What exactly is a sensor? Sensors of various types and their applications

Sensors can be found in our homes, offices, and cars, and they work to make our lives easier by turning on the lights when we walk in the room, adjusting the room temperature, detecting smoke or fire, making us delicious coffee, opening garage doors when our car approaches, and many other tasks. Sensors enable all of these and many other automation tasks. Before delving into the specifics of What is a Sensor, What are the Different Types of Sensors, and Applications for these Different Types of Sensors, let's look at a simple example of an automated system made possible by Sensors (and many other components as well). Sensor Application in Real Time The Autopilot System in aircrafts is an example of what we're talking about here. Almost all civilian and military aircrafts have an Automatic Flight Control system, also known as an autopilot. An Automatic Flight Control System is made up of several sensors that perform various tasks such as speed control, height monitoring, position tracking, door status, obstacle detection, fuel level, manoeuvring, and so on. A computer collects data from all of these sensors and processes it by comparing it to pre-programmed values. The computer then sends control signals to various components such as engines, flaps, rudders, motors, and so on, resulting in a smooth flight. The combination of Sensors, Computers, and Mechanics allows the plane to operate in Autopilot Mode. Sensor Classification Different authors and experts have created various classifications of sensors. Some are extremely simple, while others are extremely complex. An expert in the subject may already use the following classification of sensors, but it is a very simple classification of sensors. The sensors are divided into two categories in the first classification: active and passive. Active sensors require an external excitation or power signal to function. Passive sensors, on the other hand, do not require any external power signal and generate output response directly. The other type of classification is based on the method of detection used in the sensor. Electric, biological, chemical, radioactive, and other detection methods exist. Sensors of Various Types The following is a list of various sensor types that are commonly used in various applications. All of these sensors are used to measure physical properties such as temperature, resistance, capacitance, conduction, heat transfer, and so on. • 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 • Position Sensor • Magnetic Sensor (Hall Effect Sensor) • Microphone (Sound Sensor) • Tilt Sensor • Flow and Level Sensor • PIR Sensor • Touch Sensor • Strain and Weight Sensor Check Out Our Entire Range Of Sensors & Sensor Modules