Difference between sensor & transducer ? thanks

[munzir]

Difference between sensor & transducer ?

thanks

 

[opopson]

A sensor (sense) is a device that reads in an external phenomenon and converts it to an electrical signal e.g switches.. they sense pressure and give you an on or off response. But a transducer on the other hand gets an electrical signal and gives you an external phenomenon e.g light bulb.
sensors: switch, proximity sensors, thermocouple, thyristor, etc
Transducer: Loud speaker, motor, light bulb, indicators etc.

opopson

 

[FvM]

I don't agree. You are talking about actors. Transducer refers to both, sensors and actors. A suitable definition of transducer can be found here Transducer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Syncopator]

A sensor simply gives an indication of the presence or absence of something, often by closing or opening a switch.

A common example is a p.i.r. sensor, which may be used to switch on a security light when infra-red heat is detected. Another is a pressure sensor, such as that in a door mat, which consists of a switch. Most switches are not sensors. Thermocouples and thyristors are not sensors.


A transducer is a device which converts one type of input to a different, but proportional, output.

Microphones, loudspeakers (and earphones), thermocouples and strain gauges are some examples.

 

[FvM]

A common example is a p.i.r. sensor, which may be used to switch on a security light when infra-red heat is detected. Another is a pressure sensor, such as that in a door mat, which consists of a switch. Most switches are not sensors. Thermocouples and thyristors are not sensors.

A transducer is a device which converts one type of input to a different, but proportional, output.

I think your definition can be considered similar to the quoted Wikipedia one about energy conversion. If we follow the restriction of transducers to active energy converting devices, thermocouples and the basic PIR sensor element must be considered as transducers as well.

In addition, also linear passive sensors (e.g. RTDs, LDRs or piezo-resistive pressure sensors) are usually subsumed under transducers.