Section 2 - Sensors

Definition:
A sensor is something that detects movement, noise. Measures physical property and records. It measures the amount of something (Its an
INPUT)

KEY POINT: Sensors are used to provide input for measurement applications

Task 1
Each of the pictures below shows a different type of sensor. Work out what type of sensor each one is and what system its part of.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

A motion sensor Sensor, being used in a System

A motion detector, being used in a
System
A infarent sensor, being used in a System
A Air Con Sensor, being used in a System
A optical sensor, being used in a used in a System

Task 2

Analogue data - is analogue data that is represented in a physical way. Like the normal numbers 1,2,3,4. It changes
in smooth increments. Its physical data.
Digital data - is a set of individual symbols, which has been converted to the computer from 1,2,3,4 to 10110100
(Only 1 and 2) Its just computers that understand digital data which is 01100100001110
Therefore, and ADC is needed so that the computer can understand numbers and convert them into 100111010.
Because thats the only numbers the computers know. The two are both compatible.

Task 3

A heating system uses a sensor to decide when the radiators should be turned on and off.
The controls are set to maintain a room temperature of 22 Degrees C
When the system turns on, the water must flow round and be constantly warmed.
Sensors

Output Devices

Pressure

Light

Motor

Heater

Moisture

Infra-Red

Pump

Buzzer

Temperature

Light

1. What Sensor(s) would be needed in this system? Explain their use

Temperature, we need this because they want to maintain the temperature to 22 degrees

2. What output devices would be needed in this system? Explain their use
Heater, because we need to maintain the heat temperature
Also we would need a pump so the water flows properly

3. Fill in the PROCESSES (rules) below that this system would need to follow

Example: If the speed is greater than 70 then turn the motor OFF.

Rule 1: If the temperature is greater

than 22 then turn the heater off

Rule 2: If the temperature is lower than 22 then turn off the is

than

then turn

Sensors Exam questions

The sensors he will need is

Heat, Light and thermal decomposion

These are basically the sensors, such as

LIGHT, SOUND and TEMPERATURE. Reason
being if these wasnt in a alarm it wouldnt
actually set off. Lets say there is a fire and
it needs to detect smoke, also the heat of
the room. Light maybe because it can
easily be seen as it flashes. And the sound,
well thats obviously going to be inputed
for the sound . The outputs, LIGHT, FOR
the light to glow.