About the Subject

The words sensors and transducers are the most widely used component in any control application and is used in association with the measurement systems.

Sensor is an element that produces signals relating to the quantity that is being measured. Also Sensor is a device that provides usable output in response to a specified quantity which is measured.” The word sensor is derived from the original meaning ‘to perceive.’ Sensor is a device that detects changes and events in a physical quantity and provides a corresponding output signal that can be measured and the same can be recorded. The obtained output signal is measurable and the signal obtained is generally an electrical quantity.

Actuators is an device that work opposite to sensors. A sensor converts a physical event into an electrical signal, whereas an actuator converts electrical signal into a physical event. When sensors are used at input of a system, actuators are used to perform output function in a system as they control an external device.

Transducers are the devices that convert energy in one form into another form. Generally the energy is in the form of a signal. Transducer is a term collectively used for both sensors and actuators.