Measuring Instruments - 2
Measuring Instruments - 2
Key Features:
Examples:
Resistive sensors
Capacitive sensors
Inductive sensors
Resistive Sensors
Definition:
Resistive sensors are a type of passive sensor in which the resistance changes due to
variation in a physical parameter such as temperature, pressure, displacement, or light.
Principle:
The basic relation is:
L
R = ρA
Where:
R = Resistance
ρ = Resistivity of material
L = Length
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A = Cross-sectional area
Changes in physical conditions affect L, A, or ρ, thereby changing resistance.
Disadvantages
Requires external power supply
Affected by temperature and environmental conditions
Mechanical wear (in potentiometers)
Applications
Temperature measurement (RTD, Thermistor)
Position sensing (Potentiometer)
Force and pressure measurement (Strain gauge)
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If you want, I can also give a comparison between resistive, capacitive, and inductive
sensors or provide exam-style short notes 👍
Potentiometers
Construction
A typical potentiometer consists of:
A resistive element (wire-wound, carbon, or conductive plastic)
A sliding contact (wiper)
Two fixed terminals connected to the ends of the resistive track
Working Principle
When a voltage is applied across the resistive element, moving the wiper changes the
output voltage.
Where:
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Types of Potentiometers
1. Linear Potentiometer
Measures straight-line displacement
Used in position sensing systems
2. Rotary Potentiometer
Measures angular displacement
Common in volume controls, knobs
3. Digital Potentiometer
Electronic version controlled by digital signals
No mechanical movement
Advantages
Simple and low cost
High output signal (no amplification needed in many cases)
Easy to use and understand
Good resolution
Disadvantages
Mechanical wear and tear (due to wiper contact)
Limited life span
Sensitive to dust and vibration
Friction can affect accuracy
Applications
Position measurement in machines
Volume control in audio devices
Robotics and automation systems
Calibration and testing equipment
If you want, I can also give neat diagrams, derivations, or a comparison with LVDT
(important exam question).
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Strain Gages
Principle of Operation
When a conductor is stretched:
Length L increases
Cross-sectional area A decreases
Resistance increases
ΔR/R
GF = ε
Where:
GF = Gauge factor
ΔR = Change in resistance
R = Original resistance
ε = Strain
👉 This equation shows how sensitive the strain gauge is to deformation.
Construction
A typical strain gauge consists of:
A thin metallic wire or foil grid
Mounted on a flexible backing (insulating material)
Cemented onto the surface of the object being measured
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Working
1. The strain gauge is bonded to a structure.
2. When the structure is subjected to force:
It deforms (strain occurs)
The strain gauge also deforms
3. This causes a change in resistance
4. The small resistance change is measured using a Wheatstone bridge circuit
Advantages
High accuracy
Small size and lightweight
Suitable for dynamic measurements
Wide range of applications
Disadvantages
Requires careful installation
Sensitive to temperature changes
Needs signal conditioning (amplification)
Fragile
Applications
Load cells (weight measurement)
Stress and strain analysis in structures
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Pressure measurement
Aerospace and civil engineering testing
If you want, I can explain Wheatstone bridge working with strain gauges or give a
diagram-based answer for exams.
Principle of Operation
In RTDs, resistance increases with temperature (positive temperature coefficient).
RT = R0 (1 + αT )
Where:
RT = Resistance at temperature T
Construction
An RTD typically consists of:
A pure metal element (usually platinum, nickel, or copper)
Wound as a fine wire coil or deposited as a thin film
Enclosed in a protective sheath (ceramic or glass)
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Common type:
Platinum RTD (Pt100) → Resistance = 100 Ω at 0°C
Working
1. RTD is placed in the environment where temperature is to be measured
2. Temperature changes → resistance of metal changes
3. This resistance is measured using a Wheatstone bridge or ohmmeter
4. The measured resistance is converted into temperature
Types of RTDs
1. Wire-wound RTD
High accuracy
Used in laboratories
2. Thin-film RTD
Compact and faster response
Used in industrial applications
Advantages
High accuracy and repeatability
Good stability over time
Nearly linear output
Wide temperature range (−200°C to 600°C approx.)
Disadvantages
Expensive (especially platinum RTDs)
Slower response compared to thermistors
Requires external power
Sensitive to mechanical shock
Applications
Industrial temperature measurement
Process control systems
HVAC systems
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Thermistors
Principle of Operation
Thermistors exhibit a non-linear relationship between resistance and temperature.
R T = R 0 e ( T T0 )
β 1− 1
Where:
RT = Resistance at temperature T
β = Material constant
T , T0 in Kelvin
Types of Thermistors
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Construction
Made from metal oxide semiconductors (like manganese, nickel, cobalt)
Formed into beads, discs, or rods
Encapsulated in glass or epoxy for protection
Working
1. Thermistor is placed in the environment
2. Temperature change alters resistance significantly
3. Resistance is measured using a circuit (often a voltage divider)
4. Output is calibrated to temperature
Advantages
Very high sensitivity
Fast response time
Small size
Low cost
Disadvantages
Non-linear characteristics
Limited temperature range (typically −50°C to 150°C)
Less stable than RTDs
Self-heating errors possible
Applications
Temperature sensing in electronic devices
Battery temperature monitoring
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Principle of Operation
LDRs work on the principle of photoconductivity:
In darkness → very high resistance (mega ohms)
In light → resistance decreases significantly
👉 When light photons strike the semiconductor material, they release charge carriers,
increasing conductivity and reducing resistance.
Relationship
The resistance varies inversely with light intensity (non-linear):
1
R∝
Light Intensity
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Construction
Made of semiconductor materials like:
Cadmium Sulphide (CdS)
Cadmium Selenide (CdSe)
Formed in a zig-zag pattern on an insulating base
Covered with a transparent coating to allow light entry
Working
1. LDR is placed in a circuit (usually a voltage divider)
2. When light falls on it:
Resistance decreases
Current increases
3. This change is converted into a measurable voltage signal
Characteristics
High resistance in dark: ≈ 1 MΩ or more
Low resistance in bright light: ≈ 100 Ω
Slow response compared to photodiodes
Advantages
Simple and low cost
Easy to use
Good sensitivity to light
Wide area light detection
Disadvantages
Slow response time
Less accurate than photodiodes/phototransistors
Affected by temperature
Non-linear response
Applications
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If you want, I can give a comparison between LDR, photodiode, and phototransistor or a
circuit diagram explanation.
Resistive Hygrometers
Resistive Hygrometers
Definition:
A resistive hygrometer is a passive resistive sensor used to measure humidity (moisture
content in air) by detecting the change in electrical resistance of a hygroscopic material
as it absorbs or releases water vapor.
Principle of Operation
These sensors work on the principle that:
Hygroscopic materials absorb moisture from air
Absorption of water changes ionic conductivity
This causes a change in electrical resistance
👉 Generally:
High humidity → Low resistance
Low humidity → High resistance
Construction
A typical resistive hygrometer consists of:
Substrate: Insulating base (ceramic or plastic)
Electrodes: Interdigitated metal electrodes
Sensing layer: Hygroscopic material such as:
Lithium chloride
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Polymer films
Metal oxides
Working
1. Sensor is exposed to air
2. Moisture is absorbed by the sensing material
3. Ionic conduction increases with humidity
4. Resistance decreases accordingly
5. This change is measured and calibrated as relative humidity (RH%)
Characteristics
Resistance range: varies widely (kΩ to MΩ)
Non-linear response
Moderate response time
Sensitive to contamination
Advantages
Simple and low cost
Small size
Suitable for continuous monitoring
Easy to interface with electronic circuits
Disadvantages
Non-linear characteristics
Affected by temperature
Requires calibration
Limited long-term stability
Applications
HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Weather monitoring systems
Industrial humidity control
Storage and packaging environments
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Agricultural applications
Summary Insight
Resistive hygrometers are widely used where moderate accuracy and low cost are
acceptable, but for high precision, capacitive hygrometers are often preferred.
Capacitive Sensors
Principle of Operation
A capacitor consists of two plates separated by a dielectric. Its capacitance is given by:
C = ε Ad
Where:
C = Capacitance
ε = Permittivity of dielectric
A = Area of overlap of plates
d = Distance between plates
👉 Any change in A, d, or ε changes capacitance, which is measured to sense physical
quantities.
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Construction
Two conductive plates (electrodes)
Dielectric material (air, plastic, liquid, etc.)
Protective casing
Working
1. Sensor is exposed to physical change
2. Capacitance varies accordingly
3. This small change is detected using circuits (like bridge or oscillator circuits)
4. Output is converted into voltage or frequency
Advantages
High sensitivity
No mechanical contact → long life
Good for small displacement measurement
Can measure non-metallic objects
Disadvantages
Affected by temperature and humidity
Requires complex circuitry
Sensitive to stray capacitance and noise
Limited measurement range
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Applications
Displacement and position measurement
Liquid level detection
Humidity sensing
Touch screens (capacitive touch)
Pressure measurement
If you want, I can also give a comparison: Capacitive vs Inductive sensors or numerical
problems for exams.
Variable capacitor
Principle
The capacitance is given by:
C = ε Ad
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Construction
Two metal plates (fixed and movable)
Dielectric medium (air, ceramic, or liquid)
Mechanical arrangement for movement (sliding/rotating)
Working
1. Mechanical input (movement, pressure, level) changes geometry
2. This alters capacitance
3. Change is measured using electronic circuits (bridge/oscillator)
4. Output is calibrated to physical quantity
Advantages
High sensitivity
No physical contact → less wear
Good resolution
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Disadvantages
Affected by environmental conditions (humidity, temperature)
Requires shielding (to avoid stray capacitance)
Complex signal processing
Applications
Tuning circuits (radio frequency circuits)
Displacement measurement
Pressure sensors
Level measurement (liquids)
Capacitive touch systems
Key Insight
A variable capacitor acts as a transducer, converting mechanical or physical changes into
electrical signals through capacitance variation.
If you want, I can provide a neat labeled diagram or derivations for each type (important
for exams).
Differential capacitor
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Construction
Three plates:
One movable central plate
Two fixed outer plates
This forms two capacitors:
C1 between left plate and middle plate
Principle of Operation
Capacitance depends on distance:
C = ε Ad
👉 So:
C1 ↑, C2 ↓ (or vice versa)
Output Concept
The output is based on the difference:
ΔC = C1 − C2
Working
1. Central plate moves due to physical input (displacement/pressure)
2. Capacitances C1 and C2 change oppositely
Advantages
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High sensitivity
Good accuracy
Reduced effect of temperature and noise (common effects cancel out)
Linear output over small range
Disadvantages
Complex circuitry
Limited measurement range
Requires precise alignment
Applications
Precision displacement measurement
Pressure sensors
Vibration measurement
Thickness measurement
Key Insight
Unlike a simple variable capacitor, a differential capacitor improves accuracy by comparing
two capacitances, making it more stable and sensitive.
If you want, I can give a diagram + derivation of output voltage (important exam
question) or compare it with LVDT.
Inductive Sensors
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Principle of Operation
Inductance depends on coil parameters:
N 2 μA
L= l
Where:
L = Inductance
N = Number of turns
μ = Permeability of core material
A = Cross-sectional area
l = Length of magnetic path
👉 Any change in N , μ, A, or l changes inductance.
Working
1. An AC supply is applied to a coil
2. A magnetic field is generated
3. Movement of a ferromagnetic core or object changes inductance
4. This change is converted into an electrical signal (voltage/current)
1. Self-Inductive Sensors
Only one coil
Inductance changes due to movement of core
Simple construction
Construction
Coil (wound conductor)
Magnetic core (movable or fixed)
Protective housing
Advantages
Non-contact operation (in many types)
High reliability and long life
Good accuracy
Works in harsh environments
Disadvantages
Requires AC supply
Sensitive to temperature and electromagnetic interference
Limited to conductive/ferromagnetic materials
More complex than resistive sensors
Applications
Displacement and position measurement
Proximity sensing
Metal detection
Speed measurement
Industrial automation systems
Key Insight
Inductive sensors convert mechanical motion into electrical signals by changing
inductance, making them ideal for non-contact and precise measurements.
If you want, I can explain LVDT in detail (very important topic) or give a comparison:
Inductive vs Capacitive vs Resistive sensors.
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What is Reluctance?
Reluctance is the opposition offered by a magnetic circuit to the flow of magnetic flux,
similar to resistance in an electrical circuit.
It is given by:
l
R= μA
Where:
R = Reluctance
l = Length of magnetic path
μ = Permeability
A = Cross-sectional area
Principle of Operation
Inductance of a coil depends on reluctance:
1
L∝
R
👉 So:
Increase in reluctance → decrease in inductance
Decrease in reluctance → increase in inductance
Construction
Coil wound on a magnetic core
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Working
1. AC supply is applied to the coil
2. Magnetic flux is established
3. Movement of the core/armature changes the air gap
4. This changes reluctance of the magnetic circuit
5. Inductance of the coil changes
6. Output voltage/current varies accordingly
Advantages
Simple construction
Robust and durable
Suitable for harsh environments
Reasonable sensitivity
Disadvantages
Non-linear output
Requires AC excitation
Affected by temperature and magnetic losses
Limited accuracy compared to LVDT
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Applications
Position and displacement measurement
Speed sensing (gear tooth sensors)
Proximity detection (metal objects)
Industrial automation
Key Insight
Reluctance variation sensors work by modifying the magnetic circuit, making them
reliable for non-contact measurement of mechanical movement.
If you want, I can explain LVDT (a very important inductive sensor) or give a diagram-
based answer for exams.
Principle of Operation
They work based on electromagnetic induction:
An AC current flows through a coil → produces an alternating magnetic field
When a conductive object comes near, eddy currents are induced in it
These currents create an opposing magnetic field (Lenz’s Law)
This interaction changes the impedance (inductance + resistance) of the coil
Key Concept
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Closer object → stronger eddy currents → greater opposition → larger change in coil
properties
Farther object → weaker effect
Construction
Coil (sensor probe)
High-frequency AC source
Detection circuit (oscillator/demodulator)
Output processing unit
Working
1. AC signal excites the coil
2. Magnetic field is generated
3. Conductive target enters the field
4. Eddy currents are induced in the target
5. These currents oppose the original field
6. Coil impedance changes
7. Output signal is calibrated to displacement or position
Characteristics
Works only with conductive materials
Very high sensitivity for small displacements
Fast response time
Advantages
Non-contact → no wear and tear
High accuracy and resolution
Works in harsh environments (dust, oil)
Fast dynamic response
Disadvantages
Limited to conductive targets
Affected by temperature and material properties
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Applications
Displacement and vibration measurement
Thickness measurement of metal sheets
Crack detection in materials (NDT)
Shaft speed measurement
Proximity sensing in automation
Key Insight
Eddy current sensors are ideal for precision, non-contact measurement of metallic
objects, especially where high speed and reliability are required.
If you want, I can give a comparison: Eddy current vs LVDT vs capacitive sensors or a
diagram explanation for exams.
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