Sensors Quiz: Types and Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of a sensor (or a transducer)?

To convert a physical quantity (like temperature, pressure, or position) into a measurable electrical signal.

What are the two main types of sensors?

Integrated and External

Active and Passive (correct)

Inductive and Capacitive

Analog and Digital

What does the term "TOR" stand for in sensor output types?

Tout ou Rien, meaning 'all or nothing'.

Analog signals are continuous and change smoothly over time, while digital signals are discrete and change abruptly.

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What is the role of a conditionner in a measurement system?

To convert the sensor's output signal into a form that can be easily processed by the system's control unit. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a transmitter in a measurement system?

To transmit the sensor signal over a distance Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an integrated transmitter and a remote transmitter?

An integrated transmitter combines the sensor and the transmitter in a single housing, while a remote transmitter separates the two. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a 4-20mA signal in industrial applications?

It provides a reliable and standardized signal for industrial control and automation systems. Signup and view all the answers

The piezoelectric effect in quartz is based on the relationship between pressure and electrical charge.

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What is the difference between a sensor and a detector?

A sensor provides a continuous output signal that represents the measured quantity, while a detector provides a binary output signal (on or off) indicating the presence or absence of a condition. Signup and view all the answers

Why are active sensors preferable in some applications?

Active sensors can provide a stronger and more independent signal, making them less susceptible to noise and interference. Signup and view all the answers

A potentiometric sensor is a type of passive sensor that uses a variable resistance to produce a signal.

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What is the main advantage of using a Wheatstone bridge for measurement?

It provides a more precise and stable measurement of the physical quantity because it is less sensitive to environmental changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an amplifier inverseur?

Amplifier inverseurs essentially reverse the polarity of the signal, which is crucial for some applications. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sensor (Capteur)

A sensor is a measuring device that converts physical changes into a usable signal
It translates physical or chemical changes into a quantifiable value
Examples of physical changes include pressure, level, flow rate, velocity, displacement, temperature, and light flux
Output signals can be analog or digital
Analog signals are continuous, while digital signals are discrete
There are two main types of sensors: passive sensors and active sensors

Passive Sensors

Resistances change when a physical quantity is sensed
They need a circuit to measure the change in resistance, because they do not generate their own output signal
The important parameters of their impedance will change with the physical quantity that the sensor is designed to detect

Active Sensors

Generate their own electrical signals directly
Converts a physical quantity into a measurable electrical output signal
For example, a thermistor produces a voltage according to a change in temperature

Conditioners

Convert low-level sensor signals into a standard output format
They often use electronic circuits to process sensor output
Crucial for preparing signals for further processing or transmission
Standard output types include 0-5V, 0-10V and 4-20mA

Transmitters

Transducers taking a measured variable and converting the result into a standardized output signal
Usually for long distance transmission and compatibility with various control systems
Important to industrial applications where distance is a factor

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Description

Test your knowledge on sensors with this quiz covering both passive and active types. Learn how these devices convert physical changes into electrical signals and understand the differences between analog and digital outputs. Dive into examples and key parameters that define sensor functionality.