In this article, we will be talking about sensors, different and types of sensors – analog and digital sensors. The world of electronics revolves around sensors. From our homes to offices, cars, and metro stations, sensors are fast becoming a part of our day-to-day lives. To make our lives easier, there are different types of sensors that help in adjusting the room temperature, detecting smoke, opening the doors without us pushing/pulling them, turning on the lights automatically, and much more.

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What is Sensor?

A Sensor is a device that senses or detects when something is changed or when something touches on it. The sensor takes input from external forces and converts it into an electrical signal in the form of voltage. There are numerous types of sensors viz, Light Sensor, Sound Sensor, Pressure Sensor, Moist Sensor, Heat Sensor, Gas Sensor, Speed Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Touch Sensor, Motion Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Infrared Sensor, etc. Out of these, sensors are classified as Analog and Digital Sensor.

Classification of Sensors

Microcontroller accepts two types of inputs depending on the type of sensor i.e., analog and digital sensors.

Analog sensor

An analog sensor is a sensor that senses external parameters like wind speed, solar radiation, light intensity etc. and gives analog voltage as an output. The output voltage value may be in the range of 0V to 5V. Logic High is treated as “1” (3.5V to 5V) and Logic Low is indicated by “0” (0V to 3.5 V).

analog-and-digital-sensors-block-diagram

Digital Sensor

A digital sensor is an electronic or electrochemical sensor that produces an output of discrete values (0’s and 1’s). This sensor helps in digitally converting and transmitting the data. It helps in measuring pH value, conductivity, oxygen, etc. Discrete values are often called digital signals (binary number) in digital communication.

Types of analog and digital sensors

Other than analog and digital sensors there is various type of sensors available in the market for engineers and hobbyists. The following is a list of different types of sensors that are commonly used in various applications. All these sensors are used for measuring one of the physical properties like Temperature, Resistance, Capacitance, Conduction, Heat Transfer etc.

  • Temperature Sensor
  • Proximity Sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • IR Sensor (Infrared Sensor)
  • Pressure Sensor
  • Light Sensor
  • Ultrasonic Sensor
  • Smoke, Gas and Alcohol Sensor
  • Touch Sensor
  • Colour Sensor
  • Humidity Sensor
  • Position Sensor
  • Magnetic Sensor (Hall Effect Sensor)
  • Microphone (Sound Sensor)
  • Tilt Sensor
  • Flow and Level Sensor
  • PIR Sensor
  • Touch Sensor
  • Strain and Weight Sensor

different-types-of-analog-and-digital-sensors

This was a detailed article on sensors and different types of sensors i.e. analog and digital sensors. Have any questions regarding the same? Leave your comments below.