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Mechatronics: Sensors Performance Terminology

Mechatronics sensors can be categorized as either binary (on-off) or analog (proportional) based on the type of output signal produced. Key performance parameters for sensors include range, accuracy, sensitivity, hysteresis error, nonlinearity error, repeatability, stability, and response time. Proper selection of a sensor depends on factors like the variable being measured, required measurement accuracy and speed, operating environment, and cost considerations. Common sensors used in mechanical engineering applications measure displacement, proximity, velocity, force, pressure, fluid flow, liquid level, temperature, and light intensity.

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109 views

Mechatronics: Sensors Performance Terminology

Mechatronics sensors can be categorized as either binary (on-off) or analog (proportional) based on the type of output signal produced. Key performance parameters for sensors include range, accuracy, sensitivity, hysteresis error, nonlinearity error, repeatability, stability, and response time. Proper selection of a sensor depends on factors like the variable being measured, required measurement accuracy and speed, operating environment, and cost considerations. Common sensors used in mechanical engineering applications measure displacement, proximity, velocity, force, pressure, fluid flow, liquid level, temperature, and light intensity.

Uploaded by

KARTHIK S S
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MECHATRONICS

SENSORS PERFORMANCE TERMINOLOGY


PUSHPARAJ MANI PATHAK
MECHANICAL & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEEING, IIT ROORKEE

1
Introduction

• Sensors: Element which produces a signal relating to the


quantity being measured. Example: Electrical resistance
thermometer
• Quantity being measured – temp.
• Sensor transforms it to change of resistance
• Transducer: element that when subjected to some
physical change experience a related change.
• Thus sensors are transducers.
2
Performance Terminology
• Range
– limits between which the input can vary
• Span
– maximum value-minimum value
– For a load cell measurement of forces might have a range
of 0 to 50 kN and a span of 50 kN
• Error
– measured value – true value
– A sensor might give a resistance change of 10.2 Ω when
the true change is 10.5 Ω . The error is thus -0.3 Ω.

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• Accuracy
– Extent to which the value indicated might be wrong.
– Accuracy of ±2˚C means reading of instrument may lie
+ or -2˚C.
– Also expressed as % of full range output.
– Range 0 to 2000C, accuracy ±5%, means result is
expected to lie within + or -100C

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• Sensitivity
– Relation ship indicating how much output one gets
per unit input.
– A resistance thermometer may have a sensitivity of
0.5 Ω/ ˚C.
– Many times sensitivity is expressed for input which is
not being measured.

5
• Hysteresis Error
– Different output for the same
value of the input
– depending upon whether it has
been got for increasing value or
for decreasing value.

6
• Non Linearity Error
• For many transducers a linear relationship between the input
and output is assumed over the working range.
• Various methods are used for the numerical expression of the
non linearity error.
• These method differ by the way straight line relationship
against which the error is specified.

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a- End range values b- best straight line for all c- best straight line
values (using least square) through zero point

8
• Repeatability/reproducibility:
– ability to give same output for repeated application of
same input.
– = [(max-min value given)/full range]x100
• Stability:
– same output when used to measure a constant input over
a period of time.
– Drift is used to define the change of output over time.
– The term zero drift is used for changes that occur in output
when there is zero input.

9
• Dead Band
– range of input values for which no output.
• Dead Time :
– length of time from the application of an input until the
output begins to respond the change.
• Resolution:
– smallest change in input value that will produce an
observable change in output values.
10
• Output Impedance
– it is important to know this as sensor is either
connected in series or parallel in circuit.

11
Static & Dynamic Characteristics

• Static Characteristic
– Values given when steady state condition occurs i.e.,
values settle down after receiving the input.
• Dynamic Characteristic
– behavior between the time that the input values changes
and the time the values given by transducers settle down.

12
• Inputs

Step input (0 to a constant Ramp i/p – i/p changed at Sinusoidal input of a


value) steady rate. specified frequency

13
• Response time
– time which elapse after a constant input is applied up to
the point at which transducer gives values corresponding
to some specific % of the value of the output. (say 95%)
• Time constant
– time corresponding to 63.2% of output
– Measures inertia of the sensor and so how fast it will react
to changes of input.

14
• Rise time
– Time taken for the output to rise to some specific % of
steady state output (10% to 90 or 95%).
• Settling time
– Time taken for the output to settle to within some % (2%
of steady state value)

15
• Response to a
– step input

16
Selection of Sensors
• The nature of measurement required e.g.,
– variable to be measured,
– its nominal value,
– range of values,
– accuracy required,
– required speed of measurement,
– the reliability required,
– environmental conditions.
• Nature of output required from sensor - this determines signal
conditioning requirements.
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• The possible sensors can be identified taking into account
factors such as their
– range,
– accuracy,
– linearity,
– speed of response,
– reliability,
– maintainability,
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– life,
– power supply requirements,
– ruggedness,
– availability,
– cost etc.

19
Binary (On-Off) vs. Analog (Proportional) Sensors
• Binary (or digital) sensors produce on-off signals.
– For example, a limit switch contact might close whenever
the switch is mechanically actuated.
– The contact is either open or closed: there is no
intermediate position.
• Analog sensors, by comparison, produce so-called
proportional or analog signals.
– For example, a linear potentiometer might be used to
indicate position motion, with the voltage measured at the
potentiometer slide wire proportional to the motion.
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Frequently Used Sensors

• The transducers can be grouped according to what they are


used to measure.
• The measurements considered are those frequently used by
Mechanical Engineers.
• These can be displacement, proximity, velocity, force,
pressure, fluid flow, liquid level, temperature and light
intensity.

21
References

• Mechatronics: Bolton, W., Longman


• Introduction to Mechatronics: D.G. Alciatore & Michael B.
Histand; Tata Mc Graw Hill

22
Thank You

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