What is a Transducer ?

What is a  Transducer ?

Transducer Definition

A transducer is a device that converts physical quantities into proportional electrical signals, which can be used for further control or display.

Types of Transducers

• Types of Transducer based on Quantity to be Measured

• Temperature transducers (e.g. a thermocouple)

• Pressure transducers (e.g. a diaphragm)

• Displacement transducers (e.g. LVDT)

• Oscillator transducer

• Flow transducers

• Inductive Transducer

Types of Transducer based on the Principle of Operation

• Photovoltaic (e.g. a solar cell)

• Piezoelectric transducer

• Chemical

• Mutual induction

• Electromagnetic

• Hall effect

• Photoconductors

Types of Transducer based on Whether an External Power Source is required or not

Active Transducers

These transducers do not need external power and work by directly converting physical inputs into electrical signals.

Passive Transducers

Passive transducers require external power and typically convert physical changes into signals via resistance, capacitance, or other electrical changes.

Application in Instrumentation

Transducers are crucial in instrumentation systems, which are central to controlling industrial processes by measuring various variables.