What is a Transducer?

Transducers: Transforming Energy

Microphones, thermometers, and antennae what do these three have in common? All of them are transducers. Transducers have the power to transform energy. Generally, a transducer can be any item that can change or convert energy. They can be any sort of electronic device or in any type of electric form. Although many believe that transducers are specific devices that functions for the sole purpose of gaining and moving information, this is a limited view on the wide spectrum of the uses of transducers.

Examples of Transducers
An example of a transducer in action is a microphone that takes sound waves and converts them to an electric signal, which can then be sent or transmitted. The sound waves hit the diaphragm of the microphone in order for it to be ready for transmission. Although transducers can seemingly be considered specifically technical devices, they can actually be found in many different forms.

Thermistor Cathode ray tube Photodetector (LDR) Variable resistor Microphone Tape head Ear Radio/receiver Lamp LED Sensors Loudspeaker Motor Heater Geiger meters Pressure sensors Thermometers Potentiometers Antennae

How do they work?

Several transducers have the capability to change energy and also allow it to convert back to its first shape. This can be called an inverse that is found in the transducer. An example is an audio cassette, which is formed by the conversion of sound waves. The sound waves are then changed to an electric signal which allows them to be recorded onto the tape head. Finally, they can be read back by the use

of an electric signal that in turn, can become audio waves and heard through speakers. This gives a two-part example of how the conversion occurs in everyday life. Another form of transducers carries the purpose of using energy more productively, rather than to measure or communicate. An example of this is a light bulb, which we are exposed to on a daily basis. The function of a light bulb is created by converting electrical energy to visible light. Another form of this type of transducer is an electric motor, which converts electrical energy to kinetic energy. This allows the electric motor perform its motorized duty.

The Conversion of Energy

Energy conversions function differently and some function better than others. This is due to the energy that can be lost during the operation of transducers. To discover the functionality of a transducer, you can compare the total energy that goes in versus the total energy that comes out. Youll find that some are incredibly efficient (and some are incredibly not). An example of an efficient transducer is a radio antenna, which weighs in around 80%. On the other hand, an everyday light bulb functions at around 10% efficiency. Regardless of how well one transducer functions in comparison to another, transducers have become an imperative part of everyday living for the average person.