Introduction to Sensors
Sensors are devices
that convert a physical parameter such as room temperature, blood pressure
or wind speed into a signal that can be measured electrically. Other sensor
outputs are equally valid (e.g. visual output from a glass thermometer),
but we will confined our coverage to electrical output sensors as they
are more compatible with electronic measuring devices.
Once the physical
parameter has been converted to an electrical equivalent it is easily
input into a computer or microprocessor for manipulating, analyzing and
displaying.
By far the most common
parameter measured is temperature. At present temperature is
the only parameter covered in detail.
Each year hundreds millions of sensors are manufactured. They are in domestic appliances, medical equipment, industrial control systems, air-conditioning systems, aircraft, satellites and
toys.
Sensors are becoming smarter, more accurate and cheaper. They will play an ever increasing role in just about every field imaginable.
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