Transducers and sensors are electronic components that are often confused with one another because the two words are sometimes used interchangeably. They are similar, in the way that both a sensor and transducer can sense a charge within the environment by using an object that is attached to them.
The difference between a sensor and transducer lies in the fact that a sensor will release an output in the same format that it received the charge while a transducer will convert the measurement into an electrical signal. Johnson Control sensors and transducers are excellent choices for these two electronic components.
What Is a Sensor?
Sensors are an important part of our modern lives and they are incorporated in many devices. From computers and computer equipment to smartphones and their touch screens, they can be found in every element of modern living.
The classical definition of a sensor is a device that measures a physical input from the environment and converts it into readable data that can be understood by a human or a machine. An older version of a sensor is found in mercury thermometers; the sensor in a thermometer was able to measure the data and send the output via the colored reading within the tube to give us a readable measure.
Most sensors today are electronic and they convert data into another form of electronic data rather than the simpler visual format from our traditional mercury thermometers. Remote digital sensors can be found in airplanes, cars, surface stations, weather satellites, and radars.
What Is a Transducer?
Transducers are electronic devices that convert energy from one form to another. Transducers can be found all around us in our everyday life and there are many different examples of transducers, for example, the ones you’d find in microphones or speakers.
There are many types of transducers, such as pressure transducers, magnetic transducers, current transducers, electromechanical transducers, and many more. The different types of transducers will function differently depending on how they are set up to convert one form of energy to another form of energy.
For example, a pressure transducer will use a sensor that is capable of converting pressure into electrical signals. These electrical signals will go through controllers to be processed. These pressure transducers will then use strain gauges to identify the level of force that is used on them. A transducer is made of small parts, typically a sensor and an SCU (signal conditioning unit).
| Sensor | Transducer | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A sensor is a device that will give a reading in the same format that it received the signal. | A transducer has a sensor as one of its components.That sensor within the transducer will sense a form of energy and will then output the data to a different from. |
| Function | To convert this form of energy into a different format an additional device will be needed. | A transducer will typically convert non-electrical energy to an electrical signal. |
| Types | Pressure sensors, temperature sensors, vibration sensors, humidity sensors, etc. | Pressure transducers, current transducers, piezoelectric transducers, thermocouples, electromechanical transducers, magnetic transducers, etc. |
| Application | Mercury thermometers, smoke detectors, motion detectors, pressure switches, etc. | Antennas, loudspeakers, microphones, computers, etc. |
Sensor vs Transducer: The Summary
In summation, sensors and transducers have key differences that can’t be overlooked, as they are different devices. A sensor can never be a transducer and a transducer will always contain a sensor:
- A sensor is a device that senses a physical change whilst a transducer transforms energy from one source into a different form of energy.
- A sensor is a stand-alone device that has no other components while a transducer is made up of a sensor and a signal conditioning unit.
- A sensor will detect a form of energy while a transducer will convert a form of energy into a different form of energy.
- A sensor is a less complex device to a transducer since a transducer is designed to convert a physical quantity into another output signal such as voltage or current (generally an electric signal but not exclusively)
- A sensor can only measure a physical quantity and can’t give input on its own without being connected to another device such as a transducer. The transducer, with a sensor and signal conditioning unit, can process the input and send out an output.
Conclusion
Sensors and transducers are different devices, but they both measure physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, heat, and light. They should not be confused in any way; a transducer will have a sensor as one of its components but a sensor without a transducer cannot convert one form of energy to another form. Visit the Blackhawk Supply website to find out what control supplies you require. And don't hesitate to contact us!
