Types of Industrial Sensors and Their Uses

Sensors are input devices that provide an output (signal) concerning a particular physical quantity (input). Over the years, different types of sensors have emerged to measure and monitor various elements such as heat, humidity, pressure, etc., and they are used across various applications. This blog from Millennium Semiconductors, a leading sensors distributor in India, quickly runs you through seven different sensors.

10 Types of Industrial Sensors and their Uses

1. Pressure Sensor

A pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure of the gas, air, and water. It provides an electrical signal to the controller and is used in vacuum, pneumatic and hydraulic systems. The various pressure sensors include Absolute Pressure Sensor, Differential Pressure Sensor, Vacuum Pressure Sensor, and Gauge Pressure Sensor.

2. Temperature Sensor

As the name suggests, a temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature and heat energy and convert it into an electrical signal. Temperature sensors are used in appliances and devices such as refrigerators, computers, electrical motors, etc. Some of the temperature sensors include a thermocouple, thermometer, Semiconductor Temperature Sensor, Resistance temperature Detector (RTD), and a few others.

3. Motion Sensor

Motion sensors are used to measure and record physical activities or motion. These sensors are widely used in modern home security systems, microwaves, automatic door operations, gesture detectors, etc. Some of the motion sensors are Gesture Motion Sensor, Passive Motion Sensor, Tomographic Motion Sensor, etc.

4. Humidity Sensor

Also known as Hygrometer, a humidity sensor detects moisture in air and soil. It is used in air conditioning systems. Humidity sensors play an essential role in adjusting humidity levels and thus keep the room fresh.

5. Smoke Sensor

A smoke sensor, also termed a gas sensor, is used to detect various types of toxic or explosive gases, the presence of smoke in the air, and some even measure gas concentration. Smoke sensors form an integral part of various manufacturing setups, buildings, aircraft, ships, etc. Some of the smoke sensors are Optical Type Smoke Sensor, Laser Type Smoke Sensor, and Ionization Type Smoke Sensor.

6. Level Sensor

Level sensors are used to measure the level or height of various solid, liquid, and gaseous materials. These sensors are used in containers, water tanks, vessels, etc., to check water levels. Some of the types of level sensors include Capacitive Level Sensor, Float Sensor, Optical Level Sensor, Laser Level Sensor, Resistive Level Sensor, etc.

7. Radiation Sensor

Radiation sensors are electronic devices that sense and measure various radiation particles such as alpha, beta, gamma, X-Rays, and neutrons. They are used in medical imaging modalities, nuclear energy, etc. A couple of types of radiation sensors include Scintillation Radiation Sensor and Gas-filled Radiation Sensor.

8. CO2 Sensor

CO2 sensors are devices that help you measure that level of carbon dioxide gas. They are used in marine vessels, indoor air quality, aerospace, healthcare, transportation, mining, horticulture, and in many other applications.

9. IR Sensor

An infrared sensor enables you to measure and detect infrared radiation within the environment that it covers. The different types of IR sensor include Active IR Sensor and Passive IR Sensor. IR sensors are used in various areas such as flame monitors, climatology, water analysis, meteorology, gas detectors, gas analyzers, etc.

10. Position Sensor

Position sensors, as the name suggests, detect the position of something through referencing either to or from some fixed point or a position. Some types of position sensors include Potentiometer, Inductive Position Sensor, Inductive Proximity Sensor, etc. Position sensors are used in various fields such as automobile, healthcare, security systems, hydraulics, process controls and many others.

Millennium Semiconductors — The Leading Sensors Distributors in India

Millennium Semiconductors is a 25-year-old sensor distributor in India. The company distributes a range of industrial sensors that include IR sensors, CO2 sensors, pressure sensors, etc. It has earned the reputation of being one of the best humidity sensor distributors, IR sensor distributors, and CO2 sensor distributors in India.

Some of the reasons for the above include the company’s long-running associations with several reputed sensor manufacturing companies, timely availability, and delivery of sensors anywhere across the country.

For more information, connect with Millennium Semiconductors at +91 8308838961 or write on marcom@millenniumsemi.com.