We know that transducers and sensors are used in various appliances and gadgets. There is a difference between transducer and sensor, which needs to be understood. In this article, let us understand the difference between sensor and transducer.
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What Are Sensor and Transducer?
A transducer is a device that converts a non-electrical signal into an electrical signal. Transducers are referred to as energy converters. Transducers are of different types; input transducers and output transducers.
Example of transducers are:
- Thermocouple
- Microphones
A sensor is a device used to measure the physical changes in the surroundings, like temperature, light, etc., and convert them into a readable signal.
Examples of sensors are:
- Barometer
- Accelerometer
The transducer consists of a sensor and signals conditioning circuits and finds application in communication systems to convert the electricity to electromagnetic waves.
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What Is the Difference between Transducer and Sensor?
There are different types of sensors available and can be used for remote sensing like the most general example of motion sensor which is used in numerous systems such as automatic doors and security lights. These send some kind of signals like ultrasonic waves, microwaves or light beams and sense when there is an interruption in the flow. The input or output transducer type depends upon the kind of signal sensed or controlled.
Following is the table explaining Transducer Vs Sensor:
| Difference between Transducer and Sensor | |
| Transducer | Sensor |
| It helps in converting one form of energy into another form. | It senses physical quantities and converts them into signals read by an instrument. |
| It converts electricity to electromagnetic waves. | It senses physical quantity and converts it into analog quantity. |
| The antenna is one type of transducer. Microphones and loudspeakers are also of one type. | One type of Sensor is LED. Sensors are used in automobiles to detect touch and activate the siren. |
| It converts the measured quantity into a standard electrical signal like -10 to +10V DC | It measures voltage, capacitance, inductance, and ohmic resistance. |
| Examples: Strain gauge, piezoelectric transducer, linear transducer, and microphone. | Examples: Temperature sensor, thermistor, proximity sensor, and pressure switch. |
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is the classification of a transducer?
The classification of a transducer is based on the transduction form:
- The primary and secondary transducer
- Active and passive transducer
- Analog and digital transducer
- Transducers and inverse transducer
How to calculate the sensitivity of the transducer?
The transducer’s sensitivity is calculated by dividing the transducer range with the full range output.
State true or false: The sensor is a type of transducer.
The given statement about the sensor is true.
What are the applications of transducers?
Transducers have electromagnetic, electrochemical and electromechanical applications.
What are the different types of sensors?
Following are the different types of sensors:
- Speed sensor
- Temperature sensor
- Ultrasonic sensor
- Pyroelectric sensor
Give applications of different types of sensors.
Following are the applications of different types of sensors:
- Pressure sensors are used for measuring the pressure of gas and liquids.
- Humidity sensors are used for sensing relative humidity that is used for measuring air temperature as well as moisture.
These were some differences between the transducer and sensor if you wish to learn more, download BYJU’S – The Learning App.
