How To Choose The Right Sensor For Your IoT Project

Sensors are critical to organizational success when it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT). They allow you to detect and measure the world around you, making it possible to collect data and control devices. But with so many different types of sensors available, how do you know which one is right for your project? This blog post will explore the different types of sensors available to provide you with a little more insight into making that critical decision.

Types of Sensors:

1.      Temperature Sensors

Whether it is in the production of food or ensuring a motor engine doesn’t overheat, temperature sensors are the key to ensuring that your item is heated or cooled to its proper state.  If the product does not meet the parameters, the sensor can alert the engineer to make the necessary adjustments.

2.     Humidity Sensors

When it is vital to ensure that your environment is comfortable and safe, a humidity sensor will give you the best information. In addition, when changes in the environment occur, they can alert the right person to quickly adapt and update the parameters to make sure that everything is running smoothly.

3.      Pressure Sensors

Gases and liquids can impact how materials are constructed or maintained.  When the pressure either rises or drops, time can be of the essence.  These sensors are in place to reduce the constant monitoring of the liquid or gas causing the pressure and provide the person in charge space to check the information while performing other tasks.

4.      Proximity Sensors

From assembly lines to anti-aircraft systems, these sensors are in place to inform the intended person to make sure that things are staying in place, as they should, or nothing is coming into a designated area.

5.      Level Sensors

Working in the water treatment space, a level sensor is vital to ensure that liquid levels balance doesn’t get out of alignment.  If they do, they can cause a tank to overflow.  Overflow measurement is critical to many industrial industries that rely on tank farms to manage liquid materials.

6.      Accelerometers

Vibrations can cause issues for machines, cars, and anything requiring propulsion or seismic activity.  If that vibration falls outside the normal range, then maintenance may be necessary so that more significant issues do not arise.  Providing accurate vibration readings is where Accelerometers offer value to the organizations that need them in place.

7.      Gyroscope

When direction and stability are essential, a gyroscope can help provide the focus needed to put the product on the right path.

8.      Infrared Sensors

Knowing the volume of gas and energy in an area can be critical to keeping everyone safe and healthy.  Understanding the volume information is where infrared sensors come into play.  When sensors are implemented either in a storage processing tank or other confined spaces, they allow people in knowing what is going on inside.

9.      Optical Sensors

Light can dictate what external factors influence a product’s development.  An Optical sensor can identify temperature, light, voltages, and other items based on lighting and can inform people if they require adjustments.

When deciding on the type of sensor you need, it is essential to remember that each one serves a specific purpose.  Understanding what your end goal is will be crucial to understanding precisely how to produce your desired outcomes.

After reading this, if you are curious to learn more about a specific sensor, or you would like to learn more about Electrical Engineering in general, the University of Cincinnati Online is currently accepting applications for students.