What Is a Sensor?

A sensor is a type of component which is used to either detect or measure input relative to its application. Many sensors will then act or react to the input depending on their main purpose.

The input could be a range of different matters, a few examples are;

Pressure
Temperature
Weight
Movement / Motion
Moisture
Light

The output measured by the sensor is usually converted into a readable format for the user and shown on a display.

What is a Sensor? - Different types of Sensors

To measure the different inputs, different sensors are used. They come in many different shapes and sizes to suit the different uses and application requirements.

You will notice that we are surrounded by sensors; smartphones, laptops, light switches, coffee machines, elevators, heating controls - the list goes on. This guide gives a brief overview of different types of sensors on the market today and what they are used for. If you would like more information on any of the products we offer please contact us: +44(0)1327 351004

What is a Sensor? - Pressure Sensors

There are two main types of pressure sensors; pressure transducers and pressure switches.

Pressure switches are programmed to a limit and will “switch” off or on when that limit is reached. Typical application examples;

Oxygen tanks
Fans and filters
Coffee machines
Tyre pressure

Pressure transducers give readings of the actual pressure within a given environment. Typical application examples;

Braking systems
Hydraulic systems
Diesel and gas engines

Read more about pressure sensors and applications in these articles;

Hydraulic Pressure Sensors

What is a Pressure Sensor?

What is differential Pressure?

Selecting a Pressure Sensor for Industrial Applications

What is a Pressure Switch?

Take a look at all of the pressure sensors we can offer here

What is a sensor? - Position Sensors

Position Sensors are used to measure the position of a given object. This can be in a linear motion (up and down or side to side) or a rotary motion (round). They use either contacting or non-contacting technology depending on the requirements of the application.

Rotary position sensor application examples;

Steering angle measurement in vehicles
Wind direction measurement
Barriers and gate angle measurement

Linear position sensor application examples;

Throttle pedal controls
Movable ramp and bridge positioning
Flight simulators

Read more about position sensors and applications here;

Position Sensors for Motorsport

Consideration for selecting a Position Sensor

What is a Hall Effect Sensor?

LVDT vs Linear Potentiometer

See all of the position sensors we offer on the Position page of our website

What is a Sensor? - Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors come in a whole array of sizes and shapes and are highly diverse. Temperature probes, NTC thermistors, RTD sensors, and thermocouples - are just some of the products within our range.

Many temperature sensors use resistance as an indicator of temperature. They are often wired into an electrical circuit measuring the resistance of the electricity being passed through the element.

Application examples of temperature sensors;

Engine and gearbox monitoring on sports cars
In alcohol breathalysers to measure breath temperature
Measuring the heat on electric radiators
Patient Monitoring

Find out more about temperature sensors by reading the following articles.

How Does an RTD Work?

Temperature Sensor Applications

Selecting a Temperature Sensor; Things to Consider

Temperature Probe Definition

Types of Thermistors

Take a look at all of our temperature sensors on our website

What is a Sensor? - Weight Sensors

Sensors used to measure weight are referred to as load cells or force sensors. There are many different types of load cells, they measure weight based on the amount of compression which is detected by the sensors within the cells. Very often strain gauges are used for this process.

Different types of load cells are suitable for different capacities.

Some common applications for load cells are;

On-board weighing - the process of weighing the capacity of what is “on-board” a truck, lorry or vehicle
Platform scales - used within warehouses to measure the weight of pallets or boxes

Other applications include;