TRANSDUCER

A transducer is an electronic device that converts a physical force into an electrical signal so that it can be
easily handled and transmitted for measurement. Transducers are often used in the field of automation,
measurements where electrical signals are being converted into physical energy forms or vice versa.

WHAT IS A TRANSDUCER?

A transducer is an electronic device that converts energy from one form to another. The process of
converting energy from one form to another is known as transduction.

A transducer consisting of a sensing element and transducing element, first responds to a physical change
in the particular factor which the sensing element senses and generates an output. This output is generally in
terms of physical forces like strain or displacement (linear or angular). The output of the sensing element
generally acts as an input for the transducing element which then converts the output signal of the sensing
element into a proportional output as an electrical signal.

Some common examples of transducers include loudspeakers, microphones, thermometers and LEDs.

WHY DO WE NEED A TRANSDUCER?

To determine the exact magnitude of physical forces such as temperature and pressure is difficult. But, if
these physical forces are converted into an electrical signal, then their values can be easily determined using a
meter. The primary function of transducers is to convert a physical force into an electrical signal so that it can be
easily handled and transmitted for measurement.

CHARACTERISTICS OF TRANSDUCER

Here are some of the key characteristics of transducers:

o Sensitivity: This is a measure of how much output signal is produced for a given input signal.

o Accuracy: This is a measure of how closely the output signal matches the input signal.

o Linearity: This is a measure of how well the output signal is proportional to the input signal.

o Frequency response: This is a measure of the range of frequencies that the transducer can accurately
reproduce.

o Dynamic range: This is a measure of the difference between the largest and smallest signals that the
transducer can accurately reproduce.

o Noise level: This is a measure of the amount of unwanted electrical noise generated by the transducer.

o Operating temperature range: This is the range of temperatures at which the transducer can operate
reliably.

o Power consumption: This is the amount of power required to operate the transducer.
CLASSIFICATION OF TRANSDUCERS

There are various types of transducers that have been discussed here:

o Based on operating principle

o Based on the role of the trasnducing element

o Based on output signals

o Based on applications

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE TRANSDUCERS

On the basis of the requirement of electricity, transducers are of two types:

o Active transducers operate on receiving an external electric current. This current is known as an excitation
signal. This signal is modified into an output signal. For example, an LED is an active transducer because
on receiving electrical current it converts the electrical energy into light energy.

o Passive transducers operate on receiving an external signal, which they then convert into an electrical
signal. For example, an LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) converts rectilinear motion into
electrical energy.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TRANSDUCERS

On the basis of the role of the transducing element, transducers are divided into:

1. Primary transducers are generally the transducers that respond to external stimulation and general
output for that signal. The output is generally a change in any factor affecting the secondary transducer.

2. Secondary transducers are the ones that convert the output of the primary transducer into an electrical
signal.

ANALOG AND DIGITAL TRANSDUCERS

Based on the output signal, transducers are classified into:

1. Analog transducers: These transducers produce an output signal that is proportional to the input signal.
Examples include potentiometers, variable resistors, and strain gauges.

2. Digital transducers: These transducers produce an output signal that is in digital form. Examples include
encoders, photointerrupters, and hall effect sensors.

SENSORS AND ACTUATORS

Based on their applications, transducers are classified into:

1. Sensors: These transducers are used to measure physical quantities, such as temperature, pressure, and
flow. Examples include thermocouples, strain gauges, and flow meters.

2. Actuators: These transducers are used to control physical systems, such as motors and valves. Examples
include electric motors, solenoids, and piezoelectric actuators.

USES OF TRANSDUCERS

Transducers find their uses in a variety of applications like

 o In ultrasound machines convert the variations of sound energy into electrical output which can be read
on a display.

o Microphones convert sound energy into electrical energy.

o Antennas where converts electromagnetic signals into electrical signals.

o In a digital RPM meter of a vehicle where transducers convert the torque produced by the engines into
electrical signals which is further converted into readable data on the display.

ADVANTAGES OF CONVERTING A PHYSICAL QUANTITY INTO AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL

Here, we have listed the various advantages of converting a physical quantity into an electrical signal:

 Electrical signals are easily transmitted and processed for measurement.

 Electrical signals process less friction error.

 Small power is needed to control the electrical systems.

 Amplification and attenuation of electrical signals are easy.

 The measuring instrument used for measuring the electrical signal is very compact and accurate.

PARTS OF TRANSDUCER

A transducer consists of the following two important parts: Transducers have other vital parts such as signal
processing equipment, amplifiers and power supplies.

1. Sensing Element

It is the part of a transducer that responds to the physical sensation. The response of the sensing element
depends on the physical phenomenon.

2. Transduction Element

The transduction element of the transducer converts the output of the sensing element into an electrical
signal. The transduction element is also called the secondary transducer.

TYPES OF TRANSDUCERS

There are two types of transducers, as follows:

1. What Is An Input Transducer?

An input transducer or a sensor takes in physical energy and converts it into an electrical signal that can
be read. A microphone, for example, converts physical sound waves into an electrical signal that can be
transferred through wires.

2. What Is An Output Transducer?

An output transducer, or an actuator, takes in electrical signals and converts them into other forms of
energy. A lamp converts electricity into light and a motor, on the other hand, converts electricity into motion.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHILE SELECTING A TRANSDUCER

  Transducers should have high input impedance and low output impedance to avoid the loading effect.

 A transducer should be highly sensitive to desired signals and insensitive to unwanted signals.

 Transducers should be able to work in corrosive environments.

 The transducer circuit should have overload protection to withstand overloads.

TRANSDUCER EFFICIENCY

Transducer efficiency is defined as the ratio of output power in the desired form to the total power input.
Mathematically, the ratio is represented as follows:

Q
E=
P
P represents the input in the above ratio, and Q represents the power output in the desired form. The efficiency
of the transducer always falls between 0 and 1.
No transducer is 100% efficient; some power is always lost in the conversion process. This loss is manifested in the
form of heat. In incandescent lamps of certain wattage, only a few watts are transformed into visible light. Most of the power
is dissipated as heat. Due to this, an incandescent lamp is a bad transducer in terms of efficiency.

APPLICATIONS OF TRANSDUCER

 A transducer measures load on the engines

 They are used to detect the movement of muscles; this process is known as acceleromyograph.

 Transducers are used in an ultrasound machine.

 The transducers in a speaker convert electrical signals into acoustic sound.

 A transducer is used in the antenna to convert electromagnetic waves into an electrical signal.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TRANSDUCER AND A SENSOR

A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity. For example, in a mercury thermometer, the
mercury simply expands when the temperature rises to give a reading to the user. Here there are no electrical
inferences or changes. On the other hand, a transducer measures similar quantities as a sensor but the signal in a
transducer is converted from one form to another. This is the reason why transducers are also referred to as
energy converters.

Transducers Sensors

It converts energy from one form to another. It senses physical quantities and converts it into a
readable form.

Cable extension transducer, linear transducer and Thermistors, pressure switches and motion
microphones are some examples of transducers. sensors are some examples of sensors.