Transducers are devices that convert one form of energy into another. There are various types of transducers, but broadly speaking, they can be classified into four main categories based on the type of energy they convert:
- Mechanical transducers: These convert mechanical energy, such as force or pressure, into electrical energy. Examples include strain gauges, piezoelectric sensors, and accelerometers.
- Thermal transducers: These convert thermal energy, such as temperature, into electrical energy. Examples include thermocouples, RTDs (resistance temperature detectors), and thermistors.
- Optical transducers: These convert optical energy, such as light, into electrical energy. Examples include photodiodes, photovoltaic cells, and fiber optic sensors.
- Electromagnetic transducers: These convert electromagnetic energy, such as magnetic or electric fields, into electrical energy. Examples include transformers, inductive sensors, and magnetic pickups.
These four types of transducers are used in a wide range of applications, from sensing and measuring physical quantities in industrial and scientific processes to controlling and regulating various electronic and mechanical systems.
For nearly half a century, Swartz Engineering has been at the forefront of industry safety. They are a family-owned company specializing in power distribution for the electrical industry. They are the leading manufacturer of Watt Transducers. The SWARTZ® Current Transducer is a high-performance, solid-state unit specifically developed to meet requirements for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCA- DA) systems.
