A transducer is a device that converts one type of physical variable (eg.: force, pressure, temperature, velocity, flow rate, etc.) into another form. A common conversion is to electrical voltage; and reason for making the conversion is that the converted signal is more convenient to use and evaluate.
A sensor is a tranducer that is used to make a measurement of a physical variable of interest (such as force, pressure, temperature, velocity, and flow rate).
Common transducers and sensors include:
. Strain gages -- for measuring force and pressure.
. Thermocouples -- for measuring temperature
. Speedometer -- for measuring velocity
. Pitot tubes -- for measuring flow rates.
Two classifications for transducers and sensors (based on formand converted signal):
. Analog tranducer
. Digital transducers.
SENSORS AND TRANSDUCERS
* Definition
* Manual Switches
* Limit Switches
* Proximty Switches
* Photoelectric Sensors
* Infrared Sensors
* Fiber Optics Sensors (Encoders)
* Laser Sensors
ANALYZERS
* Definition
* Computers
* Timers
* Bar Code Readers
ACTUATORS
* Definition
* Cylinders
* Solenoids
* Relays
DRIVES
* Definition
* Motors
* Stepper Motors
* DC Servo Motors
* Kinematic Linkages
* Genevas
* Walking Beams
Limit Switches
Proximity Switches
Photoelectric Sensors
Infrared Sensors
Fiber Optics
Lasers
Counters
Timers
Bar Code Readers
Code Design
Optical Encoders
Solenoids
Relays
Stepper Motors
DC Servo Motors
Kinematic Linkages
Genevas
Walking Beams