Microprocessors

CMPE 30184
Sensors

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• To introduce students to the fundamental
Objectives
principles of sensors
• Exposed to a wide range of sensor types
commonly used in different fields.

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 Sensors
What is the primary function of sensors?
a) To convert electrical signals into physical
phenomena.
b) To convert physical phenomena into
electrical signals.
c) To store and analyze data.
d) To generate power for electronic devices.

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 Sensors
What is the purpose of converting physical
phenomena into electrical signals?
a) To enable communication between
devices.
b) To measure and analyze the physical
phenomena.
c) To store the data for future use.
d) To generate power for electronic devices.

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 Sensors
Sensors are devices that detect and
measure physical phenomena or
environmental variables and convert them
into electrical signals.

They play a crucial role in a wide range of

industries and applications, from automotive
and aerospace to healthcare and consumer
electronics.

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Common Types of Sensors: Sensors
a. Temperature Sensors: These sensors measure
temperature variations and are commonly used in industrial
processes, environmental monitoring, and electronic
devices.
b. Pressure Sensors: Pressure sensors gauge pressure levels
and find applications in automotive systems, medical
devices, and HVAC systems.
c. Humidity Sensors: Humidity sensors measure moisture
content in the air and are vital for weather monitoring,
HVAC control, and agriculture.

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 Sensors
Common Types of Sensors:
d. Motion Sensors: These sensors detect
motion or movement and are used in security
systems, gaming consoles, and automatic
lighting systems.
e. Light Sensors: Light sensors detect light
levels and are employed in ambient light
detection, photography, and display brightness
control.

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 Sensors
Soil sensors, also known as soil moisture
sensors or soil moisture meters, are devices
used to measure the moisture content in soil.
They provide information about the water
availability in the soil, which is crucial for
effective irrigation management and plant
health

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1. Temperature Sensors:
Sensors
4. Light Sensors:
- Smart Thermostats - Camera Systems:
- Food Processing - - Automatic Lighting
- Weather Stations - Security Systems
2. Proximity Sensors: 5. Gas Sensors:
- Automatic Doors - Air Quality Monitoring
- Robotics - Industrial Safety
- Elevators - Gas Leak Detection
3. Pressure Sensors:
- Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
- Industrial Process Control
- Medical Ventilators
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f. Proximity Sensors: Proximity sensors detect the presence or absence of an object and are
used in touchless interfaces, robotics, and automation.
g. Accelerometers: Accelerometers measure acceleration and find applications in motion
sensing, navigation, and gaming. Ex: step counting for fitness tracking
h. Gyroscopes: Gyroscopes measure angular velocity and are used in navigation systems,
drones, and virtual reality devices. Example : orientation in smart phone.
i. Gas Sensors: Gas sensors detect the presence and concentration of various gases, making
them important in environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and air quality control.
j. Biosensors: Biosensors detect biological components or processes and have applications in
healthcare, diagnostics, and biomedical research. Ex: quantify pollutants

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k. Position Sensor - These sensors track the location or orientation of an object. They are
used in a variety of applications, including GPS navigation systems, robotics, and industrial
automation.
l. Vibration Sensors: These sensors detect vibration or movement. They are used in a variety
of applications, including earthquake monitoring systems, washing machines, and intrusion
detection systems.
m. Sound Sensors: These sensors detect sound waves. They are used in a variety of
applications, including microphones, noise cancellation systems, and medical imaging
devices.

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Sensors employ diverse working principles, depending on the physical phenomena they detect. Some common
working principles include:
a. Resistive: Sensors change their resistance based on the measured quantity, such as temperature or pressure.
b. Capacitive: These sensors measure changes in capacitance resulting from the physical variable being
detected.
c. Optical: Optical sensors employ light to detect changes in intensity, reflection, or absorption.
d. Piezoelectric: These sensors generate electrical signals in response to mechanical stress or pressure.
e. Magnetic: Magnetic sensors measure changes in magnetic fields and find applications in position sensing and
compasses.
f. Ultrasonic: Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to detect the presence or distance of objects.
g. Chemical: Chemical sensors employ chemical reactions or interactions to detect and measure specific
substances.

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Applications
a. Automotive: Sensors are used for engine management, tire pressure monitoring, collision detection, and
driver assistance systems.

b. Healthcare: Sensors play a crucial role in patient monitoring, blood glucose measurement, medical imaging,
and prosthetics.

c. Environmental Monitoring: Sensors are used for weather forecasting, air quality monitoring, water quality
analysis, and pollution control.

d. Industrial Automation: Sensors enable process control, robotics, machine vision, and condition monitoring in
manufacturing and industrial settings.

e. Consumer Electronics: Sensors are integrated into smartphones, wearables (e.g., fitness trackers), home
automation systems, and gaming devices.

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Applications
f. Aerospace and Defense: Sensors are essential for navigation, guidance systems, aircraft instrumentation, and
military applications.

g. Energy Management: Sensors help optimize energy consumption, monitor renewable energy systems, and
improve energy efficiency in buildings.

h. Agriculture: Sensors aid in soil moisture monitoring, crop health assessment, precision farming, and
automated irrigation systems.

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Considerations for Sensor Selection: Several factors should be considered:
a. Measurement Range: The sensor's range should match the expected values
of the measured variable.

b. Accuracy: The desired level of accuracy and precision should be evaluated

based on the application requirements.

c. Sensitivity: Sensitivity determines the smallest detectable change in the

measured variable.

d. Response Time: The time it takes for a sensor to respond to changes in the
measured variable is crucial in dynamic applications.

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e. Environmental Conditions: Consider the temperature range, humidity,
vibration, and other environmental factors the sensor will be exposed to.

f. Cost: The sensor's cost should align with the project budget and the value it
provides in terms of performance and reliability.

g. Interfacing and Compatibility: Ensure that the sensor is compatible with the
intended microcontroller or system and the required communication protocols.

h. Reliability and Longevity: Consider the sensor's reliability, lifespan, and

availability of technical support.

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End of presentation

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