ACTIVITY 3

Prepare a report on various types of sensors and actuators used for

various industrial application.
What is a Sensor?
Sensors and actuators are key components in industrial automation and
control systems. They are used to detect and measure physical parameters
such as temperature, pressure, force, and position, and to control the
movement or operation of machines and equipment.

Classification of Sensors
There are several classifications of sensors made by different authors and
experts. Some are very simple and some are very complex. The following
classification of sensors may already be used by an expert in the subject
but this is a very simple classification of sensors.

In the first classification of the sensors, they are divided in to Active and
Passive. Active Sensors are those which require an external excitation
signal or a power signal.

Passive Sensors, on the other hand, do not require any external power
signal and directly generates output response.

The other type of classification is based on the means of detection used in

the sensor. Some of the means of detection are Electric, Biological,
Chemical, Radioactive etc.

The next classification is based on conversion phenomenon i.e., the input

and the output. Some of the common conversion phenomena are
Photoelectric, Thermoelectric, Electrochemical, Electromagnetic,
Thermooptic, etc.

The final classification of the sensors are Analog and Digital Sensors.
Analog Sensors produce an analog output i.e., a continuous output signal
(usually voltage but sometimes other quantities like Resistance etc.) with
respect to the quantity being measured.

Digital Sensors, in contrast to Analog Sensors, work with discrete or digital

data. The data in digital sensors, which is used for conversion and
transmission, is digital in nature.

Different Types of Sensors

The following is a list of different types of sensors that are commonly used
in various applications.

1. Temperature Sensors: These sensors are used to measure the

temperature of a system or environment. Common types include
thermocouples, RTDs (resistance temperature detectors), and
thermistors.
2. Pressure Sensors: These sensors are used to measure the pressure
of fluids or gases. Common types include strain gauge, piezoelectric,
and capacitive sensors.

3. Force Sensors: These sensors are used to measure the force applied
to an object. Common types include load cells, strain gauges, and
piezoelectric sensors.
4. Position Sensors: These sensors are used to determine the position
of an object. Common types include linear variable differential
transformers (LVDT), rotary encoders, and linear encoders.

5. Proximity Sensors: These sensors are used to detect the presence of

an object without making contact with it. Common types include
inductive, capacitive, and ultrasonic sensors.
6. Optical Sensors: These sensors are used to detect the presence or
absence of light or to measure the intensity of light. Common types
include photoelectric sensors, fiber optic sensors, and color sensors.

7. Actuators: These devices are used to control the movement or

operation of machines and equipment. Common types include
electric motors, pneumatic cylinders, and hydraulic cylinders.
8. Servo Motors: These are high-precision actuators that are commonly
used in robotics, automation and control systems, and precision
motion control systems. They can be classified into DC Servo Motors
and AC Servo Motors.

9. Linear actuators: These actuators convert rotary motion into linear

motion, and are commonly used in industrial applications such as
machine tools, packaging equipment and robotics.
10. Solenoid valves: These valves are used to control the flow of
fluids, gases, or electrical current, and are widely used in industrial
automation and control systems.

In summary, Sensors and actuators play a critical role in industrial

automation and control systems. They are used to detect and
measure physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, force,
and position, and to control the movement or operation of machines
and equipment. The choice of sensor or actuator depends on the
specific requirements of the application, such as the type of
parameter to be measured or controlled, the operating range, and the
level of precision required.