A Guide To Sensors and Their Applications

Sensors are common to a number of applications, coming in the form of devices, machines, modules, or subsystems that are capable of detecting a change or event that occurs in a specific environment. With the information that they garner, sensors then relay data to electronics for the means of carrying out a process, displaying a value, etc. Sensors can come in numerous forms, ranging from devices that detect the presence of an individual for opening a door to thermistors that measure temperature. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of common sensors, their applications, and suppliers, allowing you to find the best fit for your particular needs.

Detectors, sensors and transducers are often compared to one another, due to the fact that they all utilize specialty electronics or sensitive materials for making readings or detections. Sensors are also a type of transducer, utilizing a received signal or stimulus to create information that can be relayed to another device. Sensors can come in a wide variety of types, all of which may be categorized into groups such as chemical sensors, biosensors, and MOS sensors.

Chemical sensors are a type of device that is self-contained, capable of collecting data on the chemical composition of a particular environment. By measuring the concentration of a chemical, a physical signal may be produced for relaying. As the first step of operations, the chemical sensor will utilize analyte molecules that selectively interact with receptor molecules or sites. As this takes place at the recognition element of the sensor, a variation in physical parameters will cause the transducer to produce an output signal. Chemical sensors have often been produced for the means of safety, regularly being used to detect toxic gases, explosive chemicals, drugs, and other materials.

Biosensors are types that detect analytes, often being present within biomedicine and biotechnology applications. Such sensors utilize a biological component for their detection capabilities, those of which may be cells, proteins, nucleic acid, or biomimetic polymers. Non-biological sensors are also a variation, and such devices are often referred to as nanosensors. With a wide range of biosensors available, such devices may be used for glucose monitoring, food analysis, pathogen detection, ozone measurement, and much more.

MOS sensors, or metal-oxide-semiconductor sensors, are those that utilize MOSFET technology to measure biological, chemical, physical, or environmental parameters. Various MOSFET biochemical sensors have been developed over the years, often being used for pressure sensing, pH sensing, glucose measurement, antibody detection, and more. Image sensors are another type, utilizing MOS technology as their basis. Such sensors are often used in digital cameras, video cameras, optical mouse technology, and other systems for image creation through detection. Monitoring sensors are common to a number of spaces and industries, and these MOSFET sensor variations may be used for monitoring homes, traffic, weather, temperature, air pollution, and much more. Monitoring sensors are also used for gas detectors and similar technologies, allowing for poisonous substances to be detected for the protection of individuals.

Sensors and their related technologies are developed and distributed by over 500,000 entities, due to the fact of how commonly used they are. These electronics manufacturers and distributors include those such as Wasco Switches and Sensors, Keller America, Inc., Innovative Sensor Technology, IFM Efector, Inc., and many others. If you are in search of a dependable distributor that has a diverse set of sensors readily available for purchase, look no further than ASAP Parts Online.

ASAP Parts Online is a website owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we are a premier supplier for top quality sensors, detectors, transducers, and other electronic components. With our purchasing power and market expertise, we leverage time and cost savings for the benefit of our customers. Take the time to explore our vast part catalogs as you see fit, and our team of industry experts are always available to provide competitive quotes for your comparisons, 24/7x365.

1. mary wilson
2. Posted on August 2, 2021
3. electronics

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