Section 2 - Sensors

Definition:
A sensor is a device that detects or measures physical property and records, indicates or otherwise responds it e.g. a motion sensor that is
used for an automatic door system. A sensor simply measures . Sensors are used to provide input in measurement applications.

KEY POINT: Sensors are used to

Task 1
Each of the pictures below shows a different type of sensor. Work out what type of sensor each one is and what system its part of.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

A proximity Sensor, being used in a used in a automatic door System

A movement Sensor, being used in a used in a security System
A infer red Sensor, being used in a used in a switch System
A temperature Sensor, being used in a used in a air con System
A optical Sensor, being used in a used in a finger print recognition System

Task 2

Time

Analogue

Time

Digital

Analogue data is Real world data that passes through an ADC to be converted into noughts and ones (digital).
Analogue data changes in smooth increments. Its a measurement of the amount of something physical.

Digital data is data from a computer stored in ones and noughts and computers only understand digital data e.g.
001011

Therefore ADC is needed to convert analogue data into digital data.

Without ADC the computer would not function. Sensors produce analogue
data. ADC is necessary.

1. Moisture
2.

Task 3

A heating system uses a sensor to decide when the radiators should

be turned on and off.
The controls are set to maintain a room temperature of 22 Degrees
C
When the system turns on, the water must flow round and be
constantly warmed.
Sensors

Output Devices

Pressure

Light

Motor

Heater

Moisture

Infra-Red

Pump

Buzzer

Temperature

Light

1. What Sensor(s) would be needed in this system? Explain their use

The sensors needed would be Temperature because the temperature would be needed to measure the
heating so that the heater would work. The temperature would be able to know when the room changes is
degrees.
2. What output devices would be needed in this system? Explain their use

A motor and a heater would be needed. A heater is needed to heat up the water inside the radiator. A
pump

3. Fill in the PROCESSES (rules) below that this system would need to follow

Example: If the speed is greater than 70 then turn the motor OFF.

Rule 1: If the temperature is lower than 22 then turn the heater and pump on.
Rule 2: If the heater is greater than 22 then turn the heater off.

Sensors Exam questions

Moisture.
Temperature.
Light.

Because the real life data of these sensors need to be converted into ones
and zeros by the ADC.

An ADC.

Computers can keep data even when turned off, unlike humans
who could forget or not store the data correctly.
With electricity it can keep recording the data, even through the
night.
To answer this question, you will need to think about the rules you created in the final lesson task

There would be pressure needed to measure maybe something such as walking on

the floor. This would be able to help the alarm go off effectively. Also there would
be temperature used in an alarm and would be able to sense a change of
temperature in your home, as your body temperature is a lot warmer than room
temperatures. Also, Infa-Red sensor would be used to detect movement and this
would be the main sensor of a burglar alarm.