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Notes on Transducers
Observed by : Dr.Amer
1. Introduction
For any closed loop industrial control system, there are three steps applying the input (reference value) ,control the
process and feedback (negative feedback) that measuring the output and applying it back to the input stage.
Measuring
This paper is concerned with the measuring process and techniques used in this stage.
The definition of transducers and sensors
A transducer is a device that obtains information in the form of one or more physical quantities and converts this into
an electrical output signal. Transducers consist of two principle parts, a primary measuring element referred to as a
sensor, and a transmitter unit responsible for producing an electrical output that has some known relationship to the
physical measurement as the basic components. In more sophisticated units, a third element may be introduced which
is quite often microprocessor based. This is introduced between the sensor and the transmitter part of the unit and has
amongst other things, the function of linearizing and ranging the transducer to the required operational parameters .
Flexible wire wound and etched foil RTDs are available in various standard configurations. Typically a Kapton®,
silicone rubber, Mylar or clear polyester dielectric material is used for electrical insulation. They can be mounted on
curved or irregular surfaces using pressure sensitive adhesives, thermally conductive glues, silicone tape, or
mechanical clamps. This type of configuration is far superior for monitoring a large area such as the outside diameter
of a pipe or tank. They can also be integrated into a flexible heater circuit for optimum control.
3. Pressure
Pressure is probably the second most commonly used and important measurement in process control. The most
familiar pressure measuring devices are manometers and dial gauges, but these require a manual operator. For use in
process control, a pressure measuring device needs a pressure transmitter that will produce an output signal for
transmission, e.g. an electric current proportional to the pressure being measured. A transmitter typically that produces
an output of a 4–20 mA signal is rugged and can be used in flammable or hazardous service.
There are seven principle methods of electronically measuring pressure for use in process control and each of these is
listed and described under its numeric heading, in principle detail below:
4. Others
4.1 phototransistors
A phototransistor, a transistor designed to be activated by light, has the same basic operation as the NPN and PNP
transistor except it has no base connection. Its wide base junction is left exposed to light. Phototransistors are most
sensitive to infrared light. The symbols and voltages are shown in Figure4.1.a. Light rays that impact the base-emitter
junction effectively produce base current that activates the phototransistor. Through transistor action a larger collector
current is produced. As shown by the characteristic curves of Figure4.1.b, more light intensity produces more collector
current.
(a) (b)
Figure (4.1): (a)Phototransistor symbol and operation (b)Characteristic curves.
References
W. Altmann, "Practical Process Control for Engineers and Technicians", Newens, 2005.
J.luecke, "Analog and Digital Circuits for Electronic Control System Applications", Newens, Elsevier Inc, 2005.
J.s.Wilson,edited,"Sensor Technology Hansdbook",Newens, Elsevier Inc, 2005.