What is Sensor?

A device which gives an output by detecting the changes in quantities or events can be
defined as a sensor. Generally, sensors produce an electrical signal or optical output
signal corresponding to the changes in the inputs. There are different types of sensors,
for example, consider a thermocouple which can be considered as temperature sensor
that produces an output voltage based on the input temperature changes.

What is a Sensor?
There are numerous definitions as to what a sensor is but I would like to define a
Sensor as an input device which provides an output (signal) with respect to a specific
physical quantity (input).

The term “input device” in the definition of a Sensor means that it is part of a bigger
system which provides input to a main control system (like a Processor or a
Microcontroller).

Another unique definition of a Sensor is as follows: It is a device that converts signals

from one energy domain to electrical domain. The definition of the Sensor can be
understood if we take an example in to consideration.

Different Types of Sensors in Electronics

In our day-to-day life we got used to use different types of sensors frequently in our
power systems such as electrical and electronics appliances, load control systems,
home automation or industrial automation, and so on.
All types of sensors can be basically classified into analog sensors and digital sensors. But,
there are a few types of sensors such as temperature sensors, IR sensors, ultrasonic
sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, and touch sensors are frequently used in
most of the electronics applications.
1. Temperature Sensor
2. IR Sensor
3. Ultrasonic Sensor
4. Touch Sensor
5. Proximity Sensors
6. Pressure Sensor
7. Level Sensors
8. Smoke and Gas Sensors
Sensors with Circuit Daigrams:
Here, in this article we want to make you know all types of sensors with circuits.

Temperature Sensor
Temperature Sensor (Thermistor)

Temperature is one of the most commonly measured

environmental quantity for different reasons. There are
different types of temperature sensors that can measure
temperature, such as thermocouple, thermistors, semiconductor temperature sensors,
resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), and so on. Based on the requirement,
different types of sensors are used for measuring temperature in different applications.

Temperature Sensor Circuit

A simple temperature sensor with circuit can be used for switching on or off the load at
specific temperature which is detected by the temperature sensor (thermistor is used
here). The circuit consists of battery, thermistor, transistors, and relay which are
connected as shown in the figure.

The relay is activated by the temperature sensor by detecting the desired temperature.
Thus, the relay switches on the load connected to it (the load can be AC or DC). We
can use this circuit for controlling the fan automatically based on temperature.

Practical Application of Temperature Sensor

Primarily, consider temperature sensors which are again classified into different types of
sensors such as thermistors, digital temperature sensors, and so on.

Programmable digital temperature controller is practical embedded systems based electronic

project designed that is used for controlling the temperature of any device based on the
requirement of industrial applications.

IR Sensor

IR Sensor

The small phototchips having a photocell which are used to emit and detect the infrared
light are called as IR sensors. IR sensors are generally used for designing remote
control technology. IR sensors can be used for detecting obstacles of robotic vehicle
and thus control the direction of the robotic vehicle. There are different types of sensors
which can be used for detecting infrared lights.
IR Sensor Circuit

A simple IR sensor circuit is used in our day-to-day life as remote control for TV. It
consists of IR emitter circuit and IR receiver circuits which can be designed as shown in
the figure.

The IR emitter circuit which is used as remote by the controller is used for emitting
infrared light. This infrared light is sent or transmitted towards the IR receiver circuit
which interfaces to the device like TV or IR remote controlled robot. Based on the
commands received the TV or robot is controlled.

Practical Application of IR Sensor

IR sensors are frequently used to
design TV remotes. It is a simple IR sensor based electronics project used for
controlling a robotic vehicle remotely using the general TV remote or IR remote. The IR
sensor controlled robotic vehicle project circuit is shown in the figure.

IR Sensor Controlled Robotic Vehicle Project Circuit by Edgefxkits.com

The block diagram of IR controlled robotic vehicle consists of different blocks such as
motors and motor diver interfaced to the 8051 microcontroller, battery for power supply,
IR receiver block, and TV remote or IR remote as shown in the figure.

IR Sensor Controlled Robotic

Vehicle Project Circuit Block Diagram by Edgefxkits.com

Here, the IR sensor based TV remote is used for sending commands to the robotic
vehicle remotely by the user. Based on the commands received by the IR receiver
interfaced to the microcontroller at the receiver end. The microcontroller generates
appropriate signals to drive the motors such that to control the direction of robotic
vehicle in forward or backward or left or right.
 Ultrasonic Sensor
A transducer that works on the principle similar to the sonar or radar and estimate
attributes of the target by interpreting is called as ultrasonic sensors or transceivers.
There are different types of sensors that are classified as active and passive ultrasonic
sensors that can be differentiated based on the working of sensors.

Ultrasonic Sensor

The high frequency sound waves generated by active ultrasonic sensors are received
back by the ultrasonic sensor for evaluating the echo. Thus, the time interval taken for
transmitting and receiving the echo is used for determining the distance to an object.
But, passive ultrasonic sensors are just used for detecting ultrasonic noise which is
present under specific conditions.

Ultrasonic Sensor Circuit

The ultrasonic module shown in the above figure consists of ultrasonic transmitter,
receiver, and control circuit. The practical application of ultrasonic sensor with circuit
can be used as ultrasonic distance sensor circuit as shown below.

Ultrasonic Sensor with Circuit

Whenever power supply is given to the circuit, then ultrasonic waves are generated and
transmitted from the sensor and reflected back from an obstacle or an object ahead of
it. Then, the receiver receives it and the total time taken for sending and receiving is
used for calculating the distance between the object and sensor. The microcontroller is
used for processing and controlling entire operations using programming techniques.
The LCD display is interfaced to the circuit for displaying the distance (generally in cm).

Practical Application of Ultrasonic Sensor

Ultrasonic sensor with circuit can be used for measuring distance of an object. This
method is used, where we cannot implement the conventional methods to measure like
inaccessible areas such as high temperature or pressure zones, etc. The ultrasonic
sensor based distance measurement project circuit kit is shown in the figure.

Distance Measurement by Ultrasonic Sensor

Project Circuit Kit by Edgefxkits.com

The distance measurement by ultrasonic sensor project circuit block diagram is shown
in the block diagram below. It consists of different blocks such as a power supply block,
LCD display, ultrasonic module, an object whose distance has to be measured, and
the 8051 microcontroller.
 Distance Measurement by
Ultrasonic Sensor Project Circuit Block Diagram by Edgefxkits.com

The ultrasonic transducer used in this project consists of an ultrasonic transmitter and
receiver. The waves transmitted from ultrasonic transmitter are reflected back to the
ultrasonic receiver from the object. The time taken for sending and receiving back these
waves is calculated by using the velocity of sound.
 Touch Sensor

Touch Sensor

Touch sensors can be defined as switches that are activated by the touch. There are
different types of touch sensors that are classified based on type of touch such as
capacitance touch switch, resistance touch switch, and piezo touch switch.

Touch Sensor Circuit

The circuit represents a simple application of touch sensor which consists of a 555 timer
operating in monostable mode, touch sensor or plate, LED, battery, and basic electronic
components.

Touch Sensor with Circuit

The circuit is connected as shown in the above figure. During normal state, when the
touch plate is not touched, then the LED remains in off state. If once the touch plate is
touched, then a signal is given to the 555 timer. By sensing the signal received form
touch plate, the 555 timer activates the LED and thus the LED glows indicating the
touch made to the touch sensor or plate.

Practical Application of Touch Sensor

A touch sensitive load is designed for controlling the load. The touch controlled load
switch project circuit kit is shown in the figure.

Touch Controlled Load Switch

Circuit Project Kit by Edgefxkits.com

Touch sensor principle based touch controlled load switch consists of different blocks
such as power supply block, 555 timer, touch sensor plate or touch plate, relay, and load
as shown in the block diagram of touch controlled load switch.
 Touch Controlled Load Switch
Circuit Block Diagram by Edgefxkits.com

The 555 timer used in the circuit is connected in monostable mode, which is used to
drive a relay for switching ON a load for a fixed time duration. The trigger pin of the 555
timer is connected to the touch plate, thus, 555 timer can be triggered by touch.
Whenever 555 timer is triggered by touch (voltage develops with human body touch) it
delivers logic high for a fixed time interval. This fixed time can interval can be changed
by changing the RC time constant connected to the timer. Thus, the output of the 555
timer drives the load through the relay and the load turns off automatically after fixed
time duration.

Similarly, we can develop simple and innovative electrical and electronics projects using
more advanced sensors such as a PIR sensor based automatic door opening system.
Pressure sensor based electricity generation which can be implemented by placing the
piezoelectric plates (these are one type of pressure sensors) under a speed breaker on
highways for generating electricity for highway street lights. Proximity sensor based
proximity detector circuit.
For designing different types of sensor based circuits you can download our free eBook to
design electronics projects on your own. You can also approach us for technical help by
posting your ideas in the comments section below.Here is a question for you, what are
impact sensors?