Sensor Technologies
Sensors are devices that measure physical quantity and convert it to a signal which can be read by an instrument or person. Sensor technologies respond to a physical being such as heat, pressure or motion, and transmit a resulting impulse. Accuracy of sensor technologies is reliant on three main principles in which the sensor:
- Is sensitive to the measured property
- Remains insensitive to any other property, and
- Does not influence or interfere with the measured property.
Below is a brief definition of the types of sensors you will find information about on Sensor Tips. Click on the links below for more information about these sensor technologies.
- Flow sensors: These sensor technologies sense the rate of fluid flow. Most commonly used in flow meters to record the flow of fluids, flow sensors can use either direct or inferential measurement.
- Image, including photoelectric and vision sensors: Conversion of an optical image to an electric signal is accomplished by an image sensor. Most important to this type of sensor is its dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity.
- Level, including inclinometer and liquid level sensors: Level sensors detect the level of substances the flow through the process, including liquids, powders and granular materials.
- Position, including proximity sensors: Position sensor technologies measures anything that has a need for position measurement. For instance, a proximity sensor detects the presence of a nearby object.
- Pressure sensors: A pressure sensor generates a signal as a function of the pressure imposed. This is most commonly used for monitoring and controlling purposes.
- Safety sensors: This type of sensor detects the intrusion of bodies, foreign objects, or other safety threats to the process.
- Temperature sensors: Used for control and monitoring, a temperature sensor detects and measures the temperature of liquids, surfaces and more.
- Torque sensors: Torque sensors are devices for measuring and recording the moment of force, also known as torque, on a rotating system.
- Wireless, including mobile wireless sensors: This type of sensor is used to monitor and control environmental or physical conditions such as temperature, vibration, pressure, motion or pollutants.
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