Module 1_Sensors&Actuators

• Introduction to Sensors: Devices that detect and respond to physical stimuli such as temperature, light, and motion.

• Types of Actuators: Components that convert electrical energy into physical motion, including motors and servos.

• Applications: Common uses of sensors and actuators in automation, robotics, and smart devices.

• Module 1: Introduction to Sensors / Transducers (4 hours)

  • Differences

    • Sensor, Transmitter, and Transducer definitions

    • Understand how each functions in the sensor system

  • Principles

    • Basic operating principles of sensors

  • Classification

    • Types of sensors - resistive, capacitive, inductive, etc.

  • Parameters and Characteristics

    • Key parameters: range, resolution, sensitivity, error, repeatability, linearity, accuracy, etc.

• Module 2: Resistive Sensors (4 hours)

  • Principle of Operation

    • How resistive sensors function

  • Types of Resistive Sensors

    • Strain Gauge, Potentiometer, etc.

  • Construction Details

    • Physical layouts and mechanisms of resistive sensors

• Module 3: Inductive & Capacitive Sensors (4 hours)

  • Inductive Sensors

    • Operation, sensitivity, linearity

    • Types: LVDT, synchros, microsyn

  • Capacitive Sensors

    • Characteristics and applications of various capacitive sensors

• Module 4: Thermal Sensors (4 hours)

  • Types: Gas thermometric, thermal expansion sensors, acoustic temperature sensors

• Module 5: Magnetic & Radiation Sensors (4 hours)

  • Operating principles of various sensors including Hall effect

• Module 6: Smart Sensors (4 hours)

  • Information processing, data communication standards, and applications in various fields

• Module 7: Actuators (4 hours)

  • Types and applications of actuators in systems

• Module 8: Contemporary Issues (2 hours)

  • Discussion on current trends and challenges in sensor technology

Introduction to Measurement

• Measurement Definition

  • Process of estimating physical (chemical or biological) variables

• Measurement Methods

  • Involvement of instruments and data operators

Significance of Measurement

• Importance encapsulated by Lord Kelvin's statement:

  • "When you can measure something, you know something about it."

Measurement System

• Components

  • Combination of elements, subsystems, and parts for measuring functions

• Measurand

  • The specific quantity under measurement, can be fundamental or derived

Sensor Definitions

• Transducer

  • Converts energy forms to facilitate measurements

• Sensor

  • Detects changes in stimuli and produces signals

• Actuator

  • Generates output signals in response to sensor inputs

Characteristics of Sensors

• Static Characteristics

  • Non-linearity, sensitivity, resolution, accuracy, precision, hysteresis, repeatability, range

• Accuracy vs. Precision

  • Accuracy measures closeness to true value while precision measures repeatability of measurements

Error Types

• Systematic Errors

  • Consistent biases deviating from true values

• Random Errors

  • Unpredictable deviations

Sensor Classification

• Types by Design

  • Active vs. Passive, Analog vs. Digital, Deflection vs. Null method

Applications of Sensors

• Utilized in various fields: Automotive, Aerospace, Industrial, Medical, Environmental Monitoring

Environmental Parameters

• Factors like temperature, humidity, and pressure that affect sensor performance

Dynamic Characteristics

• Concepts like speed of response, lag, fidelity, and dynamic error important for functional analysis

Characterization of Sensors

• Types include electrical, mechanical, optical, thermal, chemical, and biological characterization.