1 - Introduction
1.2 - Definitions
Overview
The sensor is an element that converts the measurable value (a quantity or a parameter) into a signal which carries information.
The nature of the signal can be:
Instrumentation systems using sensors can be categorized into measurement (especially analytical) or control systems. In measurement systems, a quantity or property is measured and its value is displayed. In control systems, the information about a measurand is used to control it so that its measured value should be equal a desired value. The actuator converts a signal into an action in order to modify a parameter. Analyzers are special measuring systems whose purpose is to display the nature and proportion of the constituents of a substance.
- electrical: this has been the most common for decades,
- optical: it became a new trend in sensorics,
- mechanical: which has been used in several conventional devices.
Instrumentation systems using sensors can be categorized into measurement (especially analytical) or control systems. In measurement systems, a quantity or property is measured and its value is displayed. In control systems, the information about a measurand is used to control it so that its measured value should be equal a desired value. The actuator converts a signal into an action in order to modify a parameter. Analyzers are special measuring systems whose purpose is to display the nature and proportion of the constituents of a substance.
Measuring unit schematic
Process-control unit schematic
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