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Sensor vs Transducer-Difference between sensor and transducer

This page compares Sensor vs Transducer and mentions difference between Sensor vs Transducer. It mentions links to different sensor and transducer devices.

Sensor

Definition:
The device which senses or reacts to any physical, chemical or biological condition is known as sensor or detector. Sensor basically converts mechanical action or energy to electrical form.
Sensor Examples:
Thermocouple: It detects the temperature and convert it into current/voltage. This can be displayed as required in analog/digital form.
Pressure sensor: It detects pressure and convert it into electric current.

sensor vs transducer

Transducer

Definition:
As shown in the figure-1, a transducer consists of sensor and signal conditioning circuit. Often sensor output is not meaningful which need to be converted into readable or measurable form. This is achieved using signal conditioning circuit.
Transducer Examples:
Loudspeaker, Potentiometer etc.

From the above we can conclude that sensor is part of transducer. Hence every transducer is a sensor but every sensor need not be transducer always. But sometimes sensor can be treated as transducer. Sensor falls under category of transducers.

Sensors and Transducers Related Links



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