Transducers Vs Sensors

At Positek we design and manufacture sensors and transducers.

The terms "sensor" and "transducer" are often used to describe the same device, however, Transducers and Sensors are different devices and do have slightly different meanings.

Transducers and sensors are both used to sense and measure differences and changes which occur in their environment. This can be:

• Movement
• Displacement
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Position
• Weight
• Strain
• Shapes and sizes
• Motion detection
• Distance
• Liquid level

The list goes on.

The Similarities between Transducers and Sensors

Transducers and sensors have similarities which is why the two terms are often used interchangeably. The main similarities are;

• Both used to sense and measure changes in their environment
• Both give output signals based on the changes they sense/measure
• Both are used as part of a larger system or device

The Differences between Transducers and Sensors

There are differences between transducers and sensors, the main differences are to do with their output. The differences are;

• Transducers convert the measurement they have taken into a different output signal. The input and output are in different formats. A sensor may refer to just the sensing element which requires an additional device to convert the signal an example of this is an LVDT element
• A Transducer is a more complex device and involves some kind of signal conditioner this is where our devices differ from a competitor or similar products; our sensors are high-end products that have internal signal conditioning for a dc in dc and out whereas other devices such as LVDTs or similar - will require additional equipment to fulfil requirements.

Uses of Transducers and Sensors

Linear Transducers linear transducers are part of our product range; they are used to measure and monitor linear displacement.

Rotary Transducers another product from our range; rotary transducers are used to monitor and measure rotary displacement.

Pressure Transducer a pressure transducer measures changes in pressure in a given environment. We have a range of pressure transducers including our new submersible pressure transducer.

Thermometers are a type of sensor and are used to measure temperature in many different applications, traditionally patient monitoring.

Pressure Switches pressure switches are a type of sensthatthey can monitor pressure to a set level before they switch.

Transducers and Sensors from Positek

All our sensors and transducers can be seen on our product page. You can find out more about the differproductsduct we offer here;

• Linear Position Sensors
• Rotary Sensors
• Inclinometer and Tilt Sensors
• Custom Sensors

For more information about any of our products or to discuss your application please contact us.