An Overview of Voltage Sensor, as well as its types and applications
A sensor is an electrical device used to detect and respond to a type of signal e.g. optical or electrical. The use of sensors has become the most common option in the measurement of voltage and current methods. This is due to the many advantages sensors have over traditional methods such as smaller size, lower weight, higher safety & accuracy, environmental friendliness, and their non-saturability. Thanks to sensors, it is possible to merge current and voltage measurement devices into a single unit with small and solid dimensions. This blog will focus on a specific type of sensor, the voltage sensor, as well as its types and applications.
A voltage sensor is a sensor used to monitor, calculate, and determine a device’s voltage supply. Voltage sensors can measure both AC or DC voltage levels. Sensors of this type include both an input and output. The input side comprises two pins, one positive and one negative. The pins of the sensor connect to the pins of the device being measured. The output of voltage sensors primarily includes voltage, ground, and analog data.
There are two subtypes of voltage sensors: resistive type sensors and capacitive type sensors. Resistive type sensors feature two circuits such as a voltage divider and bridge circuit. The circuit’s resistor works as a sensing element. The voltage in sensors of this type is divided into two resistors like a reference voltage and variable resistor to create a circuit of the voltage divider. From here, a voltage supply is applied to the circuit and an output voltage is determined by the resistance in the circuit, allowing the voltage change to be amplified. The bridge circuit is designed with four resistors, one of which can be subjected to the voltage detector device. The change in voltage is directly exhibited and this difference alone can be amplified, as well as the difference within the voltage divider circuit.
A capacitor type sensor is a sensor consisting of an insulator and two conductors in its center. Because the capacitor is power-driven with only five volts, the flow of current takes place within the capacitor. This can create revulsion of electrons within the capacitor. The voltage is reflected in the difference in capacitance and the capacitor can be connected within a series of devices.
Because there are many types of voltage sensors, there is also a wide range of applications wherein voltage sensors can be used. Their most prevalent applications include:
- Detection and indication of power failure
- Indication of load and detection of overload
- Safety switching
- Temperature control
- Power demand control
- Detection of faults
- Variation of load measurement of temperatures
These applications are all in addition to the basic operation of the voltage sensor which is to detect the range of voltages in a device and determine a device’s electrical charge. Ultimately, the working principle of the sensor depends on whether it is captive or resistive. Regardless of the type of voltage sensor you are in need of, it is important to get yours from a reliable source. This will ensure the long-term efficiency, performance, and reliability of your voltage sensor.
