What is a Sensor? Different Types of Sensors, Applications

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Sensors are a part of everyday life at home and work. There’s probably not a day that goes by where you aren’t impacted in some way by a sensor.

In this video, we’re going to talk about what a sensor is, what it can do, and how it can be used in process control.

A sensor is a device that senses something. Today we have sensors that can see, feel, hear, smell, and even taste.

Without sensors, our home and work lives would be quite difficult. For example, as you drive to work, the traffic lights at an intersection are controlled by sensors embedded in the road. These sensors detect your arrival at the intersection.

As you approach the grocery store, the door automatically opens because of a sensor.

In your plant, the batch process temperature and pressure are displayed and controlled as a result of output from Sensors.

In the world of instrumentation and process control, we define a Sensor as a device that detects changes in physical, electrical, or chemical properties and produces an electrical output in response to that change.

What are the typical physical properties that sensors are detecting?
Let’s name a few… Level, Temperature, Flow, Pressure, Speed, and Position.

From a process control perspective, we can classify sensors as either Passive or Active.

A Passive Sensor requires an external source of power to operate while an Active Sensor does not.

A Thermocouple is an Active Sensor as it does not require any external power supply to operate.
As a thermocouple is exposed to an increase in temperature, it will develop an increasing voltage across it.

Another example of an Active sensor is a piezoelectric sensor.

A Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) is a Passive Sensor. It is a device that’s resistance will change with a change in temperature. To take advantage of this change in resistance, an external supply, or an excitation circuit is required to produce a change in voltage.

Another example of a Passive sensor is a Strain Gauge.

Almost every sensor used in process control will be connected to a Transmitter because a sensor’s output needs to be conditioned or amplified.

Here’s an example…We’ve already talked about a thermocouple and the voltage output created when it is heated. Unfortunately, the voltage output of a thermocouple is minuscule!

In our example, the thermocouple will produce a voltage output from 8 mV to 18 mV over a 450 degree Fahrenheit change in temperature!

In-process control, we condition that 8mV to 18mV thermocouple voltage and convert it to a 4 mA to 20 mA industry-standard signal that represents our controlled temperature range.

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[sageautomation]

Very well and simply explained about sensors and types of sensors with the diagrams.
A sensor is a device that helps to make advancements in electronic quantities physical quantities and other quantities. It shall result in making progress by affirming yield. In Industrial Automation, There are four types of sensors. Temperature sensor, MEMS sensor, Pressure sensor, and Torque sensor.
Keep doing such videos.

[kaizoku]

the best youtube channel that really made me interested in industrial field even more ♥ thanks realpars

[hamzamohamed]

Keep making knowledge more fun and understandable, therefore the world will be better... Your fan from sudan, Africa 🇵🇸✌️✌️

[lord_kaitu]

Good job, but active rather needs an external source not passive

[alikhanzulkashov]

Dear RealPars, this is another awesome video, I would like to ask if it is possible to make a video on how to connect analog input and output devices to AI and AO modules of S7-1200, modules like 6ES7 231-4HD32-0XB0, 6ES7 231-4HF32-0XB0, 6ES7 231-5ND32-0XB0 for analog input and 6ES7 232-4HB32-0XB0, 6ES7 232-4HD32-0XB0 for analog output, showing how to connect in case of current signal transmission and voltage signal transmission loops. These are so confusing, in addition, couldn't find it on the internet. Hope it will get so many likes to put it on the top. Thanks in advance!

[jeddestrera]

Good day RealPars, this is a good video. But i found the topic Active and Passive sensors confusing. I learned that Active sensors require external supply to operate and passive sensors don't. and another thing, RTD primarily give output in a change in Resistance not voltage. may you find this comment constructive. Thank you

[carlanthem]

Love this videos😍 I wish my classes were like this🙈

[bpnwfmr]

All of your ideal' sharing are much more appreciated' and very impressive SIR. Thank you.😊

[johncully]

please clarify, i believe passive dont need external power supply and active do?or am i wrong

[.Solutions]

We love sensors. Would you please do a video on wireless sensors for Industry 4.0? =]

[ermalx.berisha]

Another great clip illustrated with great examples. Thank you so much!

[aliusef]

Amazing video, But aren't Active & Passive terms the other way around ...?

I think its

Active sensors // sensors that need an external power source to operate

passive sensors // sensors that doesn't need an external power source

[IK-quhw]

Sir This is perfect definition of active & passive sensor . In last video u said incorrect.

[ghirmayokubay]

I think there is a mistake here. you said an active sensor doesn`t need external power. i think it is passive sensor that doesn`t need an external power. I see in my lecture notes the opposite to what you said. apart from that, a very good video from you and we appreciate that.

[normchristopherson]

I am in the controls industry. This video has reversed "active" and "passive".

[BelajarOtomasi]

Does anyone know, what software is used to make the simulation in this video?

[juliocesardealmeida]

Fantastic! I enjoyed a lot these small video about sensors. Congratulations!

[zaidoonraheem]

Hello, is there a book or certified source that talks about frequency sensor and instruments

[adityalohar]

Hi, I am doing a project in which I need a sensor to detect the running "Ambulance" on road. The sensor is required to provide the information whether the ambulance is coming at Chowk (Junction or cross over of roads), or not. Then, which sensor should I use?

[Tobioluwole]

From what i've read online an active sensor is meant to be the one requiring an external power source whilst the passive sensor is the opposite but in this video it says other wise. Please explain?