Photocoupler

Sensors are essential devices used to detect and measure various types of information. They convert the detected data into electrical signals or Other required forms according to specific laws, enabling the transmission, processing, storage, display, and recording of information. As the first step in achieving automatic detection and control, sensors play a crucial role in modern technology and automation systems.

There are multiple ways to classify sensors, depending on their working principles, functions, and energy conversion methods. Here are some common classifications:

  

  
1. Based on the physical quantity being measured:
  
Examples include force sensors, pressure sensors, displacement sensors, temperature sensors, angle sensors, and more.

  
2. Based on the working principle of the sensor:
  
Such as strain gauges, piezoelectric sensors, piezoresistive sensors, inductive sensors, capacitive sensors, and photoelectric sensors.

  
3. Based on the energy conversion method:
  
(1) Energy conversion type: These sensors convert non-electrical energy into electrical energy, such as piezoelectric sensors, thermocouples, and photovoltaic sensors.
  
(2) Energy control type: These sensors do not convert energy directly but instead change electrical parameters based on the input, like resistive, inductive, Hall-effect, thermistors, photoresistors, and humidity-sensitive resistors.

  
4. Based on the working mechanism:
  
(1) Structural type: Sensors that rely on changes in structure, such as inductive and capacitive sensors.
  
(2) Physical property type: Sensors that depend on material properties, like piezoelectric, photoelectric, and semiconductor-based sensors.

  
5. Based on the output signal form:
  
(1) Analog: Output is an analog voltage, such as in many temperature and pressure sensors.
  
(2) Digital: Output is in digital format, such as encoder sensors that provide discrete signals.

  
6. Based on the energy conversion principle:
  
(1) Active sensors: These generate electrical energy from non-electrical inputs, such as electromotive force or charge-based sensors.
  
(2) Passive sensors: These do not generate energy but instead convert the measured non-electrical quantities into electrical parameters, such as resistive, inductive, or capacitive sensors.
  
  
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