Introduction:
Transducers and sensors are used in various appliances and gadgets but there is a difference between transducer and sensor which needs to be understood.
A transducer is a device that is used to convert a non-electrical signal into an electrical signal whereas the sensor is used to measure the physical changes that occur in the surroundings like temperature, light, etc, and convert it into a readable signal.
Examples of sensors are:
- barometer
- accelerometer
Example of transducers are:
- thermocouple
- microphones
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 such as the most general example such as the motion sensor which is used in numerous systems such as automatic doors, security lights. These send some kind of signals like ultrasonic waves, microwaves or light beams and senses when there is an interruption in the flow. The type of input or output transducer being used 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 into signals which are read by an instrument. |
| It converts electricity to electromagnetic waves. | It senses physical quantity and converts 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 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 is used to measure voltage, capacitance, inductance, ohmic resistance. |
These were some difference between transducer and sensor. If you wish to find out more, download BYJU’S – The Learning App.
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 sensitivity of the transducer is calculated by dividing the transducer range with the full range output.Â
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?
Following are the applications of transducers:
- In electromagnetic
- In electrochemical
- In electromechanical
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.