The ICT Lounge

Section 2.3:
Sensors
In the last section we looked at how data can be input into a computer
system (both manually and directly). Key Concepts of this section:

# Know the definition of the term 'sensor'.

In this section we will discuss how sensors can be used to automatically
detect changes in the environment around and then directly feed this # Understand the different types of sensors and what
data into a computer for processing. uses they perform.
# Be able to discuss advantages and disadvantages of
sensors.

Sensors (what are they?) Key Words:

Data, Automatic, Measured,
"A device which automatically inputs data into a computer system, Analogue, Digital, Analogue to
Definition:
where the data is constantly changing and can be measured." Digital Converter, ADC

Overview of Sensors:
Examples:
# Used to detect data in the surrounding environment that constantly changes. For
example:

Temperature - measuring heat in a room

Light - setting off a burglar alarm
Humidity - detecting when plants become too dry.

# This information is ‘physical’ and ‘analogue’.

Analogue data is constantly changing and it changes very smoothly.

Thermometers are examples of temperature sensors.
For example: Outside temperature changes all of the time but it does so very gradually
and smoothly. It doesn't suddenly jump from 10°C to 20°C.

# Computers don’t understand analogue data and therefore it needs to be converted to

digital (e.g. 1’s and 0’s).

The computer can then read the data.

A special device called an Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) is used in

order to achieve this.

Infrared burglar alarms are examples of light sensors.

Examples of Sensors Key Words:

Temperature, Pressure, Light, Sound, Humidity, pH,
Monitoring, Data Collection
# The table below shows you some examples of sensors:

Temperature Pressure Light REMEMBER!

Sensors are used to
AUTOMATICALLY get data
into a computer system.

NOTE:
We will look at each
sensor in greater detail
further down this page.

Sound Humidity/Moisture pH

Uses of Sensors Examples:

# Sensors are used in monitoring and control applications.

# When monitoring, the data is sent directly to some sort of a computer and is then
processed and used.

For A burglar climbs through a window and walks through an alarm’s light sensor.
example: The computer inside the alarm will pick up on the broken light signal and use
this information to sound the alarm

Sensors in burglar alarms can

# Sensors can also be used for a wide range of data collection and everyday automa cally detect intruders.
applications.

For
example: Taking measurements in scientific experiments
Measuring pollution in the atmosphere
Sensing the temperature in a room and using this to either turn a heating
system on or off
Automatic doors open themselves when they detect a person nearby.

# The table below specifies the uses of different types of sensors:

Type of Sensor: Used For: Automa c doors open when people are
detected nearby.
Temperature Automatic washing machines, Central heating systems,
Automatic greenhouses, Cookers.

Pressure Burglar alarm systems, Washing machines, Robotics,

Environmental monitoring.

Light Automatic greenhouses, Automatic doors, Burglar alarm

systems, Street lighting control.

Sound Burglar alarm systems, Voice recognition systems (like using a

voice command to start a car).

Humidity/Moisture Automatic greenhouses, Environmental monitoring, Agriculture,

Factories that manufacture items that can be ruined by too
much air moisture (microchips etc).
A variety of sensors are used on automa c
pH Automatic greenhouses, Chemical manufacturing, Environmental greenhouses to keep plants in perfect condi ons.
monitoring, Aquariums (wrong pH can kill fish).

Advantages/Disadvantages of
Sensors
# The table below highlights some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using
sensors:

pH sensors are used to monitor the acidity and

Advantages Disadvantages alkalinity level of aquariums (wrong levels can kill fish).

Readings taken using sensors are more accurate

than those taken by a human. Faulty sensors can give incorrect
results.
Sensors can monitor information constantly
(They don’t get tired like humans can). For example: if the sensors on a
car that help with reverse parking
Sensors can respond to information immediately become dirty they may not identify
(Burglar alarms goes off as soon as an intruder is an obstacle and cause you to crash
detected). into it.

No need for humans to operate the sensor. This

can be useful if gathering the information is
hazardous like in detecting radiation levels for
Malfunc oning sensors used on cars to assist in
example. 'reverse parking' can cause crashes.

Previous - Direct Input Devices Next - Output Devices

Links to Theory Units:

Section 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Section 2: Input and Output Devices Section 3: Storage Devices and Media
Section 4: Computer Networks Section 5: Data Types Section 6: The Effects of Using ICT
Section 7: The Ways in which ICT is used Section 7: Part 2 Section 8: Systems Analysis and Design

Links to Practical Units:

Section 9: Communication Section 10: Document Production Section 11: Data Manipulation
Section 12: Integration Section 13: Output Data Section 14: Data Analysis
Section 15: Web site Authoring Section 16: Presentation Authoring

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