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Experiment-2 Introduction to sensors and Actuators

 

 

Sensors and Actuators

 
Sensors
Actuators
Definition
Sensors capture information (temperature, pressure, force,etc.) from the surrounding environment.

They are input devices

Actuators, on the other hand, create changes in the surrounding environment.

They are output devices

Types
Sensors are termed digital or analog depending on the type of signal they generate (analog digital), correct? Are these sensors that can output both digital and analog signals?

 

Actuators can operate on Analogue. However, some actuators, like LEDs, can be operate with both analog and digital input signal. LEDs can be operated via PWM or even using an analog signal to light them up at some intermediate brightness.

Types of Sensors in Arduino

Here are some commonly used sensors you’ll come across when working with Arduino:

  • Temperature sensor: Measures the temperature and humidity of the environment.

 

  • Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR): Measures/senses the intensity of light.

 

  • Ultrasonic sensor: Measures the distance of an object from the sensor.

 

  • Motion sensor: Generally detects motion by sensing changes in infrared energy/radiation.

 

  • Soil moisture sensor: Measures the moisture level of the soil.

 

  • Water sensor: Measures water level/detects water, and so on.

 

  • There are other types of sensors that you can use with Arduino, but we’ll just focus on two: the LDR (light-dependent resistor) and ultrasonic sensor.

Types of Actuators in Arduino

Actuators in Arduino are components that convert electrical signals into physical/ mechanical motion.  Here are some actuators:

  • LED (Light Emitting Diode): Used as light/visual indicators.

 

  • Buzzer: Used to produce sound.

 

  • Relay modules: Used to control high voltage devices.

 

  • LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Used as visual display for text, images, sensor data, and so on. We’ll dedicate a separate chapter to displays.

 

  • DC Motor, Stepper Motor and Servo motors : Used to control angular or rotational motion (an example is the movement of a robotic arm).

 

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