What Are Sensors and Their Types?

From controlling temperature in high-voltage electrical systems to detecting trace chemicals in pharmaceutical manufacturing, there is a widespread demand across sectors for exact information on physical, chemical, or environmental changes. This need has led to the widespread implementation of sensors, devices which detect and convert such changes into electrical signals for integration into monitoring systems. With so many types being produced to read specific stimuli, this blog will cover the basic functions of some popular sensor variants and where they are often applied.

Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors measure thermal conditions, serving processes that require continuous temperature management like:

• Electrical substations
• Motor control center
• Food storage systems
• HVAC infrastructure

Notable Subtypes

• Thermocouples generate a voltage based on the temperature difference between two dissimilar metal junctions, their construction allowing them to be used in high-temperature environments like industrial furnaces, boiler control systems, and heat exchangers.
• Thermistors change resistance significantly with small temperature variations, offering fast responses and high sensitivity for precision systems.
• Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) increase electrical resistance in a predictable, linear fashion as temperature rises, being valued for their accuracy and stability in power distribution equipment.
• Semiconductor temperature sensors use integrated circuits to convert temperature into electrical signals, presenting a cost-effective solution for monitoring ambient temperatures in compact enclosures or server racks.

Infrared (IR) Sensors

Infrared sensors detect thermal radiation or changes in emitted infrared light, typically through an infrared emitter and a photodetector that work together to sense heat patterns or movement. In industrial contexts, Infrared sensors are found in:

• Thermal imaging systems for electrical inspections and predictive maintenance
• Automated security or presence-based safety systems
• Equipment temperature monitoring

Proximity Sensors

Without contact, proximity sensors detect the presence, absence, or movement of nearby objects by generating or receiving changes in electromagnetic or optical fields. They are found in:

• Robotic arms and industrial automation lines
• Automated lighting systems
• Automotive obstacle warning systems

Notable Subtypes

• Capacitive sensors detect changes in the electric field between their sensing electrode and a reference when a non-metallic object alters the dielectric constant, aiding with material handling or fluid-level monitoring.
• Inductive sensors generate electromagnetic fields to detect disturbances caused by metallic objects, widely being employed for machine positioning or part detection in metal processing.
• Photoelectric sensors emit a beam of light and detect its reflection or interruption, which is useful for counting objects or ensuring their presence on assembly lines.

Chemical Sensors

Chemical sensors detect specific compounds by converting chemical interactions into measurable electrical signals, using electrochemical cells, optical absorption, or semiconductor reactions depending on the chemical target. Serving assignments requiring precise environmental control and safety monitoring, they are frequently utilized for:

• Detecting ammonia, methane, CO2, or carbon monoxide
• Environmental air quality monitoring
• Water treatment systems for pH and contaminant measurement

Acceleration Sensors

Also known as accelerometers, acceleration sensors measure the rate of change in velocity or detect orientation relative to gravitational force. They contribute to: acceleration sensors

• Condition monitoring for rotating machinery or motors
• Inertial measurement in aerospace control systems
• Vibration tracking in manufacturing or power generation equipment

Notable Subtypes

• Piezoelectric accelerometers produce electrical charge in response to mechanical stress, helping with vibration analysis in motors, pumps, and turbines.
• Piezoresistive accelerometers detect deformation via resistance changes for tasks like crash testing and monitoring heavy machinery.

Browse Various Sensor Options on AFR Enterprises

In summary, sensors are incredible tools for sensing physical conditions across many processes, and ASAP Semiconductor is proud to offer customers access to a wide range of ready-to-purchase options through our website AFR Enterprises. Here, we feature thousands of components sourced from leading manufacturers and suppliers from around the world, seamlessly serving a vast array of operational needs. Moreover, our specialists routinely achieve the perfect balance to ensure you obtain parts when you need them, all while aiming to remain within your budget and accommodate your unique specifications. To see how else we can serve your procurement endeavors, contact our team by phone or email today.