TRANSDUCERS

A transducer is a device which converts a signal from one form to another. Most electronics circuits use both input and output transducers:

INPUT TRANSDUCERS-- Input Transducers convert a quantity to an electrical signal (voltage) or to resistance (which can be converted to voltage). Input transducers are also called sensors. Examples: LDR converts brightness (of light) to resistance. Thermistor converts temperature to resistance. Microphone converts sound to voltage. Variable resistor converts position (angle) to resistance.

OUTPUT TRANSDUCERS-- Output Transducers convert an electrical signal to another quantity. Examples: Lamp converts electricity to light. LED converts electricity to light. Loudspeaker converts electricity to sound. Motor converts electricity to motion. Heater converts electricity to heat.