Transducer | Types of Transducer

An electrical transducer is a device which is capable of converting the physical quantity into a proportional electrical quantity such as voltage or electric current. Hence it converts any quantity to be measured into usable electrical signal. This physical quantity which is to be measured can be pressure, level, temperature, displacement etc. The output which is obtained from the transducer is in the electrical form and is equivalent to the measured quantity. For example, a temperature transducer will convert temperature to an equivalent electrical potential. This output signal can be used to control the physical quantity or display it. Note that any device which is able convert one form of energy into another form is called as a transducer. For example, even a speaker can be called as a transducer as it converts electrical signal to pressure waves (sound).But an electrical transducer will convert a physical quantity to an electrical one.

Types of Transducer based on the Principle of Operation

• Photovoltaic ( e.g. a solar cell ) • Piezoelectric • Chemical • Mutual Induction • Electromagnetic • Hall effect • Photoconductors