Introduction

When a sensor senses a change in the physical environment, it responds accordingly. It might be anything from heat to motion, wetness to pressure, or any other environmental factor. Output from sensors is often shown on a human-readable display at the sensor position or transferred electronically through a network for reading or other processes, such as further analysis.

It is expected that the sensors market in India would develop significantly over the projected period due to the increasing sales of automobiles and the improvements in consumer electronics. Another factor contributing to the expansion of the sensors market is an increase in the popularity of electronic devices such as personal computers (PCs), smartphones (including smart watches), and tablets.

Top 10 Sensors manufacturing companies in India

• STMicroelectronics Private Limited
• Texas Instruments (India) Private Limited
• 3M India Limited
• Cognex Sensors India Private Limited
• Freescale Semiconductor India Private Limited
• Honeywell Automation India Private Limited
• Murata Electronics (India) Private Limited
• Alps Electric (India) Private Limited
• TE Connectivity India Private Limited
• Semtech Advanced Systems India Private Limited

Top 13 Sensor types and their applications- You must know before use

1- Vision and Imaging Sensors

Imaging and Vision When an item or color enters the field of vision of a sensor/detector, the sensor/detector sensors manufacturers convert the detected data into a visual picture that may be displayed.

Applications:

• Controlling the product quality: Product quality and consistency are ensured by using vision sensors in automated processing lines.
• 3D Sensors: As a result, these sensors may be used to determine an object's measurements as well as evaluate the contents of the package.
• Pixel Counter Sensor: Pixel counter sensors count the individual pixels in an image with the same gray-scale value to determine the size of an item.
• Contour Sensors: Scoop placement in packing, verification of steel rod punch-outs, and verification of car wheel nut placement are all common applications for contour sensors.

2- Position Sensors

Devices that sense the position of valves, doors, throttles, etc., and give signals to the inputs of control or display devices are known as position sensors/detectors/transducers (PSDT). Sensor type, sensor function, wide dynamic range, and sensor-specific properties are all critical criteria.

Applications:

• The gates' opening and closing times are determined by position sensors.
• Testing the structural integrity of a building.
• Vehicle evaluations are carried out.
• The angle of the steering wheel and the location of the gear shifter
• Pedal position and activation of the clutch/throttle

3- Radiation Sensors

There are electrical devices that detect the presence of radiation particles (alpha, beta, or gamma) and send signals to counters or displays. The type of sensor used, as well as the smallest and largest observable energies, are all important considerations. To conduct surveys and count samples, radiation detectors are employed.

Applications:

• Radio waves, solar radiation (sunlight), and X-rays are all examples of radiation sensors.
• It is possible to utilize a large-scale radiation detector, known as an RPM, to measure radiation levels in big items such as automobiles and trucks, shipping containers and boxes as well as individuals.
• Gamma rays and neutron emissions can be detected with the help of personal radiation detectors, or PRDs.

4- Proximity Sensors

A proximity sensor is a piece of electrical equipment that uses non-contact ways to detect the presence of anything close. It is possible to use a proximity sensor to detect things within a range of a few millimeters and to send an output signal to a controller.

Applications:

• It is common to utilize proximity sensors to identify items, count parts, measure velocity, determine the direction of movement, and monitoring tools, among other things.
• It is used for counting cartons, sorting products, and detecting contrast.
• Object detection with magnetic sensors is used in security and military applications.

5- Pressure Sensors

An electromechanical device called a pressure sensor/detector/transducer is used to measure forces per unit area in gases or liquids. A strain gage bridge and diaphragm are often used in pressure sensors and transducers in detecting and quantifying the force applied to a unit area.

Applications:

• Industrial use: Depending on the voltage or current output, pressure sensors can be employed in liquid tanks to monitor the pressure (up to 30 PSI).
• Automotive Use: When the pressure in the brake chambers drops too low, these sensors can warn drivers as well as the vehicle's engine management system.
• Automated building use: Monitoring the ammonia's pressure as it moves through the system with relative pressure sensors guarantees that it does not exceed acceptable levels.

6- Particle Sensors

Sensors/Detectors for Particles are electrical devices that are used to detect and deliver signals to control or display devices. The use of particle sensors in the monitoring of bins and baghouses is commonplace.

Applications:

• A fan, a laser, and a light detector make up the optical particle counter.
• This aids in monitoring the user's health.

7- Motion Sensors

In electronics, motion sensors may detect movement and send signals to the inputs of control or display devices.

Applications:

• Intruder Alarms
• Entryway lighting
• Hand dryers
• Automatic Doors
• An Ultrasonic Sensor is used for triggering the security Camera at home
• Automatic Ticket gates

8- Metal Sensors

Electromechanical or electronic metal detectors are used to detect metal in many scenarios, from shipments to individuals. Permanent or portable metal detectors can use a variety of sensors, with electromagnetics being the most common.

Applications:

• They are often employed in high-security locations, such as airports, train stations, hotels, military facilities, and other government buildings, to ensure safety.
• They're frequently employed to look for weaponry, gold, or any other type of metal on these sorts of digs.
• Civil engineering uses them as well.

9- Level Sensors

A level sensor/detector is an electrical or electro-mechanical device that measures the height of gases, liquids, or solids in tanks or bins and sends a signal to the inputs of control or display equipment. Ultrasonic, capacitance, vibratory, and mechanical sensors are commonly used to measure product height.

Applications:

• The ultrasonic level sensors are utilized in the mining and powders, food, and beverage sectors to monitor liquid levels and fine-grained materials.
• Tank level monitoring in the chemical, water treatment, food, and battery sectors is a popular usage for these devices.
• For example, they're frequently employed in leak detection and tank level monitoring.
• Additionally, they are employed when temperatures vary.

10- Gas and Chemical Sensors

There are a wide variety of electronic devices that may be mounted or carried about and used to detect different gases and chemicals, as well as their characteristics, and then transmit that information to a controller or display.

Applications:

• Using the light sensor, the industry's alarm system may be detected.
• Buildings, ships, and planes all make use of them.

11- Electrical Sensors

The hall effect is a common means of detecting electrical signals, but other techniques are also employed. Sensor type, sensor function, min and max data ranges, and operating temperature are some of the most important criteria.

Applications:

• For usage in industrial, automotive, consumer, data center, and communications applications, these electric sensor ICs offer high accuracy, reduced productivity with real-time protection, and strong interfaces.
• Physiological signals such as core temperature and heart rate can be measured using electrical sensors and biosensors.
• Mobile phones, wearable technology, and clinical health patches may all benefit from this low-power, small-package biosensor ICs, which provide reliable measures of human vitals such as temperature, heart rate, and biopotential.

12- Temperature Sensor

For this purpose, the temperature is measured, and it helps to know how temperatures change over time. In the medical, automotive, aerospace, and agricultural industries, they are utilized. A thermocouple, a thermistor, and a resistance temperature detector are all examples of temperature sensors.

Applications:

• Equipment used in the workplace: For safety concerns, most industrial equipment and manufacturing gear include a temperature sensor.
• Industry of Food and Beverage: To ensure food safety, a temperature sensor is employed in this setting to monitor food temperatures.
• Devices and computers: To prevent computers and other gadgets from overheating and posing a threat, temperature sensors have been installed.
• Renewable Energy
• Drilling
• Lab & Testing

13- Flame Sensors

A flame detector is an optoelectronic device that detects and transmits signals to control devices when there is a fire present and of a certain quality. A flame detector is a device that detects the existence of a flame using ultraviolet or infrared light. It is commonly used in combustion control systems, such as those found in burners.

Applications:

• Fire Detection
• Fire Fighting robot
• Drying System
• Industrial gas Turbines
• Domestic Heating Systems
• Gas-powered Cooking devices

Conclusion

I hope you have now understood what sensors are and also what are the sensor types and their applications.  Now, it is time to select the right sensor for your needs.

FAQs: Sensors

Q. How to choose the right Sensor?

Ans. Here are the basic considerations:

• Ascertain sensing mode
• Composition of the object of study
• How far away is the desired object
• Capacitor size
• Input and Output System

Q. Are metal sensors use in Civil engineering tasks?

Ans. Yes, it is common in civil engineering to utilize Metal sensors and transducers to detect characteristics like displacement and temperature. Research on structural behavior or material qualities has traditionally relied on sensing devices.

Q. How drilling job can be done through the sensor?

Ans. Sensors are employed at every stage of the oil and gas production process, from exploration to refining to storage and transportation and so on. Many different types of sensors are employed in the oil and gas sector to gather data. Stable and dependable operations require sensors to keep track of a wide range of critical characteristics.