Multifunctional sensors
Multifunctional sensors are electronic elements that, depending on the purpose and measured values, can operate on different principles (for example, send and receive ultrasound to measure distance). They can come in both analog and digital versions. The basic feature of multifunctional sensors is the ability to simultaneously measure the values of at least two physical quantities. The parameters measured can be very different - there are sensors available on the market that enable the measurement of weather parameters and air quality, electrical quantities, speed, acceleration, position, magnetic field, distance, light intensity and many other properties in the environment. The great possibilities offered by multifunctional sensors make these elements readily used in a wide variety of devices and measuring instruments, as well as in self-constructed electronic projects.
The use of multifunctional sensors
Multifunctional sensors and multifunctional measurement modules are used in many devices and systems - both those produced commercially and in self-created electronic projects. In the case of thermal, weather and air quality sensors, these may be, for example, weather stations, room temperature controllers, air purifiers, heating and air conditioning installations, security systems (e.g. fire protection installations, hazardous substance detectors), cooling and temperature control systems in electronic equipment or building automation systems and smart home installations. However, sensors detecting light intensity, speed, position or shocks are perfect for robots, remotely controlled vehicles and security systems (e.g. anti-burglary installations or devices monitoring seismic activity), as well as a useful addition to the equipment in an intelligent building.
What to pay attention to when shopping?
As in the case of other electronic and structural elements, when selecting multifunctional sensors, appropriately matching the product to the needs of a specific project is the basis for the successful operation of a given part and the entire device. When choosing multifunctional sensors, you should first of all pay attention to the measured values, measurement accuracy and measurement range, supported communication interfaces, available connectors (if the element is not wireless) and the method and parameters of the power supply. The physical quantities that can be measured must be adapted to the characteristics of the project: for example, in the case of an air purifier, it may be a sensor measuring the content of suspended dust, the presence of organic substances and dangerous gases in the air, humidity and temperature. However, a multifunctional sensor with an accelerometer and gyroscope will work perfectly in a remotely controlled flying machine. The measurement range and measurement precision should also be matched to the planned use of the sensor - it is worth remembering that they will be different for each measured value! Therefore, if it is difficult to find a model with an appropriate measurement range and accuracy, you should choose a product that measures the most important quantity meticulously and over a wide range (for example, in the case of a cooling system for a computer with a humidity control function, precise temperature measurement will be the most important). It is worth remembering that it is extremely important to properly program the sensors or modules and provide them with power supply with appropriate current parameters - otherwise the elements will not work properly and may even be destroyed.
What products will you find in this category?
In this section, we offer a large selection of multifunctional sensors from the world's best manufacturers, including Adafruit, DFRobot, Seeedstudio (Grove series) and Sonoff. Sensors are available to measure values such as temperature, air humidity, atmospheric pressure, dustiness, the content of various substances in the air (carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ethanol, carbon dioxide and many others), shocks, light intensity, magnetic field, angular velocity, acceleration, position, distance, or movement (infrared radiation sensor). The modules and sensors offered in this section communicate via popular interfaces, for example I2C or SPI. Elements with Grove, Goldpin and other connectors are available. We invite you to familiarize yourself with our offer of multifunctional sensors, as well as with the rest of the store's assortment.
Multifunctional sensors - FAQ