Advantages of Sound sensor | Disadvantages of Sound sensor
This page covers advantages and disadvantages of Sound sensor. It mentions Sound sensor advantages and Sound sensor disadvantages.
Definition: The sensor which converts air pressure variations due to sound into electrical current is known as sound sensor. They are dynamic and use induction coil placed in the magnetic field (H) of permanent magnet attached with the diaphragm. The sound sensors are popularly known by microphones.
Following are the types of sound sensors.
• Dynamic Microphone (Use Electromagnetic Induction)
• Carbon Microphone
• Ribbon Microphone
• Condenser Microphone (Use capacitance change)
• Piezoelectric microphone (Use piezoelectricity)
The sound sensors are usually connected with pre-amplifier before sound is being recorded or transmitted or
given to loudspeaker for people to listen. It is used everywhere in homes, offices for indoor and
outdoor applications. The figure-1 depicts dynamic microphone type.
Refer Microphone basics and types >> and
Microphone vs Loudspeaker >>
for more information.
Advantages of Sound sensor
Following are the advantages of Sound sensor :
➨They are used for security systems.
➨Often it works with speech recognition software where in
sound or speech is converted to text. This is faster approach compare to typing using
keyboard. This is also used by disabled people.
➨It is easy to manipulate sound in real time.
Hence earlier recording is not needed.
➨The sound sensors are used while driving by switching on the radio.
This helps in improving safety using voice activation system
based on sound sensor.
➨They are easily affordable.
➨Wireless sound sensors provide great freedom while speaking.
Moreover it does not require cabling compare to wired mic.
Disadvantages of Sound sensor
Following are the disadvantages of Sound sensor :
➨Sound files require more memory size.
➨Voice recognition softwares are not very accurate compare to manual typing.
Example: It is difficult to distinguish between keywords e.g. "there" and "their".
➨Often it picks up near by radio signals and hence interference cancellation
microphones are needed. This increases cost of the microphone.
➨The wireless microphones have limited coverage range.
➨Operation time of wireless microphone is limited due to
battery life. This is shorter compare to condenser microphone.
➨Often sound sensors are required to be mounted on cards for
specific applications. This increases use of hardware.
Advantages and Disadvantages of other Sensor Types
Different types of Sensors Related links
Article on Sensors and Transducers>>
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force sensor and strain sensor
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MEMS sensor
Touch sensor
Haptic sensor
Wireless sensor