IOT LAB-2 ANALOG AND

DIGITAL SENSORS
Sensor and its working:

• A sensor is a device, module, machine, or subsystem that detects

events or changes in its environment and relays the information to
other electronics, most commonly a computer processor. A sensor
converts physical phenomena into a measurable digital signal, which
can then be displayed, read, or processed further.
• A sensor converts the physical action to be measured into an
electrical equivalent and processes it so that the electrical signals can
be easily sent and further processed. The sensor can output whether
an object is present or not present (binary) or what measurement
value has been reached (analog or digital).
• Sensors detect by receiving a signal from a device such as a
transducer, then responding to that signal by converting it into an
output that can easily be read and understood
Applications of Sensor:
Analog and Digital Sensors:
• A signal may fall under two categories, which include digital and analog. A signal
involves information being transmitted between two separate electronic devices.
Keep in mind, however, that signals aren’t associated specifically with electronic
devices.
• Analog sensors create analog signals from the quantity that is sensed. In
comparison, digital sensors produce digital signals when performing a
measurement. As mentioned previously, the most common types of analog sensors
include sound sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors.
• An analog signal is a continuous signal where the solution will vary based on the
time at which the signal is displayed. An example of an analog signal involves the
human voice. As for digital signals, these are considered to be discrete signals that
are typically comprised of two values, which are low and high.
Digital Sensors:
• As mentioned previously, digital sensors produce a discrete digital voltage
or signal that is considered to be a digital representation of a measurement.
This sensor will display binary output in ones and zeros. Digital sensors tend
to be considerably less expensive when compared to analog ones. These
sensors are known to have a fast transmission rate as well as negligible
distortion.
• The main reason that many people prefer using digital sensors is because
they don’t have the same limitations as analog sensors. Keep in mind that
digital sensors are commonly used across such applications as
wastewater treatment, water purification, and similar industrial processes.
If you decide to purchase a digital sensor of any kind, the item should be
comprised of a sensor, a transmitter, and a cable.
• Among the most common measurements that can be recorded by a digital sensor include
conductivity, pH levels, ammonium concentration, nitrate concentration, and
dissolved oxygen. While standard digital sensors provide accurate results, a more advanced
type of digital sensor is oftentimes referred to as a smart sensor.
Smart sensors are used to modernize and streamline measurements through digital and
wireless communication.
• A smart sensor is a more modern and feature-intensive version of a digital sensor. In most
cases, smart sensors will provide the user with more precise and fully automated collection
of data with a lower chance of errors. These devices are commonly used for monitoring
purposes. Smart sensors can be positioned in such environments as exploration, smart
grids, and water treatment.
• The base parts of a smart sensor include a microprocessor, a sensor, and some type of
communication technology. Compute resources are required in a smart sensor. If the
sensor is only able to send data to another location for remote processing, this isn’t enough
to be deemed a smart sensor. Some of the additional components that could be outfitted in
a smart sensor include amplifiers, analog filters, and transducers. These sensors tend to
incorporate software elements into the design, which facilitate functions like digital
processing, communication, and data conversion with external devices.
• The five types of smart sensors that are commonly incorporated into industrial environments include:
• Level Sensors
• These are sensors that can measure how much volume space takes up in a container of any size. For instance, the fuel gauge in a car
could be connected directly to one of these sensors, which will monitor how much fuel remains in the tank.
• Pressure Sensors
• These sensors are typically used to monitor fluid and gas pressure in a pipeline. In the event of a quick drop in pressure, the sensor
will send out a warning, which indicates to the facility that there is a flow control problem or a leak of some kind.
• Temperature Sensors
• These sensors are designed to monitor the temperature of a component to determine if and when corrective actions may need to be
taken. When looking specifically at industrial settings, temperature sensors are commonly used to keep machinery and equipment
from overheating. Without equipping the machinery with a digital temperature sensor, there would be very few signs of
overheating.
• Infrared Sensors
• Digital infrared sensors can come in several different forms. Some of these sensors are outfitted with non-contact infrared
thermometers or thermal imaging cameras that are typically applied with temperature monitoring. On the other hand, certain
infrared sensors are used as optical sensors that are tuned to a specific frequency. At this frequency, the sensors can view light on
the infrared spectrum. This type of infrared sensor is mainly used in different types of medical equipment, the primary of which
include pulse oximetry devices.
• Proximity Sensors
• Proximity sensors are designed for detecting the location of an object or person as it pertains to the sensor itself. When used in a
retail store, proximity sensors are able to track the movements that customers make within the store.
Analog Sensors:
• Analog sensors are much different than digital sensors and typically have less features. These sensors
create what is known as an analog signal, which is a continuous signal that represents a quantity. An
analog sensor trades efficiency for a more continuous and slightly more accurate signal. While the
feature-set of an analog sensor won’t match that of a digital sensor, you can be more confident in the
readings you obtain.
• The analog quantities that are known to be continuous in nature include speed, pressure,
displacement, strain, and temperature. For instance, you can use a thermometer to measure the
temperature of a liquid. By obtaining continuous readings, the analog sensor will respond immediately
to any changes that occur in the temperature of the liquid as its heats up or cools down.
• While there are many types of analog sensors, among the most common type is a pressure sensor,
which is commonly used in industrial and lab settings to manage the pressure of liquids or gases.
Pressure is typically measured by identifying the force per unit area. These sensors will act as
transducers by generating a signal when pressure is imposed.
• A pressure sensor is used to monitor and control hundreds of applications. Facilities can also use these
sensors to indirectly measure such variables as gas and fluid flow, water level, speed, and altitude. Keep
in mind that pressure analog sensors may also be referred to as pressure transducers, pressure
senders, pressure transmitters, and pressure indicators.
Difference between Analog and Digital Sensors
• To better understand the many differences between analog and digital sensors, it’s essential to compare the types of
settings and environments these sensors work best in. While analog sensors are known for their accuracy, the enhanced
efficiency of digital sensors has pushed many companies and facilities to transition over to digital measurements. Along
with the signal speed limitations that analog sensors have, these devices are becoming less common in the market
because of their noise issues.
• Despite the various limitations associated with analog sensors, they are still the primary sensor of choice for certain
applications. The reason that analog sensors are still preferred in some scenarios is because of the fidelity and strength of
their signals. For instance, analog recorders are preferred over digital recorders when it comes to audio recording. While
digital recorders are able to produce somewhat strong audio, the quality and depth of the audio doesn’t match what you
would hear with analog recorders.
• When taking digital sensors into account, the signal a digital sensor produces is preferred for smartphones, digital
electronics, and computers. Digital sensors are able to process data in megabits or gigabits. This data allows for the
measurement of digital electronic devices and their capabilities. The reason that digital signals and sensors have been
widely adopted is because of their noise immunity and quick data rates.
• Sensors are able to measure a specific physical quantity before responding to this quantity. This response comes in the
form of an output, which could be a voltage. Analog sensors create analog signals from the quantity that is sensed. In
comparison, digital sensors produce digital signals when performing a measurement.
• As mentioned previously, the most common types of analog sensors include sound sensors, light sensors, temperature
sensors, and pressure sensors. Keep in mind that there can also be digital versions of temperature and pressure sensors.
When you’re searching for the right sensor, you should first identify what type of application you require the sensor for.
• Applications of Analog sensors
• Many devices use analog signals, and sensors, in particular, provide an analog signal or voltage that varies
depending on what is being sensed, such as light, heat, humidity, and so on. Sensors with analog outputs
include the following:
• Speakers
• Ultrasonic distance sensors
• Light sensors
• Ultraviolet light sensors
• Flex sensors
• Transistors
• Force-sensitive sensors
• Applications of Digital sensors
• The typical disadvantages of analog sensors have been overcome with the
development of digital sensors.
• Following are the applications of digital sensors:
• Water and industrial processes are the most common applications for
digital sensors. pH, redox potential, conductivity, dissolved oxygen,
ammonium, nitrate, SAC, and turbidity are among the characteristics they
monitor.
• These are implemented in cell phones and other internet-connected
devices.
• In-game controllers and computer components.
• Used in the healthcare profession.
• Personal navigation equipment is also equipped with this technology.
Actuators:
• An actuator is a device that converts energy into motion. It does this
by taking an electrical signal and combining it with an energy source.
In an IoT system, the actuator can act on data collected by sensors to
create an outcome as determined by the chosen settings of the user.
• An actuator is a machine component or system that moves or controls
the mechanism of the system. Sensors in the device sense the
environment, then control signals are generated for the actuators
according to the actions needed to perform.
• A servo motor is an example of an actuator. They are linear or
rotatory actuators, can move to a given specified angular or linear
position. We can use servo motors for IoT applications and make the
motor rotate to 90 degrees, 180 degrees, etc., as per our need.
Working of a Actuator
• The control system acts upon an environment through the actuator. It
requires a source of energy and a control signal. When it receives a
control signal, it converts the source of energy to a mechanical
operation. On this basis, on which form of energy it uses, it has
different types given below.
• Types of Actuators :
• 1. Hydraulic Actuators –
• A hydraulic actuator uses hydraulic power to perform a mechanical operation. They are
actuated by a cylinder or fluid motor. The mechanical motion is converted to rotary, linear,
or oscillatory motion, according to the need of the IoT device. Ex- construction equipment
uses hydraulic actuators because hydraulic actuators can generate a large amount of force.
• Advantages :
• Hydraulic actuators can produce a large magnitude of force and high speed.
• Used in welding, clamping, etc.
• Used for lowering or raising the vehicles in car transport carriers.
• Disadvantages :
• Hydraulic fluid leaks can cause efficiency loss and issues of cleaning.
• It is expensive.
• It requires noise reduction equipment, heat exchangers, and high maintenance systems.
• . Pneumatic Actuators –
• A pneumatic actuator uses energy formed by vacuum or compressed air at high pressure to convert into either linear or
rotary motion. Example- Used in robotics, use sensors that work like human fingers by using compressed air.
• Advantages :
• They are a low-cost option and are used at extreme temperatures where using air is a safer option than chemicals.
• They need low maintenance, are durable, and have a long operational life.
• It is very quick in starting and stopping the motion.
• Disadvantages :
• Loss of pressure can make it less efficient.
• The air compressor should be running continuously.
• Air can be polluted, and it needs maintenance.
• 3. It is expensive.
• It depends a lot on environmental conditions.
• Electrical Actuators –
• An electric actuator uses electrical energy, is usually actuated by a motor
that converts electrical energy into mechanical torque. An example of an
electric actuator is a solenoid based electric bell.
• Advantages :
• It has many applications in various industries as it can automate industrial
valves.
• It produces less noise and is safe to use since there are no fluid leakages.
• It can be re-programmed and it provides the highest control precision
positioning.
• Disadvantages :
• It is expensive.
• It depends a lot on environmental conditions.