Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Syllabus Unit-I: Unit-I Introduction To Measurement Systems and Passive Sensors
Syllabus Unit-I: Unit-I Introduction To Measurement Systems and Passive Sensors
UNIT-I
Introduction to Measurement Systems and Passive Sensors
Introduction to Measurement Systems
General Concepts and Terminology
Measurement Systems
Sensors Classification
General input-output Configuration
Passive Sensors
1. Resistive Sensors
Potentiometer
Strain Gages
Resistive Temperature Detectors
Thermistors
Light Dependent Resistors
Resistive Hygrometers
2. Capacitive Sensors
Variable Capacitor
Differential Capacitor
3. Inductive Sensors
Reluctance Variation Sensors
Eddy current Sensors
Linear Variable Differential Transformers
Magneto Elastic Sensors
Electromagnetic sensors
Touch Sensors
Proximity Sensors
Textbooks to be referred:
1. Sensors and Signal Conditioning, Ramon Pallas-Areny, John G. Webster, 2nd Edition.
2. Measurement Systems – Applications and Design – by Doeblin E.O., 4/e, McGraw Hill
International, 1990.
3. Principles of Industrial Instrumentation – Patranabis D. TMH. End edition 1997
4. Electronic Instrumentation by H. S. Kalsi
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Sensor:
The word sensor is originated from the Latin word ―Sentire‖, which means Perceive.
Sensor is a device which responds to an input quality by generating processable outputs. The
input and output is related through the measurements.
Or
Sensors are devices that detect the feature quantity of a measurement object and
convert this quantity into a readable signal, which is displayed on an instrument.
1.1.2 Technology:
The word technology is derived from the Greek word ―Tekhnologia‖, which means
systematic treatment.
Technology is the way we apply the scientific knowledge for practical purpose.
Or
Transformation of the techniques studied for real time applications.
1.1.3 Sensor Technology:
Technology that uses sensors to acquire information by detecting the physical,
chemical, or biological property quantities and convert them into readable signal.
i.e. successive reading do not differ. (Precision is the consistency of the instrument output for
a given value of input).
Precision can also be expressed mathematically as
P = 1- |(Xn -Xn)/Xn| where Xn = value of the nth measurement
Xn = Average of all measurements
Expected value:
The design value, i.e. the most probable value that calculations indicate one should
expect to measure.
Sensitivity:
The ratio of the change in output (response) of the instrument to a change of input or
measured variable.
Error:
The deviation of the true value from the desired value.
Error may be expressed either as absolute or as percentage of error.
Absolute error may be defined as the difference between the expected value of the
variable and the measured value of the variable.
e = Yn – Xn
where e = absolute error Yn = expected value Xn = measured value
% Error = [(Yn – Xn ) / Yn ] x 100
It is more frequently expressed as a accuracy rather than error.
Therefore A = 1 – |(Yn – Xn ) / Yn |
where A is the relative accuracy.
Accuracy is expressed as % accuracy
a = 100% – % error = = A x 100 %
where a is the % accuracy.
1.2.7 Dynamic characteristics:
Instruments rarely respond instantaneously to changes in the measured variables.
Speed of Response:
It is the rapidity with which an instrument responds to changes in the measured
quantity.
Dynamic Error:
It is the difference between the true value of a quantity changing with time and the
value indicated by the instrument, if no static error is assumed.
Fidelity:
The ability of the system to reproduce the output in the same form as the input. It is
the degree to which an instrument indicates the changes in the measured variable without
dynamic error (faithful reproduction).
Lag:
It is the retardation or delay in the response of an instrument to changes in the
measured variable.
1.2.8 Gain:
Gain means amplification. If a signal is applied to a circuit such as the amplifier shown in
Figure 1.2 and the output of the circuit has greater amplitude than the input signal, the circuit
has gain. Gain is simply the ratio of the output to the input.
Figure 1.4: Functions and data flow in a measurement and control system
Transducers, Sensors, and Actuators:
A transducer is a device that converts a signal from one physical form to a
corresponding signal having a different physical form. Therefore, it is an energy converter.
Transducers are two types: Sensors and Actuators.
Devices offering an electric output are called sensors/detectors. Most measurement
systems use electric signals, and hence rely on sensors.
Actuators are transducers used to present the data for display means which converts
electrical signal into appropriate signal which can understand by the observer.
Signal Conditioning and Display:
Signal conditioners are measuring system elements that start with an electric sensor
output signal and then yield a signal suitable for transmission, display, or recording, or that
better meet the requirements of a subsequent standard equipment or device.
Transmission: Includes Amplification, Modulation, Demodulation
Display: The display of measured results can be in an analog (optical, acoustic, or tactile) or
in a digital (optical) form.
Recording: The recording can be magnetic, electronic, or on paper.
A/D Converters: sensor output signals, which may have amplitude in the millivolt range,
must be conditioned before they can be applied to the ADC.
Analog Potentiometer
Based on Signal
Digital Position encoder
differential pressure might be zero. Thus if you are trying to measure pressures under such
circumstances, an error will be engendered because of the interfering acceleration input.
Similarly, in Fig. 1.7c, if the manometer is not properly aligned with the gravity vector, it
may give an output signal x even though no pressure difference exists. Thus the tilt angle ɵ is
an interfering input. (It is also a modifying input.)
1.8 Potentiometer
A resistive potentiometer (pot) consists of a resistance element provided with a sliding
contact, called a wiper. The motion of the sliding contact may be translatory or rotational.
Some have a combination of both, with resistive elements in the form of a helix which are
shown in figure 1.13.
Symbol of ‘Pot’ is shown in figure 1.12a where Arrow indicates that the resistance
variation responds to a mechanical action. The wiper can also be connected to an end
terminal to obtain a variable resistor (rheostat) as shown in figure 1.12b.
VO = IRA 1.8.1
But by voltage Divider rule
I = VS/(RA+RB) 1.8.2
VO = VS RA/(RA+RB) 1.8.3
We know that Resistance R = ρl/A
For Linear POT Area of cross section is constant and resistivity is constant only varied
quantity is length. So VO can be written as
VO = VS lA/(lA+lB) 1.8.4
From 1.8.4 we can say that Output voltage is depends on the Linear Displacement of the
potentiometer.
1.8.2 Advantages of Potentiometer:
They are inexpensive.
Simple to operate and are very useful for applications where the requirements are not
particularly severe.
They are useful for the measurement of large amplitudes of displacement.
Electrical efficiency is very high, and they provide sufficient output to allow control
operations.
1.8.3 Disadvantages of Potentiometer:
When using a linear potentiometer, a large force is required to move the sliding
contacts.
The sliding contacts can wear out, become misaligned and generate noise.
1.8.4 Applications of potentiometer:
Elevators
Liquid-level assemblies
Fork lift trucks
Automobile
Printing
Spraying
Robotics.
1.8.5 Specifications:
Range: 2mm to 8m
Resistance: 20Ω to 220KΩ
Resolution: 50μm
Strain gages are wire or film resistors deposited on a thin, flexible carrier material. The
wire or film is very thin, so it can easily be stressed as shown in figure 1.16.
Early strain gages were made of thin wires that are folded to obtain high sensitivity in
one direction, while keeping the total dimensions within practical limits as shown in
figure 1.17.
More popular are the foil gages a thin film of conducting material is deposited on an
insulating backing material and etched to create a meander like structure (the grid) as
shown in figure 1.18a.
1.9.4 Working of Strain Gage:
Principle: Change in the value of the resistivity of the conductor when subjected to strain, a
property called the piezo-resistive effect. Therefore, resistance strain gages are also known as
piezo resistive gages.
The sensitivity of a strain gauge is expressed in relative resistance change per unit of strain.
𝑑𝑅 𝑅
𝐾= 1.9.1
𝑑𝑙 𝑙
Differentiate A w.r.t D
𝑑𝐴 2𝜋𝐷 𝜋𝐷
= = 1.9.9
𝑑𝐷 4 2
𝜋𝐷
𝑑𝐴 = 𝑑𝐷 1.9.10
2
Figure 1.19 a) Two terminal RTD b) Three Terminal RTD c) Four Terminal RTD.
But when the temperature increases, the vibrations of the atoms around their
equilibrium positions increase in amplitude.
This results in a greater dispersion of electrons, which reduces their average speed.
Hence, the resistance increases when the temperature rises.
This relationship between temperature and resistance can be written as
R = R0(1 + a1 T + a2 T2 + · · · + an Tn)
where R0 is the resistance at the reference temperature T = 0.
a1, a2 …. is temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR)
The number of terms necessary depends on the material, the accuracy required, and
the temperature range to be covered.
For copper one term, platinum two terms and nickel three terms.
For Copper RTD Probe, R = R0(1+aT)
a = (R100-R0)/100°C(R0)
The sensing element Rs is made of a material having a high temperature coefficient,
and R1, R2, and R5 are made of resistances that are practically constant under normal
temperature changes.
When no current flows through the galvanometer, the normal principle of
Wheatstone’s bridge states the ratio of resistance is R1/R2 = Rs/R5
In normal practice, the sensing element is away from the indicator, and its leads have
a resistance, say R3, R4.
Therefore, R1/R2 = R3+R4+Rs/R5
Now it resistance Rs changes, balance cannot be maintained and the galvanometer
shows a deflection, which can be calibrated to give a suitable temperature scale.
Advantages of RTD’s:
The measurement is very accurate.
The temperature sensitive resistance element can be easily installed and replaced.
The resistive element response time is of the order of 2 to 10s
Stability of performance over long periods of time.
The size of the resistive element may be about 6 – 12 mm in diameter and 12 – 75
mm in length.
Disadvantages of RTD’s:
High cost
Need for bridge circuit and power source
Applications of RTD’s:
Fire Detectors
Coolant Sensors
Engine Temperature measurements
Specifications of RTD’s:
1.10.2 Thermistors:
Thermistor comes from ``thermally sensitive resistor'' and applies to temperature dependent
resistors that are based not on conductors as the RTD but on semiconductors.
They are designated as NTC when having a negative temperature coefficient and as PTC
when having a positive temperature coefficient.
Figure shows their respective symbols where the horizontal line at one end of the diagonal
line indicates that the resistance variation is not linear.
a) PTC Thermistor
b) NTC Thermistor
Thermistors are available commercially in the form of beads, Washer, rods, and disks.
However, most temperature-sensing applications will employ ready-made Probes.
Advantages of Thermistors:
Small size and low cost.
Good sensitivity in the NTC region.
The resistive element response time is of the order of 2 to 10s
Cold junction compensation not required due to dependence of resistance on absolute
temperature.
Fast response over narrow temperature range.
Disadvantages of Thermistors:
Unsuitable for wide temperature range.
Need of shielded power lines, filters, etc. due to high resistance.
Applications of Thermistors:
Ovens
Refrigerators
Digital thermometers
Specifications of Thermistors:
1.16.3 Advantages:
Less in size.
Accurate Conductive Measurements.
Sensitivity to Surface defects.
1.16.4 Disadvantages:
Not suitable to large areas.
Very Susceptible to magnetic permeability changes.
Only effective on conducting materials.
1.16.5 Applications:
Position sensors
Detecting Gaps
Measuring thickness
1.17.2 Working:
It is based on the variation in mutual inductance between a primary winding and each
of two secondary windings when a ferromagnetic core moves along its inside, dragged by a
nonferromagnetic rod linked to the moving part to sense.
When the primary winding is supplied by an ac voltage, in the center position the
voltages induced in each secondary winding are equal. When the core moves from that
position, one of the two secondary voltages increases and the other decreases by the same
amount. Hence the output voltage of the sensor is the difference of the two voltages.
Therefore the differential output voltage Eo = ES1 - ES2.
When the core is at its normal position, the flux linking with both secondary windings
is equal, and hence equal emfs are induced in them. Hence, at null position ES1 = ES2. Since
the output voltage of the transducer is the difference of the two voltages, the output voltage
Eo is zero at null position.
Now, if the core is moved to the left of the null position, more flux links with winding
S1 and less with winding S2. Hence, output voltage ES1 of the secondary winding S1 is
greater than ES2. The magnitude of the output voltage of the secondary is then ES1 – ES2, in
phase with ES1.
Now, if the core is moved to the Right of the null position, more flux links with
winding S2 and less with winding S1. Hence, output voltage ES2 of the secondary winding S2
is greater than ES1. The magnitude of the output voltage of the secondary is then ES2 – ES1, in
phase with ES2.
1.17.3 Advantages:
Linearity
High Sensitivity
High Ouput
Low Power Consumption
1.17.4 Disadvantages:
Large displacements are required for appreciable differential output.
The receiving instrument must be selected to operate on ac signals.
Temperature also affects the sensor.
1.17.5 Applications:
Aircrafts
Materials testing
1.18.3 Advantages:
High Accuracy
High Stable
Easy to Install
1.18.4 Disadvantages:
High Cost.
1.18.5 Applications:
Measure Force
Measure Pressure
Measure Torque
Steel Rolling
Dam Brake
1.19.3 AC Tachometer:
AC Tachometer works on principle, The Voltage induced in a circuit N turns moving
with an angular speed ‘n’ with respect to a constant Magnetic field with a flux density B.
e = -N(dΦ/dt)
= -N(dBAcosθ/dt)
= NBAsinθ(dθ/dt)
w.k.t ω = 2πn = dθ/dt
θ = ∫ ωdt
e = NBA ω sin ∫ ωdt
e = NBA 2πn sin2πnt
From the Above Equation Output voltage varies for both amplitude and frequency.
Practically it is not possible because at low rotating speeds amplitude will be low.
1.19.4 DC Tachometer:
Dc tachometers or tachometer dynamos are similar to ac units, but the output voltage
is rectified as in dc voltage generators. They consist of a permanent magnet based on
proprietary alloys and formed by sintering, which creates a constant magnetic Flux, and on a
multiturn coil turning inside the Field at the speed to measure. The variable magnetic Flux
seen by the coil induces a voltage in it.
1.19.5 Linear Velocity Transducer:
Linear velocity sensors directly measure linear velocity. A conductor having a length l
and moving with a linear velocity v defines a time-varying area. If the conductor is
perpendicular to a magnetic field having a Flux density B and moves in a direction
perpendicular to l and B, the voltage induced on that conductor from the Faraday’s law is
given as
e = Blv
Which implies a direct proportionality between voltage and velocity. The velocity to be
measured moves the coil inside a fixed permanent magnet
a) b) R = R0 T) c) R = R0(1- T) d) None
5. Symbol of Potentiometer-
6. Symbol of Strain Gage-
7. Symbol of RTD-
8. Symbol of Thermistors
9. Symbol of LDR-