If you are wondering what a measuring transducer is, what it is used for and the different types, this article provides the answer to this and other questions related to these devices.
A measuring transducer in the electrical field is a system designed to transform a physical quantity into an electrical signal so that it can be interpreted by meters. In this way, the data of these quantities can be stored, processed and displayed. In other words, these devices receive electrical quantities (such as voltage, current, frequency, temperature or power, among others) and convert them into direct current electrical signals that the equipment can interpret in a more manageable way and display to professionals. This equipment can be computers, meters or control systems.
These devices are also known as measuring transducers, and to give you a better understanding of what a measuring transducer is, microphones are a type of transducer, as they are capable of converting sound into an electrical signal that can be transmitted by cable. That said, let's get down to business.
Characteristics of a measuring transducers
Now that you know what a measuring transducer is, you can imagine that its main function is to act as an intermediary between the physical magnitudes that humans are not able to interpret with the naked eye and the digital devices where the data is displayed.
What most characterises these devices and makes them so useful in the world of electricity is their versatility, as they can transform a wide variety of signals. In addition, they are very precise and allow systems to be controlled in a very optimal way.
On the other hand, measuring transducer also have a high response speed and can act accordingly to detected changes. In fact, they operate almost instantaneously.
A good transducer is also characterised by the fact that it does not need to be calibrated on a regular basis, but only occasionally, if at all. Moreover, if calibration is necessary, it is usually very simple.
Finally, a transducer rarely fails, being very reliable devices, and they usually have a high resistance to corrosive environments, which do not alter their operation, as well as a high protection against overloads in order to withstand them in case they occur.
Types of measuring transducers
Analogue converter
Analogue transmitters are only capable of processing basic quantities. They are available both with a fixed configuration, ideal for more general use, and also with a more flexible configuration for more complicated environments.
We recommend them when a quick and easy measurement is required.
Digital converter
In contrast to analogue converters, digital converters can process more advanced quantities. They also tend to be more complex in design and slightly more expensive. But, like analogue converters, they are highly efficient.
Active converter
Active transducers are transducers that need to be connected to an external electrical power source in order to function and respond to the physical quantity.
Passive converter
In contrast to active converters, they give an automatic response to the physical magnitude.
Industries where a converter is needed
There are many industries that need this type of device. At SACI we supply these types of systems, for example, to power plants and the renewable energy sector.
The former need them to measure pressure, temperature or turbine vibrations, among other things. The latter use them to measure solar radiation, wind speed or water level. Moreover, in the latter, these devices allow measurements to be read over long distances without losing the original value.
However, in sectors such as biomedicine, construction or the aerospace industry, these types of devices are also very common.
At SACI, we mainly work with automation and control systems so that large magnitudes can be recorded. In that sense, our converters are specifically designed to measure force, speed and positions, as well as to monitor and ensure that optimal production is being carried out and resources are not being overspent.
SACI measuring transducers
In our converter catalogue you can see devices like this one. However, we have multiple types of converters from which you can choose according to your needs.
If you do not know which one is ideal for your case, we encourage you to contact us and our team of professionals will help you choose the best option.