Sensors

Sensors
A sensor is a device which detects and measures a physical quantity and responds by producing an electrical signal. Sensors are used to take measurements or readings from the environment, such as Light Pressure Sound Humidity

Strain
Heat
A sensor that detects fingerprints, used in security systems

Sensors Are Used in Various Ways

Data logging - the use of sensors to collect data automatically at regular intervals, e.g. collecting information on earthquake vibrations, collecting weather data. Computer control - using a computer to control a piece of machinery, e.g. the temperature in a greenhouse, a robot arm. Input devices - e.g. a scanner uses a light sensor to detect the light reflected back from the page. This creates an electrical signal, which is processed by a computer to create a file of data.

Sensors are Either Analogue or Digital

Sensors can be either analogue or digital. Most sensors are analogue, which means that they produce analogue signals, which look like this

Sensors are Either Analogue or Digital

Sensors can be either analogue or digital. Most sensors are analogue which means that they produce analogue signals which look like this

Analogue signals need to be converted to digital signals using an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC), before a computer can recognise them.

Digital Signals
Digital sensors produce digital signals, which look like this

Digital Signals
Digital sensors produce digital signals, which look like this

A difference between analogue and digital signals is that analogue signals can take any value within a range, whereas digital signals can only take certain fixed values. This makes a digital wave jump in steps, whereas an analogue wave changes gradually.

Digital Sensors
There are not many digital sensors, but one example is a pressure pad which uses a pressure sensor.

A pressure pad simply gives an on/off response. If someone treads on it, it produces a signal. If no-one treads on it, it does not produce a signal. The signal is either on of off, so it is digital. It produces a very simple stepped signal like this Someone treading: The vertical lines are signal on

not part of the signal, but are usually drawn to join up the signal

No-one treading: signal off

Digital Sensors
There are not many digital sensors, but one example is a pressure pad which uses a pressure sensor.

A pressure pad simply gives an on/off response. If someone treads on it, it produces a signal. If no-one treads on it, it does not produce a signal. The signal is either on of off, so it is digital. It produces a very simple stepped signal like this

Types of Sensor
Type of Sensor
Pressure Sensor Light Sensor

How it is Used
Detects touch: used in pressure pads to activate automatic doors. Detects light: used in the CCD of digital cameras to convert light into electrical signals.

Detects heat: used in alarm systems to detect Temperature Sensor the presence of an intruder, used to control the temperature in a greenhouse.

Strain Gauge Motion Sensor

Detects force: used in weighing scales, and to measure the forces across earthquake fault lines. Detects movement: used in alarm systems to detect the presence of an intruder.

Types of Sensor
Type of Sensor
Sound Sensor Infra-red Sensor Magnetic Sensor

How it is Used
Detects sound: used in microphones to convert sound into electrical signals, and in alarm systems to detect noise from intruders. Detects infra-red light: used in remote controls, and in alarm systems, where it detects when a beam is broken. Detects magnetic fields: used in MICR: Magnetic Ink Character Recognition, the magnetic numbers on the bottom on cheques. Detects humidity: used in greenhouses and in extractor fans, to switch on and off automatically according to moisture in the air.

Humidity Sensor
pH Sensor

Detects pH levels: used by farmers to detect the acidity or alkalinity levels in soil. (Which can also reveal pollution levels).

Sensors in a Hospital
When a patient is critically ill or just had a major operation in hospital, they may be placed in an intensive care unit. They will be constantly monitored to make sure that their condition is stable. The patient could be monitored for: Temperature Blood pressure Heart rate Breathing rate Oxygen level

Sensors on the Race Track

F1 racing cars are continually monitored using sensors during a race. Sensors measure: Fuel use

Engine temperature
Oil pressure Tyre pressure

Tyre temperature
Car speed Car acceleration Most modern family cars have sensors that collect data and report faults to the driver.

Sensors in a Greenhouse
In this greenhouse, a temperature sensor collects data on temperature every 5 minutes. If the temperature falls below 26C, the computer closes the windows and turns the heating on. If the temperature rises above 26C, the computer opens the windows and turns the heating off.

Sensors in a Weather Station

In this weather station, different sensors, such as a pressure gauge (barometer), humidity gauge (hygrometer), rain gauge and thermometer continually record changes in weather.

The data is downloaded to a computer which is used to analyse the data, and make predictions about future weather (weather forecast).

Sensors in a Weather Station

This person is replacing the weather vane on a portable weather station.

Further long term analysis of weather data, can lead to a greater understanding of climate changes due to the greenhouse effect.

Sensors in Security Alarms

This security alarm uses an infra-red sensor which detects when a beam is broken, and sends a signal to the control box.

Sensors in Computer Control

A sensor detects a physical quantity and produces an electrical signal. This analogue signal is sent to an interface box (control box). The interface box converts the analogue data to digital data (using an analogue-to-digital converter) and sends it to a computer to process.

Sensors in Computer Control

A sensor detects a physical quantity and produces an electrical signal. This analogue signal is sent to an interface box (control box). The interface box converts the analogue data to digital data (using an analogue-to-digital converter) and sends it to a computer to process.

Sensors in Computer Control

The computer processes the data and produces a signal as output. Below, the computer is controlling the temperature of the water in the tank. If the water gets too hot, the computer sends a signal to switch the heater off. If the water gets too cold, the computer sends a signal to turn the heater on.

Calibration
To calibrate a sensor means to set it up, and make sure that it is reading accurately. This ensures that the data produced will be valid. To make sure that a sensor is reading accurately, you have to check it against a known standard, e.g. A set of weighing scales uses a strain gauge. The reading on the scales will be tested by weighing known weights. You may have seen your teacher calibrate an interactive whiteboard. This process ensures that the screen (a sensor) accurately detects the position of the board pen, so that the cursor is displayed in the same position as the pen.

Advantages of Sensors
Sensors can be used in remote, inhospitable and dangerous places.

They can collect data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if necessary.

There is no need for a person to be present to collect data.

Sensors are more accurate at collecting data as unlike humans, they do not make mistakes.

Disadvantages of Sensors
If a sensor breaks, it may be difficult to replace if the sensor is in a remote, inhospitable or dangerous place, e.g. on Mars or inside a nuclear reactor. Some sensors can be expensive. A sensor may be faulty, or poorly calibrated in which case it will produce completely false data. It is up to the person in charge to check that the data is valid. If a sensor breaks, no more data will be collected until it is replaced, so important data could be lost.

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Quiz

Objectives
After viewing this presentation, you should Be able to explain how a sensor works. Know that sensors are used in data logging, computer control and inside other input devices. Know that analogue signals need to be converted into digital signals using an analogue-to-digital converter so that a computer can understand them. Be able to list several types of sensor, the physical quantity they measure, and give examples of where they are used. Know why sensors need to be calibrated, and be able to explain the process of calibration. Be able to list some advantages and disadvantages of using sensors.

End of Show
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