Contact sensors refer to any type of sensing device that functions to detect a
condition by relying on physical touch or contact between the sensor and the object
being observed or monitored. A simple type of contact sensor is used in alarm
systems to monitor doors, windows, and other access points.
There are many uses of contact sensors such as temperature monitoring and as
proximity sensors in robotics applications and automated machinery. 

Types of contact sensor: -

 Thermocouple
 Thermistor
 Resistance temperature detector

3) Non-contact sensor: -
In contrast to contact sensors, non-contact sensors are devices that do not require a
physical touch between the sensor and the object being monitored in order to
function. A familiar example of this type of sensor is the motion detector used in
security lights. Detection of objects within the range of a motion detector is
accomplished using non-mechanical or non-physical means, such as via detection of
passive infrared energy, microwave energy, ultrasonic waves, etc. 

Some of the Basic sensors widely used: -

1) HC-SR04 Ultrasonic sensor
2) IR sensor
3) MPU6050 Accelerometer and Gyroscope sensor
4) Laser Sensor

1) HC-SR04 Ultrasonic sensor

Overview: -
An HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor consists of two ultrasonic transducers. One acts as a
transmitter that converts the electrical signal into 40KHz ultrasonic sound pulses. When the
receiver receives these pulses, it produces an output pulse whose width is proportional to
the distance of object in front
This sensor provides excellent non-contact range detection between 2cm to 400cm(13ft)
with an accuracy of 3mm.

HC-SR Ultrasonic sensor pinout: -

Trig:- pin is used to trigger ultrasonic sound pulses. By setting this pin to HIGH , the sensor
initiates an ultrasonic burst.
Echo:- pin goes high when the ultrasonic burst is transmitted and remains high until the
sensor receives an echo, after which it goes low. By measuring the time the Echo pin stays
high, the distance can be calculated.

2) IR Sensor

IR sensor is an electronic device, that emits the light in order to sense some object of the
surroundings. An IR sensor can measure the heat of an object as well as detects the motion.
Usually, in the Infrared spectrum all the objects radiate some form of thermal radiation. These
types of radiations are invisible to our eyes, but infrared sensor can detect these radiations.
The emitter is simply an IR LED and the detector is simply an IR photodiode. Photodiode is
sensitive to IR light of the same wavelength which is emitted by the IR LED. When IR light falls
on the photodiode, the resistances and the output voltages will change in proportion to the
magnitude of the IR light received.
Infrared receivers or infrared sensors detect the radiation from an IR transmitter. IR receivers
come in the form of photodiodes and phototransistors. Infrared Photodiodes are different
from normal photo diodes as they detect only infrared radiation.
The emitter is an IR LED and the detector is an IR photodiode. The IR photodiode is sensitive
to the IR light emitted by an IR LED. The photo-diode’s resistance and output voltage change
in proportion to the IR light received. This is the underlying working principle of the IR sensor.
When the IR transmitter emits radiation, it reaches the object and some of the radiation
reflects to the IR receiver. Based on the intensity of the reception by the IR receiver, the
output of the sensor defines.
Applications of IR sensor
 Night vision devices
 Radiation Thermometers
 IR imaging devices

3) MPU6050 Accelerometer

Overview: -At the core of the module is a low-power, low-cost 6-axis Motion Tracking chip –
MPU6050 – that integrates a 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, and a Digital Motion
Processor (DMP) into a tiny 4mm x 4mm package. It can measure angular momentum or
rotation along all three axes, static acceleration caused by gravity, and dynamic acceleration
caused by motion, shock, or vibration.
Principle: - An accelerometer is a tool that measures proper acceleration. Proper acceleration
is the  acceleration (the rate of change of velocity) of a body in its own instantaneous rest
frame; this is different from coordinate acceleration, which is acceleration in a
fixed coordinate system.
Working: - An accelerometer comes in the form of a simple circuit for a large electronic
device. Despite the humble appearance, the accelerometer is made of different parts and
works in many ways, two of which are the Piezoelectric Accelerometer and the Capacitance
Accelerometer. Intelligent compaction rollers, airbag deployment system, electronic stability
control system in automobiles, tilting trains, Gravimetry, camcorders, Glogger VS2, mobile
phones etc…
Applications: - Accelerometers can be used to measure vehicle acceleration. Aircrafts,
missiles, Quake-catcher network for scientific research of earthquakes, pumps, fan, rollers,
compressors.

4) DHT11-

Working Principle of DHT11 Sensor

DHT11 sensor consists of a capacitive humidity sensing element and a thermistor for sensing
temperature.  The humidity sensing capacitor has two electrodes with a moisture holding
substrate as a dielectric between them. Change in the capacitance value occurs with the
change in humidity levels. The IC measure, process this changed resistance values and
change them into digital form.
For measuring temperature this sensor uses a Negative Temperature coefficient thermistor,
which causes a decrease in its resistance value with increase in temperature. To get larger
resistance value even for the smallest change in temperature. The sensor can measure
temperature from 0°C to 50°C and humidity from 20% to 90% with an accuracy of ±1°C and
±1%. 
Applications

This sensor is used in various applications such as measuring humidity and temperature
values in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

5) Hall Effect-

In a Hall sensor, a current is applied to a thin strip of metal. In the presence of a magnetic
field perpendicular to the direction of the current, the charge carriers are deflected by
the Lorentz force, producing a difference in electric potential (voltage) between the two
sides of the strip. This voltage difference (the Hall voltage) is proportional to the strength of
the magnetic field.
Hall effect sensors respond to static (non-changing) magnetic fields. This is a key difference
from inductive sensors, which respond only to changes in fields.
Characteristics-
Hall sensors are capable of measuring a wide range of magnetic fields, and are sensitive to
both the magnitude and orientation of the field. When used as electronic switches, they are
less prone to mechanical failure, since there is no wear on physical parts. They can also be
operated at higher frequencies than mechanical switches.
Hall effect switches cannot be used in areas with high external magnetic fields. Hall sensors
can be prone to thermal drift due to changes in environmental conditions, and to time drift
over the lifetime of the sensor

6) Thermistors-
A thermistor is a semiconductor type of resistor whose resistance is strongly dependent on
temperature, more so than in standard resistors. Thermistors are divided based on their
conduction model. Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistors have less resistance
at higher temperatures, while Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermistors
have more resistance at higher temperatures. NTC thermistor are widely used as inrush
current limiters, temperature sensors, while PTC thermistors are used as self-resetting
overcurrent protectors, and self-regulating heating elements. An operational temperature
range of a thermistor is dependent on the probe type and is typically between −100 °C and
300 °C (−148 °F and 572 °F).

Main Working in Thermistors-

1. Negative Temperature Coefficient-
With NTC thermistors, resistance decreases as temperature rises; usually due to an
increase in conduction electrons bumped up by thermal agitation from the valence
band. An NTC is commonly used as a temperature sensor, or in series with a circuit as
an inrush current limiter.
2. Positive Temperature Coefficient-
With PTC thermistors, resistance increases as temperature rises; usually due to
increased thermal lattice agitations particularly those of impurities and
imperfections. PTC thermistors are commonly installed in series with a circuit, and
used to protect against overcurrent conditions, as resettable fuses.

Types of Thermistors-

1. Chip and Disc

2. Epoxy
3. Glass- Encapsulated
4. Probe Assemblies
5. Surface Mount

Conclusion-

In conclusion, sensors, transducers, and actuators are essential components in various

systems, particularly in the field of automation, control, and measurement. In summary,
sensors sense and measure physical quantities, transducers convert these quantities into
electrical signals, and actuators act upon the received signals to produce physical actions or
movements Together, these components form an interconnected system that allows for
monitoring control, and automation in various fields such as manufacturing, robotics,
healthcare. Sensors provide input data, transducers facilitate measurement and
interpretation, and actuators enable output control and physical response.