Main characteristics of sensors
Sensors are characterized by miniaturization, digitization, intelligence, multifunctionality, systematization, and networking. They not only promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries but also have the potential to establish new industries, thus becoming a new economic growth point in the 21st century. Miniaturization is based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and has been successfully applied to silicon devices to create silicon pressure sensors.
Main classifications of sensors
1. Classified by purpose
According to their applications, sensors can be divided into: pressure and force sensors, position sensors, liquid level sensors, energy consumption sensors, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, radiation sensors, and thermal sensors.
2. Classification by principle
Based on their operating principles, sensors can be categorized as follows: vibration sensors, humidity sensors, magnetic sensors, gas sensors, vacuum sensors, and biosensors.
3. Classification by output signal
Based on the output signal, sensors can be classified as: analog sensors, digital sensors, pseudo-digital sensors, and switch sensors.
4. Classified by manufacturing process
Based on their manufacturing process, sensors can be categorized into integrated sensors, thin-film sensors, thick-film sensors, and ceramic sensors. Each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages. Due to the lower capital investment required for research, development, and production, as well as the high stability of sensor parameters, ceramic and thick-film sensors are more reasonable choices.
5. Classified by measurement purpose
Sensors can be classified according to their measurement purpose as: physical sensors, chemical sensors, and biological sensors.
6. Classified by its composition
Based on their composition, sensors can be divided into: basic sensors, combined sensors, and application sensors. Application sensors are sensors composed of basic sensors or combined sensors combined with other mechanisms.
7. Classification by function
Based on their mode of operation, sensors can be divided into active sensors and passive sensors. Active sensors are further divided into action-type and reaction-type. These sensors emit a certain detection signal to the object being measured and can detect changes in the detection signal within the object, or generate a signal by the effect produced by the detection signal within the object. Sensors that detect changes in the detection signal are called action-type sensors, while those that detect the response that generates a signal are called reaction-type sensors.
Radar and radio frequency range detectors are examples of active sensors, while photoacoustic effect analysis devices and laser analyzers are examples of reactive sensors. Passive sensors simply receive signals generated by the object being measured itself, such as infrared radiation thermometers and infrared cameras.
