MEMS sensors perform the same data input collection tasks as their larger electro-mechanical counterparts while also introducing some advantages, such as contact-free operation. Sensors that are now captured in MEMS include sensors for measuring pressure, motion, acceleration, temperature, magnetic field, and light, as well as gyroscopes, inclinometers, switches, capacitive touch sensors, and even microphones.
A photoelectric sensor, or photoeye, is a device used to detect the distance, absence, or presence of an object by using a light transmitter (often infrared) and a photoelectric receiver. They are used extensively in industrial manufacturing. There are three functional types: opposed (a.k.a. through-beam), retroreflective, and proximity-sensing. When space is restricted or the environment too hostile even for remote sensors, fiber optics may be used. Fiber optics are passive mechanical sensing components. They may be used with either remote or self-contained sensors. They have no electrical circuitry and no moving parts and can safely pipe light into and out of hostile environments.
A position sensor is any device that permits position measurement. It can either be an absolute position sensor or a relative one. Position sensors can be either linear or angular. Positioning Sensors are finding their way into more handheld, medical and industrial devices every day. Knowing the position and orientation of a device or tool is critical for any modern control system to work accurately.
A pressure sensor measures pressure, typically of gases or liquids. Pressure sensors can also be used to indirectly measure other variables such as fluid/gas flow, speed, fluid level, and altitude. Pressure sensors can alternatively be called pressure transducers, pressure transmitters, pressure senders, pressure indicators, piezometers, and manometers, among other names.
Thermal sensors range from bare thermocouples and Resistive Temperature Devices (RTDs) to more sophisticated infrared non-contact sensors that can directly, consistently, and accurately measure a material's temperature. In many systems, temperature control is fundamental. There are a number of passive and active temperature sensors that can be used to measure system temperature, including: thermocouples, resistive temperature detectors, thermistors and silicon temperature sensors. These sensors provide temperature feedback to the system controller to make decisions such as over-temperature shutdown, turn-on/off cooling fan, temperature compensation or general purpose temperature monitor.