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.