Section 2 - Sensors

Definition:
A sensor is a device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it.

KEY POINT: Sensors are used to provide input for measurement applications

Task 1
Each of the pictures below shows a different type of sensor. Work out what type of sensor each one is and what system its part of.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

A movement Sensor, being used in automatic door system

A Motion Sensor, being used in an security System
A infra-red Sensor, being used in a light switch system
A temperature Sensor, being used in an air con system
A optical light Sensor, being used in a optical system

Task 2

Analogue data is data represented in a physical way. Changes in smooth increments(Gradually goes up or down)

Digital data is binary like simply 1 and 0 because analogue needs to be converted to digital which is binary thats
what the computer only reads.
Therefore we need adc because the computer can only read binary and sensors only produce analogue data where
as computers only work inn digital

Task 3

A heating system uses a sensor to decide when the radiators should be turned on and off.
The controls are set to maintain a room temperature of 22 Degrees C
When the system turns on, the water must flow round and be constantly warmed.
Sensors

Output Devices

Pressure

Light

Motor

Heater

Moisture

Infra-Red

Pump

Buzzer

Temperature

Light

1. What Sensor(s) would be needed in this system? Explain their use

Temperature and infra-red because temperature it can sense it and will change if its too cold or hot.

2. What output devices would be needed in this system? Explain their use
A heater gathers the data from the sensor and then it can maintaining the temperature also a pump so the
hot water can flow round.

3. Fill in the PROCESSES (rules) below that this system would need to follow

Example: If the speed is greater than 70 then turn the motor OFF.

Rule 1: If the temperature is greater than then turn the heating off
Rule 2: If the temperature is less than 20 then turn heater and pump on

Sensors Exam questions

To answer this question, you will need to think about the rules you created in the final lesson task

1) Moisture light and temperature

2) They are unable read its because the computer can only read binary(digital) so you need a converter for a
computer to actually read it.
3) Adc( Analogue to digital converter)
4) 1 advantage is the computer is a lot more accurate than humans because humans sometimes make
mistakes another advantage is they are quicker and more efficient that humans and a lot more reliable.
5) Motion is one input if there is motion it sets of a buzzer. If there is heat detected it will sound the buzzerand
sound is detected it will set off the light and buzzer also if there is more or less pressure it will sound the
buzzer and light.