Input and Output
Devices
Sensor
Objectives
1.Definition of sensors
2.Types of sensors and its
application
3.Purpose of sensors
Introduction to Sensors
• A sensor is a device that detects and
responds to physical input from the
environment.
• Sensors convert physical phenomena into
electrical signals.
• They are crucial in many applications, from
smartphones to industrial systems.
Purpose of Sensors
• Data collection: Gather information about the
environment
• Automation: Enable machines to respond to
changes without human intervention
• Safety: Detect potential hazards and trigger
alarms
• Efficiency: Optimize processes by providing
real-time data
• User interaction: Enhance device functionality
Types of Sensors
•Acoustic
•Accelerometer
•Gas
•Flow
•Humidity
•Infra-red
Acoustic Sensors
• These are Devices that detect and measure sound
waves.
• Applications:
• Voice recognition in smartphones.
• Noise pollution monitoring.
• Underwater sonar systems.
• How they work: Convert sound waves into
electrical signals
Accelerometer Sensors
• This type of sensors measure acceleration forces
and detect changes in orientation
• Applications:
• Screen rotation in smartphones
• Fitness trackers for step counting
• Vehicle airbag deployment systems
• How they work: Use tiny springs or masses to
detect movement
Flow Sensors
• Flow sensors measure the rate of fluid or gas
movement within an object.
• Applications:
• Water meters in homes
• Air flow sensors in car engines
• Industrial process control
• How they work: Use various methods like
differential pressure or turbine rotation.
Gas Sensors
• These sensors Detect the presence and
concentration of specific gases
• Applications:
• Carbon monoxide detectors in homes
• Air quality monitoring in cities
• Industrial safety systems
• How they work: React chemically or physically to
the presence of gases.
Humidity Sensors
• These sensors measure the amount of water
vapor in the air.
• Applications:
• Weather stations
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems in buildings
• Greenhouses and agricultural monitoring
• How they work: Detect changes in electrical
resistance or capacitance due to moisture.
Infrared Sensors
• These sensors Detect infrared radiation emitted
by objects. This radiation hits the objects nearby
and bounces back to the receiver of the device.
• Applications:
• Motion detectors for security systems
• TV remote controls
• Non-contact temperature measurement
• How they work: Use special materials sensitive
to infrared light
Level Sensors
• These sensors measure the level of liquids or
solids in a container.
• Applications:
• Fuel gauges in vehicles
• Water tank monitors
• Industrial storage management
• How they work: Use various methods like floats,
ultrasound, or pressure measurement
Light Sensors
• These sensors detect light intensity and
sometimes color.
• Applications:
• Automatic brightness adjustment in
smartphones
• Street light control systems
• Camera exposure settings
• How they work: Convert light energy into
electrical signals
Magnetic Field Sensors
• These sensors Detect and measure magnetic
fields
• Applications:
• Compass apps in smartphones
• Metal detectors
• Vehicle speed sensors
• How they work: Use materials that change
properties in magnetic fields.
Moisture Sensors
• These sensors measure the water content in
materials
• Applications:
• Soil moisture monitoring for agriculture
• Leak detection systems
• Food quality control
• How they work: Measure electrical resistance or
dielectric constant changes.
pH Sensors
• pH sensors measure the acidity or alkalinity of a
solution.
• Applications:
• Water quality monitoring
• Food and beverage production
• Aquarium management
• How they work: Use special electrodes sensitive
to hydrogen ion concentration
Pressure Sensors
• These are sensors that measure force applied to a
surface.
• Applications:
• Weather forecasting (barometric pressure)
• Tire pressure monitoring systems
• Touch-sensitive screens
• How they work: Convert physical pressure into
electrical signals
Proximity Sensors
• Proximity sensor detect the presence of nearby
objects without physical contact.
• Applications:
• Automatic doors
• Smartphone screen turn-off when near face
• Parking assistance systems in cars
• How they work: Use various methods like
infrared, ultrasonic, or capacitive sensing
Temperature Sensors
• It measures the temperature of objects or
environments.
• Applications:
• Thermostats in buildings
• Engine temperature monitoring in vehicles
• Food safety in refrigerators
• How they work: Use materials that change
properties with temperature
Review and Key Takeaways
• Sensors convert physical phenomena into electrical signals
• Various types of sensors serve different purposes
• Sensors are crucial in many applications of computer science
• Understanding sensors is important for IGCSE computer science students
• The field of sensors continues to evolve, driving technological innovation
