Sensors in Internet of Things (IoT)

Generally, sensors are used in the architecture of IOT devices.

Sensors are used for sensing things and devices etc.

A device that provides a usable output in response to a specified

measurement. The sensor attains a physical parameter and converts it into a
signal suitable for processing (e.g. electrical, mechanical, optical) the
characteristics of any device or material to detect the presence of a particular
physicalquantity.

The output of the sensor is a signal which is converted to a human-

readable form like changes in characteristics, changes in resistance,
capacitance, impedance, etc.

Transducer :

 A transducer converts a signal from one physical structure to another.

 It converts one type of energy into another type.
 It might be used as actuator in various systems.

Sensors characteristics :

1. Static
2. Dynamic
1. Static characteristics :

It is about how the output of a sensor changes in response to an

input change after steady state condition.

 Accuracy:

Accuracy is the capability of measuring instruments to give a result

close to the true value of the measured quantity. It measures errors. It is
measured by absolute and relative errors. Express the correctness of the
output compared to a higher prior system.

Absolute error = Measured value - True value

Relative error = Measured value/True value

 Range:

Gives the highest and the lowest value of the physical quantity
within which the sensor can actually sense. Beyond these values,
there is no sense or no kind of response.
e.g. RTD for measurement of temperature has a range of -200`c to
800`c.

 Resolution:

Resolution is an important specification for selection of sensors.

The higher the resolution, better the precision. When the accretion is
zero to, it is called the threshold.
Provide the smallest changes in the input that a sensor is able to
sense.

 Precision:

It is the capacity of a measuring instrument to give the same

reading when repetitively measuring the same quantity under the same
prescribed conditions.
It implies agreement between successive readings, NOT
closeness to the true value.
It is related to the variance of a set of measurements.
 It is a necessary but not sufficient condition for accuracy.

 Sensitivity:

Sensitivity indicates the ratio of incremental change in the

response of the system with respect to incremental change in input
parameters.
It can be found from the slope of the output characteristics
curve of a sensor. It is the smallest amount of difference in quantity
that will change the instrument's reading.

 Linearity:

The deviation of the sensor value curve from a particularly

straight line. Linearity is determined by the calibration curve.
The static calibration curve plots the output amplitude versus
the input amplitude under static conditions.
A curve's slope resemblance to a straight line describes
linearity.

 Drift:

The difference in the measurement of the sensor from a specific

reading when kept at that value for a long period of time.

 Repeatability:

The deviation between measurements in a sequence under the

same conditions. The measurements have to be made under a short
enough time duration so as not to allow significant long-term drift.

Dynamic Characteristics :

 Zero-order system:

The output shows a response to the input signal with no delay. It

does not include energy-storing elements.

Ex. potentiometer measure, linear and rotary displacements.

 First-order system:

When the output approaches its final value gradually.

Consists of an energy storage and dissipation element.

 Second-order system:

Complex output response. The output response of the sensor

oscillates before steady state.

Sensor Classification :

 Passive & Active

 Analog & digital
 Scalar & vector

1. Passive Sensor

Cannot independently sense the input.

Ex- Accelerometer, soil moisture, water level and temperature

sensors.

2. Active Sensor

Independently sense the input.

Example- Radar, sounder and laser altimeter sensors.

3. Analog Sensor

The response or output of the sensor is some continuous function

of its input parameter.

Ex- Temperature sensor, LDR, analog pressure sensor and analog

hall effect.
4. Digital sensor

Response in binary nature. Design to overcome the

disadvantages of analog sensors. Along with the analog sensor, it also
comprises extra electronics for bit conversion.

Example - Passive infrared (PIR) sensor and digital temperature

sensor (DS1620).

5. Scalar sensor

Detects the input parameter only based on its magnitude. The

answer for the sensor is a function of magnitude of some input
parameter. Not affected by the direction of input parameters.

Example - temperature, gas, strain, color and smoke sensor.

6. Vector sensor

The response of the sensor depends on the magnitude of the

direction and orientation of input parameter.

Example - Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetic field and

motion detector sensors.

Types of sensors -

 Electrical sensor :

Electrical proximity sensors may be contact or non contact.

Simple contact sensors operate by making the sensor and the component
complete an electrical circuit.
Non- contact electrical proximity sensors rely on the electrical principles of
either induction for detecting metals or capacitance for detecting non metals
as well.
 Light sensor:

Light sensor is also known as photo sensors and one of the important
sensor.
 Light dependent resistor or LDR is a simple light sensor available
today.
The property of LDR is that its resistance is inversely proportional to
the intensity of the ambient light i.e when the intensity of light increases, it's
resistance decreases and vice versa.
 Touch sensor:

Detection of something like a touch of finger or a stylus is known as

touch sensor.
It's name suggests that detection of something.
They are classified into two types:
1. Resistive type
2. Capacitive type

Today almost all modern touch sensors are of capacitive types.

Because they are more accurate and have better signal to noise ratio.
 Range sensing sensors:

Range sensing concerns detecting how near or far a component is from

the sensing position, although they can also be used as proximity sensors.
Distance or range sensors use non-contact analog techniques. Short
range sensing, between a few millimetres and a few hundred millimetres is
carried out using electrical capacitance, inductance and magnetic technique.
Longer range sensing is carried out using transmitted energy waves of
various types eg radio waves, sound waves and lasers.
 Mechanical sensor:

Any suitable mechanical / electrical switch may be adopted but

because a certain amount of force is required to operate a mechanical switch
it is common to use micro-switches.
 Pneumatic sensor:

These proximity sensors operate by breaking or disturbing an air flow.

The pneumatic proximity sensor is an example of a contact type
sensor.
 These cannot be used where light components may be blown away.

 Optical sensor:

In there simplest form, optical proximity sensors operate by breaking a

light beam which falls onto a light sensitive device such as a photocell.
These are examples of non contact sensors.
Care must be exercised with the lighting environment of these sensors
for example optical sensors can be blinded by flashes from arc welding
processes, airborne dust and smoke clouds may impede light transmission
etc.
 Speed Sensor:

Sensor used for detecting the speed of any object or vehicle which is in
motion is known as speed sensor .
For example - Wind Speed Sensors, Speedometer ,UDAR ,Ground
Speed Radar .
 Temperature Sensor:

Devices which monitors and tracks the temperature and gives

temperature's measurement as an electrical signal are termed as
temperature sensors .
These electrical signals will be in the form of voltage and is directly
proportional to the temperature measurement .
 PIR Sensor:

PIR stands for passive infrared sensor and it is an electronic sensor that
is used for the tracking and measurement of infrared (IR) light radiating from
objects in its field of view and is also known as Pyroelectric sensor .
It is mainly used for detecting human motion and movement detection .
 Ultrasonic Sensor:

The principle of ultrasonic sensor is similar to the working principle of

SONAR or RADAR in which the interpretation of echoes from radio or sound
waves to evaluate the attributes of a target by generating the high frequency
sound waves .
IoT Sensors Guide: From Types to Use Cases
The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we
interact with and perceive the world around us by seamlessly
connecting devices and enabling them to communicate and
share data.

At the heart of this transformative technology are IoT

sensors, which play a pivotal role in collecting and
transmitting information from the physical environment to
digital networks.

These sensors come in various types, each designed to

capture specific data points and serve diverse purposes.

The application of IoT sensors is vast and varied, spanning

across industries. In smart agriculture , soil moisture sensors
optimize irrigation, while in healthcare, wearable sensors track
vital signs. Industrial IoT employs sensors for predictive
maintenance, ensuring machinery operates efficiently.

Smart homes utilize sensors for security and energy

management. This introductory exploration into IoT sensor
types, use cases, and examples will delve deeper into the
transformative potential of these devices.

Top 20 Types of Sensors in IoT

IoT sensors are expected to enhance efficiency, safety, and decision-
making with real-time data, predictive maintenance, and smart city
applications.
 The blog consists of 20 different types of sensors and their functions.
The effortless integration and increasing use of IoT sensors (that may
reach 29.42 billion by 2030) in digital devices will bring a remarkable
transformation.

1. Temperature Sensors
The first and most basic sensors in the updated list of sensors in IoT.
The temperature sensors majorly measure surroundings.

They monitor heat energy and convert it to understandable data.

Various types of Sensors in IoT for temperature measurements are

used in HVAC systems, smart thermostats, and weather stations.
DHT 11 Temperature humidity Sensor

Categories
Five sub-categories of Temperature sensors are:

 Thermocouples – Devices that measure temperature by tracking the

change in voltage.
 RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) – Instruments to
measure device temperature based on change in resistance.
 Thermistors (Therm-ally + Res-istor) – Respond rapidly by
changing the physical resistance to any changes in temperature.
 Integrated Circuit (Semiconductor) – A chip that can offer a direct
temperature reading in a digital form at low temperatures.
 Infrared – It detects temperature by sensing certain characteristics of
its surroundings. It detects infrared radiation, detects motion, and
observes heat emitted by objects.

Uses
Temperature sensors are mainly used in electric thermometers,
aircraft engine control, electric power generation, and furnace monitoring.

Features
Temperature sensors can support specific temperature management
in different industries.

2. Proximity Sensors
The proximity sensors from this IoT sensors list detect the presence
of close objects without physically connecting with them. You can detect
the presence or absence of an object by emitting electromagnetic field
radiation. They are often used in security systems or automation.

Categories
Four sub-categories of Proximity sensors are:

 Inductive – They are faster and used for metallic object detection
without physical contact
 Ultrasonic – Detect objects in extreme conditions by using sonar or
radar.
 Photoelectric – They use a beam of light for long-distance detection
and are best for non-metallic objects.
 Capacitive – Detect both metallic and non-metallic objects & use in
difficult applications.

Uses
From all types of IoT sensors, proximity sensors are most appropriate
for the retail and manufacturing industry.

These sensors are more trustworthy than the infrared sensors and
are only used to measure the distance from an object.

Features
The Pyroelectric InfraRed (PIR) sensor is a popular example of these
sensors that convert images of close objects to an electrical signal. This
signal is easy to understand.
3. Acoustic and Noise Sensors
The acoustic and noise sensors from the list of sensors used in
IoT detect the noise levels emitted within the connected devices. It
analyses surrounding sound using the integrated microphones.

These sensors monitor sound levels and generate a report

accordingly.

Categories
Four sub-categories of Acoustic and Noise Sensors are:

 Hydrophone – Underwater device to observe and record ocean

sounds from all sides.
 Geophone – Ground device to convert ground movement into
voltage and record it at the recording station.

Uses
These sensors are used in electronic items like phones and music
systems. From the types of sensors in IoT, these sensors are used by
the construction, farming, & manufacturing industries.

Smart home applications also use it to monitor noise pollution.

Researchers use a geophone device to understand the Earth’s structure in
a more advanced manner.

Features
These sensors can monitor traffic on the road and figure out noise
pollution on highways. Some noise detectors help inside the house for the
well-being of toddlers or pets.

4. Humidity Sensors
The humidity sensors from all IoT sensor types measure the air
moisture level, air-water vapor, and other gases present percentage in the
air. They are usually built-in with temperature sensors.

Categories
Two sub-categories of Humidity Sensors are:
  Capacitive – It features 2 electrode layers with a dielectric material.
This material placed in-between absorbs the air moisture.
 Resistive – It measures relative humidity & tracks the change in the
resistivity between 2 electrodes. It takes the help of a hygroscopic
conductive layer for this.

Uses
These sensors among types of sensors in IoT are majorly used in
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), agriculture, and weather
stations.

They are useful in identifying the chemical changes in the air. They
are used in weather stations for forecasting.

Features
A thermal conductivity sensor can measure humidity and is a durable
alternative. To measure accurately, know the density of the air at a
standard temperature.

5. Image Sensors
The optical sensors are inserted into systems for capturing and
converting images into digital signals. These signals are transmitted over a
network. These sensors are mainly useful in smart vehicles, biometric
devices, and night vision equipment.

Categories
Two types of Image Sensors that use metal-oxide semiconductors and
have different technologies are:

 CCD – Charge-coupled device

 CMOS – Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor

Uses
The image sensors from all types of sensors in IoT are useful for
industrial monitoring and support smart agriculture purposes.
 They can be used in robots, surveillance cameras, drones, barcode
scanners, facial recognition, and quality inspection systems.

Features
They are beneficial for connected IoT devices to visual observation of
the surroundings where the sensor is integrated or installed.
Customizability, low power consumption, & high-quality images/ videos are
prominent advantages.

6. Pressure Sensors
Pressure sensors from this IoT sensors list, as the name suggests,
detect the change in the pressure. They can manage the amount of force
for any specific purpose (like stopping fluid from dilating). Popular sensors
as for industrial applications.

Categories
Two types of Pressure Sensors are:

 Gas Pressure – Widely used in the petrochemical and energy

industries for monitoring and control purposes.
 Barometric – It measures atmospheric pressure changes. It is the
central component of the weather stations.

Uses
Among all types of sensors in IoT, it is mainly used in applications like
industrial equipment monitoring and weather forecasting.

These sensors take required actions to address changes after

tracking system pressure. They can be used to check commercial and
residential building leakages.

Features
The pressure sensors detect the amount of pressure and convert it to
electric signals. They are easy to connect with the IoT modules and
generate data that appears on the computer system screens.
7. Magnetic Sensors
The magnetic sensors from all other IoT sensor types monitor the
magnetic fields. Like proximity sensors, they also detect the object’s
presence by sending electromagnetic radiation.

These sensors detect the change in the direction and strength of the
magnetic field.

Categories
Three sub-categories of Magnetic Sensors are:

 TMR (Tunneling Magneto-Resistive)

 Reed Switches
 Hall Effect

Uses
These sensors from all types of sensors in IoT are used in
automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

They are used in biological organisms, industrial objects, current

sources, and conductors in cars, power lines, etc.

Features
These sensors are best for contact-free detection of a magnetic field
to measure mechanical displacement and motion.

They uniquely offer rotational, linear, and angular sensing abilities.

8. Motion Sensors
Motion sensors detect the changes in the position or its movement.
The sensors can monitor movements within a certain radius of the
surrounding area.

They can send alerts regarding the presence of some object or a

person.
Categories
Two varieties of Motion Sensors are:

 Ultrasonic Motion – Give out ultrasonic waves that reflect from the
object in the surroundings and return to the sensors by measuring the
distance from the object.
 Infrared Motion – Detect movements in the temperature in the
current surrounding area and indicate the object, human, or animal’s
presence.
 Microwave Pulses – Use microwave pulses to detect the movement
and cover a larger area than the above two thus is more open to
electronic intervention.

Uses
The sensors from various types of sensors in IoT are used in security
systems, smart lighting, and gaming.

These sensors are also used in the camera to target unusual activity
for security purposes at homes or commercial buildings.

They are used in soap dispensers, dryers, toilet flushes, and

entrance gates.

Features
Motion sensors from this List of sensors and their uses detect
physical movements and change them into electrical signals.

These sensors have active sensing ability and thus they can capture
even the smallest movement occurring in the surroundings

9. Air Quality Sensors

The IoT air quality sensors from the IoT sensor types compute
individual particles and impurities (pollutants).

These sensors are majorly used to control environmental health and

avoid hazards.
 They can observe the chemicals, gases, and suspended particles in
the atmosphere air.

Categories
Two types of Air Quality Sensors are:

 Gas – Detect changes in the formation of the air due to leakage of

dangerous gases (Nitrogen Dioxide & Sulfur Dioxide).
 Particle Matter – It detects the presence of individual impure
particles in the air by monitoring the opacity.

Uses
These sensors from types of sensors in IoT are beneficial to detect
toxic or combustible gases in the environment.

It is mainly used by plastic materials or paint manufacturing

industries to control dangerous gases.

The pharmaceutical industries can use these sensors to detect

hazardous gases & avoid accidents.

Features
The best feature of these sensors is their instant detection and
maintenance of the air quality sensors.

These were initially used by BAM (Beta Attenuation Monitors)

technology which was later replaced by the TOEM (Tapered Element
Oscillating Microbalance) technology.

10. Accelerometers Sensors

As the name suggests, the accelerometer sensors detect the
changes in the acceleration. Acceleration is the rate at which velocity
changes with time, in terms of speed and direction.

They capture the non-gravitational acceleration of the object and

enable the measurement of the vibration or its tendency.
Categories
Three main types of accelerometer sensors are:

 Hall Effect
 Capacitive
 Piezoelectric (Electrical charge when mechanically stressed)

Uses
An accelerometer like the other types of sensors in IoT is a packed
device alternative that measures vibrations in the object.

They integrate it with vehicles, wearables, and robotics to track

nearby objects using their vibration. Industries use these sensors in which
they manufacture machines or operating devices.

Features
These sensors contain capacitive plates and other attached springs.
It converts acceleration data to vibration frequencies and detects unusual
movements.

A prominent feature of these sensors is that they are low-powered

devices thus beneficial for battery-powered applications.

11. Water Quality Sensors

The water quality sensors measure various parameters including the
muddiness, pH, and impurities in the water.

These measurements are based on the water’s temperature,

dissolved oxygen levels, conductance, and saltiness.

Categories
Three types of water quality sensors are:

 ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) – Used in Ion detection to

measure the ability of water to oxidize.
 pH – It monitors water quality by comparing its ability to neutralize
acids and bases.
  Turbidity – It senses the rate of suspended solids in water by
monitoring the amount of light scattered.

Uses
The water quality IoT sensors from numerous types of Sensors in
IoT can be implanted into swimming pools and overhead water storage
tanks.

Researchers use these sensors in environmental monitoring and

industrial applications. Companies also use them for large-scale quality
checks in rivers.

Features
These sensors can analyze the water’s physical, biological, and
chemical conditions in various water bodies.

They can work both under and on the water in a floating manner.

12. Gyroscope Sensors

The gyroscope sensors detect the rotational motion. It captures
information about an object’s 3-D space orientation. These are also famous
as the Angular Rate or Velocity sensor.

It uses the earth’s gravity to track the angular motion of any object.

Gyroscope sensors from various types of Sensors in IoT have a rotor

(independent-rotating disk) set in motion on a spinning axis at the center of
a steady wheel. Its axis spins, the rotor remains motionless, and that is how
it indicates the way down.

Categories
Four types of gyroscope sensors are:

 Mechanical
 MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems)
 Light-based (Laser-Ring and Fiber-Optic)
Uses
They are important to revolutionize automotive systems and are used
in navigation systems, drones, and virtual reality.

In cars, they can detect the skidding of the wheel and react with an
automatic break.

Smart mobiles can detect the game’s mode (portrait or landscape)

using these sensors.

Features
These sensors are fast and an important component for maximum
smart navigation systems.

They are often integrated with the accelerometers to enable precise

motion sensing.

3 angular rate measurements that gyroscope sensors can pick are

– YAW (See object from Above), ROLL (See object from the front), and
PITCH (See object from the front – vertical rotation).

13. Level Sensors

The level sensors from different types of Sensors in IoT measure the
level of liquid or solid substances in containers or tanks.

They majorly help businesses to monitor, maintain, and measure the

levels of objects or items in transport systems or storage.

Some Common level sensors used in industries are:

Float switch, Capacitance, Optical, Conductive, Tuning fork,

Ultrasonic devices, and Radar.

Categories
Two types of level sensors per their usage are:

 Point Level – Indicate the appearance of liquid at a selected point in

the storage container.
  Continuous Level – It measures the exact liquid level in the storage
container.

Uses
Large vehicles use these sensors for fuel level management. They
can monitor sea levels to predict tides and alert them.

The medical industry uses these sensors during pharmaceutical

processing.

Features
They can control the overflow and diminish the chances of bug
accidents.

It is useful for liquid stock maintenance in storage houses. Invasive

sensors directly connect with substances, and non-contact sensors
measure the quantity using surrounding sounds or microwaves.

14. Flow and Gas Sensors

The IoT flow or gas sensors from the types of Sensors in
IoT mentioned in this blog, monitor the slowness of gases or liquids.

They can detect the change in pressure or leakages wherever used.

They also detect the movement or flow of fluids.

These sensors can be compared with the flow sensors.

Categories
The major types of these sensors include:

 PID (photoionization detector)

 Infrared
 Semiconductor
 Electrochemical
Uses
These sensors are in manufacturing, health, and oil and gas
industries to detect the concentration of different gases in the air, including
greenhouse gases and toxins.

They install the systems to monitor the air quality and support work
safety by detecting toxic gases.

Medical applications mostly use flow sensors.

Features
The trending version of Gas sensors is low-powered and can be used
in local applications.

These sensors can measure gas concentrations and detect leaks

remotely. The flow sensors can control the liquid flow rate.

15. Chemical Sensors

Among the numerous types of Sensors in IoT, the Chemical sensors
can detect chemicals or gases in the environment.

It converts chemical signals into analytical ones. Researchers mainly

use them to find pollutants in the surroundings and control pollution to
avoid health hazards.

Chemical manufacturing industries also take them into account.

Categories
Some common chemical sensors are:

Chemical field-effect transistor, Chemiresistor, Electrochemical gas,

fluorescent chloride, Hydrogen sulfide, Nondispersive infrared, pH glass
electrode, Potentiometric, and Zinc oxide nanorod sensors.

Uses
They can detect changes in the chemical composition of liquids and
gases. The major industries that use them are pharma, automotive, and
domestic.
 These sensors allow industries to control processes.

Features
These sensors can track the changes in surroundings affected by the
chemical impurity.

It can convert the physical properties of a substance to digital

signals.

16. Infrared Sensors

The infrared sensors in IoT detect infrared radiations. These sensors
are cost-effective options for motion sensors.

These sensors detect and react accordingly to the thermal radiation

released by the objects.

Categories
Two types of Infrared Sensors are:

 Active – Uses infrared detectors to detect objects (e.g. –

photodiodes).
 Passive – It has 2 two sub-types – thermal and quantum, from which
the latter is faster.

Uses
Thermal cameras, night vision, and temperature measurements
commonly use these sensors.

Security applications can utilize these sensors for alerting. These

sensors among all the types of sensors in IoT can detect chemical
leakages for industrial maintenance.

They can be used in medical industries to monitor fitness levels.

Features
These sensors can transmit a wave to the electronic circuit to monitor
the temperature.
 Its output varies as per the intensity of the energy signals obtained.

17. Rain Sensors

The name itself suggests that these sensors from the IoT sensors
list are used to measure rainfall.

It uses an IR (Infrared) transmitter unit to obtain and return distinctive

intensity lights.

These sensors are often used independently as solutions in a

network.

Categories
Four common types of Rain Sensors are:

 Water Collection Basins

 Freeze
 Conductive
 Hygroscopic Disk

Uses
The rain sensors are commonly used in weather stations and smart
irrigation systems.

They are helpful for the agricultural industry as they regulate the
water flow.

It controls the overwatering in the fields and minimizes operational

costs.

The sensors automatically activate the car wipers to avoid

accidents.

Features
Rain sensors from the prominent types of sensors in IoT indicate
rainfall levels to reflect an accurate measure.
 These sensors are activated automatically once they come in contact
with water.

They also work as resistive dipoles.

They are cost-effective solutions and help in avoiding water wastage.

18. Optical Sensors

The optical sensors in IoT include both electro-optical and light
sensors. They detect light levels or objects.

These sensors detect a limited amount of light and convert it to digital

signals.

Categories
Common types of Optical Sensors include:

 Fiber optics
 Pyrometers
 Photodetectors
 Proximity

Uses
Businesses integrate these sensors into their products, including
industrial automation, electronics, and robotics.

They are used in smart cities for adaptive street lighting, traffic and
automotive monitoring.
 These sensors are also useful in the automobile industry as they can
recognize objects, detect light, and enhance smart parking.

Features
The optical sensors from the other types of sensors in IoT measure
electromagnetic energy (From Infrared to Ultraviolet Level).

They can detect light’s intensity, frequency, polarization, and

wavelength.

It can also monitor water levels by tracing the refraction of light.

19. Smoke Sensors

Smoke Sensors from the List of sensors and their uses can detect the
smoke in the surroundings.

These smoke sensors indicate the presence of airborne particles or

smoke in the atmosphere or the air in a specific region.

Categories
Two main types of Smoke Sensors:

 Optical – These are also known as photoelectric smoke detectors

and measure the scattering of the light due to smoke presence.
 Ionization – These are sensitive to larger flames or fire and are less
effective at detecting slow-smoldering fires.
 ASD (Aspirating Smoke Detectors) – Highly advanced sensors are
used in active fire protection systems.
Uses
These sensors are essential components in fire alarm systems.

They are installed in factories, residential society buildings, and

offices.

The sensors from different types of sensors in IoT are used to

prevent fire accidents with accurate smoke-sensing ability.

Features
These sensors can send alerts to the connected devices in case of
fire.

This smoke detector can raise an alarm in its installed places if

harmful smoke arises.

It uses a little radioactive substance placed between electrically

charged plates that can detect even the smallest particles of smoke.

20. Light Sensors

The light sensors from the IoT sensor types are photoelectric sensors
that convert light energy into electrical energy.

They measure atmospheric light levels and adjust lights accordingly.

These sensors work as energy-effective alternatives for smart homes.

Categories
Two popular types of Light Sensors are:

 Photodiode – They work on the inner photoelectric effect. Designed

to operate semiconductor lighting appliances.
 Photoresistor – This sensor changes its resistance when light
shines on it and it can be used as an analog light sensor.

Uses
These sensors are useful in the agricultural industry.
 The user can measure the amount of light absorbed in the soil and
use this information accordingly.

These sensors are also useful in security and brightness control. It

may include surrounding light settings on mobile phones and laptops.

Features
The light sensors can detect and observe the quantity of light to then
convert it to electrical energy.

This electrical energy is easy to understand for IoT instruments. They

are cheap to motion sensors and other different types of sensors.