Sensors and actuators

Sensors can be found in a wide range of devices such as mobile phones, cars, cookers and even games consoles. A sensor will record some data from the physical enviroment. Common sensors include -

• Pressure sensor
• Mercury tilt switch / accelerometers
• luminance sensor (light)
• humidity sensor
• infrared sensor

When a sensor is used to record data it will processed by a computer. Based on the results of this processing some form of output will occur. If this is a physical motion then a actuator must be used. An actuator is a output device which can cause physcial movement. An example would be a conveyor belt controlled by a infrared sensor.

There are two many examples to write about all of them. You are encouraged to look at past exam papers to see what kind of questions you will be asked about.