A Sensor is a device that detects changes in the environment and converts them into electrical signals or data. In IoT, sensors are used to monitor real-world conditions and send the data to a processor or cloud system for further action.
✅ Examples of Sensors:
| Sensor Type | What it Detects |
|---|---|
| Temperature Sensor | Heat or temperature |
| Motion Sensor | Movement or presence |
| Light Sensor | Light intensity |
| Humidity Sensor | Moisture in the air |
| Gas Sensor | Presence of specific gases |
| Pressure Sensor | Force or pressure applied |
📌 Characteristics of Sensors:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | How small a change the sensor can detect (e.g., a 0.1°C change in temperature). |
| Accuracy | How close the sensor’s output is to the true value. |
| Range | The minimum and maximum values the sensor can measure. |
| Resolution | The smallest possible detectable change in the input. |
| Response Time | How quickly the sensor reacts to a change. |
| Repeatability | Ability to give the same output under the same conditions. |
| Durability | How long the sensor can function reliably in different environments. |
| Power Consumption | How much energy the sensor needs to operate. |
🔧 Summary:
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Sensors: Devices that detect physical/environmental data (like temperature, motion, or light).
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Characteristics: Sensitivity, accuracy, range, response time, and durability determine how well a sensor performs.