Sensors for Robotics
| Sensors: A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, a mercury thermometer converts the measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated glass tube. A thermocouple converts temperature to an output voltage which can be read by a voltmeter. For accuracy, all sensors need to be calibrated against known standards. Sensors are used in everyday objects such as touch-sensitive elevator buttons and lamps which dim or brighten by touching the base. There are also innumerable applications for sensors of which most people are never aware. Applications include cars, machines, aerospace, medicine, manufacturing and robotics. A good sensor obeys the following rules: 1. Is sensitive to the measured property 2. Is insensitive to any other property 3. Does not influence the measured property Ideal sensors are designed to be linear. The output signal of such a sensor is linearly proportional to the value of the measured property. The sensitivity is then defined as the ratio between output signal and measured property. Types of sensors: 1 sound 2 light 3 magnetic 4 pressure 5 position 6 distance 7 temperature Sound sensor: Description: a sound sensor is a sensor composed of a microphone connected to an electronic circuit which measures the analog signal from the microphone as an amplitude by passing it through an analog to digital converter or as a frequency by passing it through a band pass filter. Uses: sound sensor are used in voice activated devices and sound measuring instruments. Manufacturers: Links to sites which deal with sound sensor: http://www.extremenxt.com/sound.htm http://www.convict.lu/Jeunes/SoundSensor.htm Light sensor: Description: a light sensor is composed from a light sensitive resistor which influences an electrical circuit to send a signal when light is discovered or influences the amplitude of the signal according to light level. Uses: light sensors are used in security products and automatic doors. Manufacturers: Links to sites which deal with sound sensor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED_as_light_sensor http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8464 Magnetic sensor(inductor): Description: a magnetic sensor discovers a magnetic field, usually by a coil inside an electric circuit which operates a Riley or sends a signal. The direction of the current can tell if it is a south or north poll magnet. Uses: elevators, security and counting devices Manufacturers: Links to sites which deal with magnetic sensor: http://www.sensorsmag.com/articles/1298/mag1298/main.shtml http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1234744/magnetic-sensor Pressure sensor: Description: a pressure sensor consists of a screw with a spring pressuring a micro-switch. The screw my be adjusted to the desired pressure. The micro-switch has inside it normally closed and normally opened Riley and it can send a signal accordingly. Uses: electro-mechanical machines, elevators and scales. Manufacturers: Links to sites which deal with pressure sensor: http://www.sensorland.com/HowPage004.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure_sensor Position sensor(inclinometer): Description: a position sensor consists of a mercury tube which when tilted to a certain direction closes an electrical circuit enabling the circuit to send a signal which side was tilted. There are 1,2 or 3 axis position sensors and there are mercury free position sensors. . Uses: air-crafts, toys and robots. Manufacturers: Links to sites which deal with position sensor: http://www.sensorland.com/HowPage024.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Position_sensor Distance sensor: Description: there are distance sensors measuring light speed and there are distance sensors measuring voice speed, but the principle is similar. Sending a infra-red or a laser lite beam or sending an ultra-sonic wave and then measuring the time passed until it was returned. Uses: police radars, sonars, rifle sites and robots. Manufacturers: Links to sites which deal with distance sensor: http://www.philohome.com/sensors/gp2d12.htm http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4609045_distance-sensors-work.html Temperature sensor: Description: temperature sensor is implemented or by a thermal-couple or by a component which changes its electrical properties according to temperature. The electrical circuit containing one of these components sends a signal according to the temperature level. Uses: medical digital thermometer, thermometers in cars, planes and air conditions. Manufacturers: Links to sites which deal with temperature sensor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_bandgap_temperature_sensor back to robotics part list |
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