Experiment #1 - Functional Test of Sensors
Experiment #1 - Functional Test of Sensors
LABORATORY REPORT
IN
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OBJECTIVE:
ACTIVITY:
Flame Sensors
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Flame Detectors are optoelectronic devices used to sense the presence and quality of
fire and provide signals to the inputs of control devices. A flame detector typically relies
on ultraviolet or infrared detection of the presence of flame and finds use in many
combustion control applications such as burners. A key specification is detector type.
Flame detectors find applications in safety settings too, such as in under-the-hood fire
suppression systems. More information about flame sensors may be found in our
related guide All About Flame Sensors
Temperature Sensors
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Radiation Sensors/Detectors are electronic devices that sense the presence of alpha,
beta, or gamma particles and provide signals to counters and display devices. Key
specifications include sensor type and minimum and maximum detectable energies.
Radiation detectors are used for surveys and sample counting. More information about
radiation sensors may be fou
nd in our related guide All About Radiation Detectors.
Proximity Sensors
Proximity Sensors are electronic devices used to detect the presence of nearby objects
through non-contacting means. A proximity sensor can detect the presence of objects
usually within a range of up to several millimeters, and, doing so, produce a usually dc
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output signal to a controller. Proximity sensors are used in countless manufacturing
operations to detect the presence of parts and machine components. Key specifications
include sensor type, maximum sensing distance, minimum & maximum operating
temperatures, along with dimensions of diameter and length. Proximity sensors are
generally short-range devices but are available too in designs that can detect objects up
to several inches away. One commonly used type of proximity sensor is known as a
capacitive proximity sensor. This device uses the change in capacitance resulting from
a reduction in the separation distance between the plates of a capacitor, one plate of
which is attached to the object being observed, as a means of determining motion and
position of the object from the sensor. More information on proximity sensors may be
found in our related guides All About Proximity Sensors and Capacitive Proximity
Sensors.
Pressure Sensors
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measurement. More information on pressure sensors may be found in our related
guide Common Types of Pressure Sensors.
Position Sensors
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Photoelectric Sensors
Photoelectric sensors are electrical devices that sense objects passing within their field
of detection, although they are also capable of detecting color, cleanliness, and location
if needed. These sensors rely on measuring changes in the light they emit using an
emitter and a receiver. They are common in manufacturing and material handling
automation for purposes such as counting, robotic picking, and automatic doors and
gates.