Sensors: Role and Scope

 What is a sensor?


A sensor is a device, module, machine, or subsystem that detects events or changes in its environment and sends the information to other electronics, frequently a computer processor.

Need of sensors?

We live in a World of Sensors. You can find different types of sensors in our homes, offices, cars, etc. working to make our lives easier by turning on the lights by detecting our presence, adjusting the room temperature, detecting smoke or fire, making us delicious coffee, opening garage doors as soon as our car is near the door and many other tasks. All these and many other automation tasks are possible because of Sensors.

 

Why is the demand for smart sensors growing?

  • Smart sensors do enhance the capacity to observe and report on the world around us. They perform in almost all sectors to make human life easy and much better

  • To achieve more with less effort and with more efficiency

  • The transition primarily is mechanical measurement principles to a digital era with sensor technology.

  • The global sensor market size was valued at $166.69 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $345.77 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 8.9% from 2021 to 2028.


Types of sensors :

  1. Physical sensors :

In the study of lakes and other freshwater resources, physical sensors are often used. They differ from chemical or biological sensors in that they monitor characteristics like temperature that control the flow of mass or energy inside and out of a lake. A vast range of chemical and biological processes that occur in lakes are frequently regulated by physical characteristics. The investigation and management of lakes and other freshwater resources require precise physical measurement data. Physical sensors range in complexity from simple portable devices to large remote buoy-based systems that provide real-time lake data. 

 

 

  1. Temperature Sensors :

Temperature sensors, detectors, and transducers are electrical devices that detect thermal characteristics and provide signals to control and display devices' inputs. An RTD or thermistor is used in most temperature sensors to monitor temperature and convert it to an output voltage.Sensor/detector type, maximum and minimum measurable temperatures, as well as diameter and length measurements, are all important specifications. Temperature sensors are used in various process sectors to detect the temperature characteristics of gases, liquids, and solids, and they can be designed for both general and special-purpose applications.

 

  1. Biosensors :

 

         Biological hazards include infectious/ allergy agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi,      and amebae) and toxic/poisonous agents detectible through blood, saliva, and DNA.

 Technological Overview- biosensors

 

  1. Remote Sensors :

There are two types of remote sensing instruments:

  1. Active sensors generate their own energy to illuminate the objects they are monitoring. An active sensor emits radiation in the direction of the studied target. The sensor then detects and measures reflected or backscattered radiation from the target.

  2. Passive sensors, on the other hand, detect natural energy (radiation) released or reflected by the object or scene under investigation. The most prevalent source of radiation measured by passive sensors is reflected sunlight. 

 

5. Smart sensors : 

Smart Sensor Platform usually has 4 Main Components:-

1)Sensing Module:- The Sensing Module will typically house all of the onboard sensors in a “hub”.

2)Energy Storage Module:- It manages power to and from other modules and typically includes a Rechargeable Battery.

3)Communications Module:- The Communication Module, typically using a Radio Frequency (RF) based transceiver, takes the processed data and sends them to a Local, Wireless, Cellular Hub where Data can be uploaded to the Internet or Cloud.

4)Power/Data Management Module:- This module manages the Power, Data Flow, and Processing of the other Module

 

6. Photoelectric Sensors :

Photoelectric sensors are electrical devices that detect items passing across their detection field, albeit they can also detect color, cleanliness, and location if necessary These sensors use an emitter and a receiver to measure changes in the light they emit They're used for counting, robotic picking, and automatic doors and gates in manufacturing and material handling automation.

7. Humidity Sensors :

Humidity sensors, detectors, and transducers are electrical devices that measure the amount of water in the air and transform the data into signals that can be utilized as inputs to control or display devices. The maximum response time, as well as the minimum and maximum operating temperatures, are important specifications. 

8. Gas and Chemical Sensors :


 Gas and chemical sensors/detectors are fixed or portable electronic devices that detect the presence and characteristics of various gases or chemicals and send signals to controller inputs or visual displays. The intended application, sensor/detector type, measurement range, and characteristics are all important considerations.

Gas and chemical sensors/detectors are commonly built to detect numerous gases and chemicals and are used for confined space monitoring, leak detection, analytical instrumentation, and other applications. 


9. Flame Sensors :


Flame Detectors are optoelectronic devices that detect the presence and nature of fire and send signals to control devices' inputs. A flame detector detects the presence of flame using UV or infrared light and is used in a variety of combustion control applications such as burners.

The detector type is an important characteristic.

Flame detectors are used in a variety of safety applications, including under-the-hood fire suppression systems. 


Future of sensor technology :

●  Sensors can help the world by improving diagnoses in medical applications, improving the performance of energy sources such as fuel cells, batteries, and solar power, improving people's health, safety, and security, and using sensors to explore space and the known university.

●  Seed technologies are now being created for a long-term vision that includes intelligent systems that are self-monitoring, self-correcting, and repairing, as well as self-modifying or morphing in the same way that sentient humans do.

●  The ability of a system to see (photonic technology), feel (physical measures), smell (electronic noses), hear (ultrasonics), think/communicate (smart electronics and wireless), and move (sensors integrated with actuators) is fast improving, implying a bright future for sensors


References:

  1. Rafiq Ahmad, Khaled Nabil Salama, ”Physical Sensors for Biomedical Applications”, IEEE, Available: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSENS.2018.8589646

  2. https://www.smlease.com/entries/automation/types-of-temperature-sensors-and-their-applications/

  3. George Luka, Ali Ahmadi, Homayoun Najjaran, Evangelyn, Alocilja, Maria Derosa, Kirsten Wolthers, Ahmed Malki, Hassan Aziz, Asmaa Althani and Mina Hoorfar, “Microfluidics Integrated Biosensors: A Leading Technology towards Lab-on-a-Chip and Sensing Applications,” mdpi, Dec 2015. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/s151229783

  4. AIHA Future of Sensors.

  5. Gas Sensor Innovations enable New Markets to come, Article No-20157.

  6. Atanu Bag and Nae-Eung Lee, Recent Advancements in Development of Wearable Gas Sensors, Hall of Fame Article, Adv. Mater. Technol. 2021, 6, 200083.

  7. Blog - Trends-in-Gas-Sensor-Technology.

  8. Article on Introduction-to-Gas-Sensors-Types-Working-and-Applications.

  9. Allied Market Research on Gas Sensors Market.

  10. Maria Vesna Nikolic , Vladimir Milovanovic , Zorka Z. Vasiljevic  and Zoran Stamenkovic. Semiconductor Gas Sensors: Materials, Technology, Design, and Application, Sensors 2020, 20(22), 6694

 

Home Assignment Activity By - ME _A_ Batch - 3_Group - 3

Guide: Prof. Ketaki Shirbavikar

 

56 - Prajwal Darade

57 - Dhanashri Daware

61 - Atharva Deore

71 - Roshan Dhadiwal

73 - Rushikesh Dhanedhar

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