sensors

The words sensors and transducers are widely used in association with measurement
systems. The sensor is an element that produces signals relating to the quantity that is
being measured. According to Instrument Society of America, “a 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.’

In simple terms, a sensor is a device that detects changes and events in a physical
stimulus and provides a corresponding output signal that can be measured and/or
recorded. Here, the output signal can be any measurable signal and is generally an
electrical quantity.

Sensors are devices that perform input function in a system as they ‘sense’ the changes
in a quantity. The best example of a sensor is mercury thermometer. Here the quantity
that is being measured is heat or temperature. The measured temperature is converted
to a readable value on the calibrated glass tube, based on the expansion and
contraction of liquid mercury.

Actuators are devices 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.

Different Types of Sensors

The following is a list of different types of sensors that are commonly used in
various applications. All these sensors are used for measuring one of the
physical properties like Temperature, Resistance, Capacitance, Conduction,
Heat Transfer etc.

 Temperature Sensor

 Proximity Sensor

 Accelerometer

 IR Sensor (Infrared Sensor)

  Pressure Sensor

 Light Sensor

 Ultrasonic Sensor

 Smoke, Gas and Alcohol Sensor

 Touch Sensor

 Color Sensor

 Humidity Sensor

 Tilt Sensor

 Flow and Level Sensor

In this paper we discuss mainly about the applications of temperature sensors and
their importance in different fields

INTRODUCTION ABOUT TEMPERATURE SENSORS

Temperature Sensor

One of the most common and most popular sensor is the Temperature Sensor. A
Temperature Sensor, as the name suggests, senses the temperature i.e. it
measures the changes in the temperature.
In a Temperature Sensor, the changes in the Temperature correspond to
change in its physical property like resistance or voltage.

There are different types of Temperature Sensors like Temperature Sensor ICs
(like LM35), Thermistors, Thermocouples, RTD (Resistive Temperature
Devices), etc.

Temperature Sensors are used everywhere like computers, mobile phones,

automobiles, air conditioning systems, industries etc. Working Operation of LM 35
Temperature Sensor

Working Operation of LM 35 Temperature Sensor

The LM 35 temperature sensor is mounted as the same way as the other temperature sensors are
mounted means in a PCB board or any other way and its temperature will be within the range of 0.01 C 0
as compared to surface temperature. Let’s suppose, the ambient air temperature is same at surface
temperature but when the air temperature is lower or higher the surface temperature than an actual
temperature of LM 35 temperature sensor would die at an intermediate level between the air temperature
and surface temperature. This temperature sensor has so many applications in the field of process control
and environment and it is also in the test for communication and measurements purposes. It is directly
calibrated in Celsius (Centigrade) and have a full operating range between -55 C 0 to +150 C0. It has very
low-cost due to water level trimming, very low self-heating, so much suitable for remote application and
operates at 4 to 30 V. It has typical non-linearity level between +- 1/4 C 0. The LM 35 temperature sensor
is shown

Applications of Temperature sensor

Temperature sensor are currently used in different applications here some of their
applications are given below,
1. These are used in electric motors for measuring the motor winding temperature,
internal housing temperature, bearing temperature, brushes temperate and
external body temperature.

2. These are used in electric cables for measuring the cable internal temperature
and in this application, these are used in the form of heat shrink tube or metal
housing.

3. These are used in mechanical engines for measuring the engine oil temperature
and engine bearing temperature.

4. These are used in the heating control systems such as in building where
temperature controls for the switch on or off the heating or cooling system.

5. These are used in HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system for
controlling the temperature of shopping malls building, University building,
hospital building and industrial and commercial buildings.

6. These are frequently used in humidity and air control conditioning equipment.

7. These sensors are frequently used in water incoming tubes for measuring the
water internal temperature.

8. These sensors have so many applications in renewable energy applications such

as in solar heating pumps, biomass combustion applications, wind power
applications, epithermal regulation applications, Geothermal drilling applications
and in rail vehicles.

9. These sensors are used in rubber and plastic industry.

10. These sensors also have so many applications in biomedical industry