Difference between analog and digital sensors in IoT
Both of these sensors are mainly categorized as per their output format. There are numerous sensors designed and developed under these two sensors. In IoT applications, both analog and digital sensors are utilized based on their specific advantages in measuring and transmitting data. Analog sensors provide precise measurements of continuous variables, while digital sensors offer easy integration with digital systems and protocols. The combination of these sensors allows IoT solutions to gather diverse data types efficiently, enabling smarter decision-making and automation across various industries. The difference between analog and digital sensors lies in how they convert physical phenomena into electrical signals and how they output these signals.
Analog sensor
• It produces continuous output signal or voltage which is proportional to
quantity to be measured.
• It produces analog output.
• Quantities such as temperature, speed, displacement, pressure,
strain etc. are analog quantities as they are
continuous in nature.
• Example: Temperature of liquid can be measured using
thermometer or thermocouple which continuously responds to
changes in temperature as liquid is heated up or cooled down.
• Data representation : Continuous range of values
Digital sensor
• It produces discrete digital output signal or voltage which is digital representation of quantity to be measured.
• It produces binary output in the form of ones (1s) and zeros (0s).
• Digital sensors overcome limitations of analog sensors counterpart.
• They are used in various applications such as waste water, water and other industrial processes.
• Digital sensor consists of sensor itself, cable and a transmitter.
• Examples: Measurements such as pH level,
conductivity, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, nitrate etc. are
conducted using digital sensors.
• Data representation : The data is represented by discrete values.
The output is often in the form of digital codes or a digital stream.
• Refer analog signal processing vs digital signal processing >> for more information.
Difference between analog sensor and digital sensor
Following table compares Analog sensor vs Digital sensor and derives difference between analog and digital sensors with respect to IoT (Internet of Things).
| Specifications | Analog Sensor | Digital Sensor |
|---|---|---|
| Signal Type | Continuous signal that varies in amplitude | Discrete digital signal (Binary Form) |
| Data representation | Continuous range of values | Discrete values |
| Advantages | High resolution data, simple design, cost effective | Less susceptible to noise and interference, easy integration with digital systems, can have built-in processing capabilities |
| Disadvantages | Susceptible to noise and interference, requires ADC for integration with digital systems | Generally more complex, Limited by the precision of the digital representation, may have low resolution compared to high quality analog sensors |
| Examples | Thermocouples, analog potentiometers, LDRs, analog microphones | Digital accelerometers, digital temp. sensor etc. |
Conclusion : In summary, the major difference between analog sensor and digital sensor is based on their respective output. As mentioned above, analog sensor produces analog output where as digital sensor produces digital output.
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