Essential-Sensors-Types-Uses-and-Real-World-Examples.pptx

Sensors

1. Grade – 11B-GED-ICT (16/10/2025) Learning Objectives-Word Processing Sensors- in Society Different types of Sensors and its uses

2. Essential Sensors: Types, Uses, and Real-World Examples What is a Sensor? A sensor is a device that detects or measures physical changes in the environment — such as temperature, light, sound, pressure, or motion — and converts them into electrical signals that a computer or other electronic system can understand.

3. Infrared Sensor (IR Sensor) Detection Principle Detects infrared radiation (heat) naturally emitted by all objects above absolute zero. Key Uses Essential for remote controls, motion detectors, night-vision cameras, and industrial heat monitoring. Example: Your TV remote sends precise IR pulses, invisible to the human eye, to communicate commands like changing channels or adjusting volume to the television set.

4. Proximity Sensor: Sensing the Near Field These non-contact sensors detect the presence or distance of nearby objects using various technologies (e.g., optical, capacitive, inductive). Smartphone Functionality In smartphones, they turn off the screen when you hold the phone to your ear, preventing accidental input and saving battery. Automotive Safety Critical in parking assist systems, where they measure the distance to obstacles and alert the driver. Industrial Automation Used to count products on conveyor belts or detect when a machine part is in the correct position. Real-World Impact: Parking sensors use ultrasonic technology to emit sound waves and measure the time it takes for the echo to return, translating it into distance.

5. Accelerometer: Measuring Movement and Orientation 3 Axis Detection Measures linear acceleration along three spatial axes (X, Y, Z). G Force Measurement Detects acceleration, vibration, tilt, and shock force (G-force). 80M+ Daily Use Embedded in almost every modern mobile device for millions of users. This sensor is fundamental for determining device orientation, enabling features like automatic screen rotation and step counting in fitness trackers. Example: Screen Rotation When you tilt your phone, the accelerometer senses the change in the pull of gravity and signals the operating system to switch the display from portrait to landscape mode.

6. Gyroscope: Tracking Rotation and Stability The gyroscope measures angular velocity—how fast an object is rotating around an axis—providing data crucial for high-precision motion tracking. Flight Stabilization Crucial for maintaining balance and controlled flight in modern drones and autonomous aerial vehicles. Immersive VR Enhances the experience in VR headsets by accurately tracking small head rotations for a seamless, immersive view. Gaming Controllers Provides precise motion control inputs in interactive video games, far beyond simple tilt detection. Synergistic Power: Accelerometers and Gyroscopes are often paired (in a system called an Inertial Measurement Unit or IMU) to provide six degrees of freedom motion tracking, greatly improving accuracy.

7. Temperature Sensor: Monitoring Thermal Conditions Temperature sensors utilize resistance change (like thermistors) or voltage change (like thermocouples) to convert heat energy into an electrical signal. HVAC Systems Maintains optimal indoor climate by continuously monitoring and regulating air temperature. Medical Devices Used in digital thermometers for accurate body temperature measurement. Industrial Processes Ensures quality control in manufacturing by monitoring high-heat environments like ovens and kilns. Example: Smart Thermostat A smart thermostat constantly reads the ambient temperature and adjusts heating or cooling systems to maintain a user-defined setting, often learning patterns for better energy efficiency.

8. Humidity Sensor: Controlling Moisture Levels Also known as hygrometers, these devices measure the amount of water vapor in a gaseous medium, such as air. Crucial for maintaining human comfort and preventing mold growth in residential buildings. Essential in climate-sensitive environments like greenhouses, where specific humidity levels are needed for plant health. Used in industrial applications like drying processes, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor manufacturing. Application: In agriculture, humidity sensors automate ventilation and irrigation, ensuring optimal growing conditions for maximized yield.

9. Pressure Sensor: Monitoring Force and Flow Pressure sensors convert physical pressure (force per unit area) into an electronic signal. They are vital for control and monitoring systems. TPMS Automotive Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems ensure vehicle safety and fuel efficiency. Weather Barometric pressure sensors are used in weather forecasting and altitude measurement. Medical Used in devices like blood pressure monitors and respiratory equipment. Alert System: The most common consumer application is the low tire pressure warning, which immediately informs the driver of potential safety issues.

10. Smoke Sensor: The First Line of Fire Defense Smoke sensors, or smoke alarms, detect the presence of combustion products—smoke particles—and trigger an audible or visual warning. Ionization Better at detecting fast, flaming fires by using two electrically charged plates and an air chamber. Photoelectric More responsive to slow, smoldering fires by detecting scattered light from smoke particles. Dual Protection Modern devices often combine both types or add carbon monoxide detection for comprehensive safety. A working smoke detector is legally mandated in most homes and is the single most important factor in surviving a house fire.

11. Light & Image Sensors: Capturing and Responding to Photons Light Sensor (LDR/Photodiode) Measures ambient light intensity. Used in smartphones for auto-brightness adjustment. Enables automated streetlights to turn on at dusk. Image Sensor (CCD/CMOS) Converts light photons into electrical signals, forming a digital image. CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) offers high quality, often used in professional cameras. CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) is cheaper, faster, and dominates consumer electronics. Integrated Function: The light sensor dictates the settings (aperture, ISO) used by the image sensor to capture a perfectly exposed photograph.