What is a Sensor?

A sensor can be defined as an electronic device that is used to measure a change in the environment.

There are many different types of sensor available which can measure different variables depending on the requirements of the application.

Sensors are also referred to as transducers. Transducers are very similar to sensors although they are more complex devices and incorporate a signal conditioner to transform the signals into data that can be processed. A sensor will often require an additional device to do this.

Different sensors measure different inputs, this could be pressure, temperature, weight, force, strain, displacements, motion and many other variables.

Different types of Sensors

Different types of sensors measure different variables. They are incorporated into a larger system to ensure everything is working smoothly.

As well as within industrial environments, sensors are all around us. You will notice them in home appliances, cars, public transport, mobile phones.

At the current time, “touchless” sensors are of great interest, this includes Infrared sensors and Bluetooth switching devices. Our sister company Herga provides a range of these types of switches – find out more. 

Position Sensors

Position Sensors are a big part of our product portfolio at Ixthus.

There are two main types of position sensor; linear position sensor and rotary position sensor. This refers to the type of displacement they are measuring. A linear position sensor measures displacement in a straight line whereas rotary position sensors measure revolving displacement.

Within these two types of position sensors, there are a whole host of various technologies to choose from. At Ixthus we have many non-contacting types of position sensors as these technologies tend to have a longer life.

Some of the types of position sensors we can offer are;

• Hall Effect Sensors
• Ultrasonic Sensors
• Capacitive Sensors
• Laser Sensors
• Eddy Current Sensors
• Potentiometers
• Encoders
• Cable Extension Transducers

Some applications which use position sensors are;

• Motorsport sensors
• Steering systems on various vehicles
• Aerospace applications – wing position
• Moving barriers – for vehicles or bridges 

See all the position sensors we offer on the Position page of our website.

Pressure Sensors

Pressure sensors are available in 2 different types; pressure transducers, which give actual pressure measurement and pressure switches that monitor pressure to a set limit before they “switch”.

Common pressure sensor applications include;

• Tyre pressure
• Tank pressure
• Alarm systems
• Medical applications
• Breaking applications
• Breathing apparatus 

Take a look at all of our Pressure Sensors here 

Railway Sensors

There are many different types of sensors used within the rail industry. This is an area that we specialise in.

Railway measuring devices are used to measure wheel thickness or diameter to ensure that there is no damage to the wheel making it unsafe for use. Railway sensors are also used to measure the thickness of the track to ensure there is no damage.

Some of the railway products we can offer are;

• Back-to-Back distance measuring gauges
• Disk brake profile gauges
• Rail profile measurement gauge
• Rail wheel profile gauge
• Wheel diameter measuring gauge

Other Sensors

As well as the above-mentioned sensor ranges, our portfolio also includes

• Vibration sensors
• Torque sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Load cell and weight sensors
• Strain gauges
• Instrumentation products

For more information on any of the products within our portfolio please contact us.

For more information please contact: Ixthus Instrumentation Email: sales@ixthus.co.uk Tel:+44 (0) 1327  353437 Fax: +44 (0) 1327 353564