What is the Principle of Sensors?
2 Answers
The principle of sensors is to convert specific measured signals into usable signals according to certain rules through sensitive elements and conversion elements, and then output them to meet the requirements of information transmission, processing, recording, display, and control. Sensors can detect physical quantities such as force, temperature, light, sound, and chemical composition, and convert them into electrical quantities like voltage and current or the on/off state of a circuit according to specific rules. Sensors are the primary component in achieving automatic detection and control, as their function is to convert non-electrical quantities into electrical quantities or circuit states, thereby facilitating convenient measurement, transmission, processing, and control.
When I first encountered sensors, I found them quite fascinating. The basic working principle is similar to the sensory system of the human body, perceiving changes in the external environment. Automotive sensors operate in a similar way. They use tiny components to detect changes in physical quantities. For example, a temperature sensor generates electrical signals through the thermal expansion and contraction of internal metals, while a light sensor detects light intensity via photoelectric components and directly outputs data to the vehicle's onboard computer. In a car, the oxygen sensor monitors exhaust composition to assess combustion efficiency, helping to save fuel, and the ABS sensor tracks wheel speed to prevent skidding. The core principle is converting real-world information into electronic language, enabling the system to respond and control in real time. Sensor design must be precise and reliable, as it directly impacts overall vehicle performance and safety. I believe that learning to read the dashboard can give you a general understanding of how sensors work, and during routine maintenance, it's important to prevent dust from clogging them.
