Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica

Transductores y laboratorio
Actividad Fundamental 1
Tema: Introducción

Nestor Javier Lopez Garcia

1908570
Semestre: Agosto-Diciembre 2023
Answer the following questions and upload a .pdf with the answers. This is an individual activity.

1. What is a transducer?

A transducer is an essential component in electronics and engineering that converts various

physical quantities, such as temperature, sound, light, and motion, into corresponding electrical
signals. These signals can be measured, analyzed, or transmitted for various purposes. Transducers
act as intermediaries between the physical world and the world of electrical signals, allowing us to
understand and utilize the environment in diverse ways. They operate based on specific scientific
principles, such as piezoelectricity or electromagnetic induction, which enable them to transform
energy from one form to another. This has applications in areas such as medicine, industry, and
scientific research and is crucial for translating real-world phenomena into the language of
electronic systems.

2. Name 5 classification of transducers by its working principle and explain it briefly.

Piezoelectric Transducers: These transducers work based on the piezoelectric effect, where
certain materials generate electric charges when subjected to mechanical stress or deformation. In
the context of transducers, they can convert mechanical vibrations, such as sound waves or
pressure, into electrical signals. They are widely used in ultrasound imaging, non-destructive
testing, and vibration sensors.

Resistive Transducers: These transducers rely on changes in electrical resistance to convert a

physical quantity into an electrical signal. As the physical parameter (e.g., temperature or
pressure) changes, the resistance of the transducer element changes, leading to a corresponding
change in the electrical output. Thermistors (temperature sensors) and strain gauges (for
measuring mechanical strain) are examples of resistive transducers.

Inductive Transducers: Inductive transducers utilize the principle of electromagnetic induction to

convert a physical quantity into an electrical signal. Changes in the magnetic field around the
transducer result in variations in induced voltage. Linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs)
are a common example used to measure linear displacement.

Capacitive Transducers: These transducers use changes in capacitance to detect and convert a
physical quantity. They operate by varying the separation or overlap of capacitor plates in
response to the physical parameter being measured. Capacitive transducers are used in
touchscreens, pressure sensors, and level measurement systems.

Optical Transducers: Optical transducers use light to convert a physical quantity into an electrical
signal or vice versa. They are based on principles such as absorption, reflection, or emission of
light. Photodiodes, used in light detection, and fiber optic sensors, which measure parameters like
temperature or pressure, fall into this category.
 3. Name 3 examples of those 5 classifications of transducers applied in the biomedical field.

Piezoelectric Ultrasound Transducers: These are widely used in medical imaging applications.
When an electrical voltage is applied to the piezoelectric crystal, it vibrates, generating ultrasonic
waves. These waves are used to create images of internal body structures in techniques like
ultrasound imaging.

Thermocouples for Temperature Monitoring: In the biomedical field, thermocouples are often
used to measure and monitor patients' body temperature. A thermocouple junction is placed in
contact with the patient's skin, and the generated voltage is correlated with the patient's
temperature.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) Electrodes: ECG electrodes are a type of resistive transducer. They
measure the electrical activity of the heart by detecting changes in electrical resistance caused by
the heart's contractions. These electrodes are commonly used in monitoring heart health and
diagnosing cardiac conditions.