Displacement Transducer

Definition:

Measuring transducer that converts a linear or angular displacement into an electric, mechanical, pneumatic, or other signal suitable for recording, long-distance transmission, or further conversion. Capacitance sensors, inductance sensors, transformer, resistive, stringed, photoelectric, jet, induction, and electrodynamic transducers, as well as coding disks, can be used as displacement transducers.

Explanation:

A distinction is made between displacement transducers for small displacements (from several microns to several centimeters) and for large displacements (from tens of centimeters to several meters). Greater displacements are measured by means of traveling transducers. The greatest sensitivity for the measurement of small displacements is provided by photoelectric sensors, capacitance sensors, and some types of inductance sensors. The position of the contact determines the effective length of the wire and, thus, the resistance offered to electric current flowing through it.