Sensor is a device that can convert physical quantities into electrical quantities, usually composed of sensing elements and signal processing and other parts.
I. Definition and Concept of a Sensor
A sensor is a device that measures, detects, and monitors physical quantities in the environment (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity, light, etc.). It can convert these physical quantities into electrical signals that are easy to read and record, and transmit that signal to a receiving device or control system.
Therefore, sensors have a wide range of applications in industrial, medical, environmental, military and other fields.
Two, the classification of sensors
1. According to the measurement parameters: can be divided into temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, photoelectric sensors and so on.
2. According to the working principle of classification: can be divided into capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, magnetoresistive sensors, piezoelectric sensors and so on.
3. According to the application scene classification: can be divided into automotive sensors, flow sensors, gas sensors, biochemical sensors and so on.
Three, the components of the sensor
1. Sensing element: the core part of the sensor, but also an important part of the realization of the physical quantity measurement. It can be physically effect, the measured physical quantity will be converted into an electrical signal output.
2. Signal Processing Circuit: The signal output from the sensing element needs to be processed by voltage amplification, filtering, linearization and temperature compensation. The signal can be processed to remove the influence of non-ideal factors and converted into a suitable voltage signal.
3. Peripheral and interface circuits: connected to the sensor, responsible for signal amplification, conversion, processing and transmission. Usually chip, connector, power supply and other components of the medium.
4. encapsulation body and protective materials: to enable the sensor can be applied in the actual project, it is necessary to use a sufficiently strong, robust and flexible housing to protect its components from physical damage, in terms of waterproofness and corrosion resistance also need to be taken into account.
Four, expanding knowledge
In recent years, with the rapid development of the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, sensors and their related technologies have also been widely used.
For example, there are many sensors in the field of smart home, such as temperature and humidity sensors, combustible gas sensors, PM2.5 sensors, etc., which can be realized through intelligent devices to remotely monitor and control, and improve the comfort and safety of the living environment.
In terms of smart manufacturing and industrial automation, sensors can also enable automatic detection, coordinated production processes, and help optimize manufacturing processes, reduce product costs, and improve productivity. In addition, sensor technology is also widely used in environmental protection and logistics.