Chapter 5: Sensors and

Actuators

Architecture IoT Prof Jihene MALEK

 Introduction
Sensors
Sensors are devices that collect data from the physical world
and convert it into a form that can be processed digitally. In IoT,
they act as the "eyes and ears" of the system, capturing
essential information for analysis and decision-making.
Examples of what sensors measure:
• Temperature: Thermometers (e.g., LM35, DHT11).
• Light intensity: Light-dependent resistors (LDRs),
photodiodes.
• Motion: PIR sensors, accelerometers.
• Gas concentration: MQ-series gas sensors.
Functionality in IoT:
Sensors continuously monitor the environment. For instance, in
a weather station, a temperature sensor collects ambient
temperature and sends the data to a cloud platform for
visualization or further analysis.
 Introduction
Actuators

Actuators are devices that convert digital signals into physical

actions. They allow the IoT system to interact with its
environment by executing tasks based on data inputs.
Types of actions actuators perform:
• Mechanical movements: Motors, solenoids.
• Electrical switching: Relays.
• Visual or auditory alerts: LEDs, buzzers.
Functionality in IoT:
Actuators operate based on commands derived from sensor
data. For example, in a smart home system, a servo motor may
adjust the window blinds based on the light intensity measured
by a sensor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX9MPp4cvrM
 Introduction
Communication Between Sensors and Actuators
•Sensors collect data and send it to a microcontroller (e.g., ESP32), which processes the data and decides on
actions.
•Commands are then sent to actuators to perform the required tasks.
•This communication can be local (direct connection to a microcontroller) or cloud-based (data processed
remotely, then commands sent back).
Architecture for the integration of sensors and actuators

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Architecture-for-the-integration-of-sensors-and-actuators_fig1_350027434
 Introduction
Importance of Seamless Integration Between Sensors and Actuators in IoT
1. Real-Time Operation

•IoT systems depend on real-time feedback to function effectively.

•Integration ensures a smooth flow of data and actions, enabling systems
to respond instantly to changes in the environment.
Example: In a fire detection system, a smoke sensor triggers sprinklers
immediately, minimizing damage.

2. Automation and Scalability

•Seamless integration allows for end-to-end automation, reducing the

need for manual intervention.
•With cloud-based IoT, integration also ensures scalability, where multiple
sensors and actuators work together across vast networks.
Example: In smart agriculture, sensors monitor soil, weather, and crop
health, while actuators adjust irrigation, fertilizer application, and pest
control dynamically.
 Introduction
Importance of Seamless Integration Between Sensors and Actuators in IoT

3. Enhanced Efficiency and Energy Savings

•Systems only activate actuators when necessary,

conserving resources like energy and water.

•Example: Smart streetlights use light sensors to activate

LEDs only in darkness.
 Sensors
Key Characteristics of Sensors
1. Sensitivity
Definition: The sensor's ability to detect small changes in the measured parameter.
Importance: Determines how responsive the sensor is to variations.
Example: A high-sensitivity light sensor can detect minute changes in ambient light.
2. Range
Definition: The span of values a sensor can accurately measure.
Importance: Defines the limits of the sensor's applicability.
Example: A temperature sensor with a range of -50°C to 150°C is suitable for diverse environments.
3. Precision
Definition: The consistency of the sensor's measurements.
Importance: Indicates reliability in repeated measurements under the same conditions.
Example: A pressure sensor that consistently reads 1.01 bar for the same pressure has high precision.
 Sensors
Key Characteristics of Sensors

4. Resolution

Definition: The smallest detectable change in the measured quantity.

Importance: Determines the level of detail the sensor can provide.
Example: A distance sensor with a resolution of 0.1 cm can detect changes as small as 0.1 cm.

5. Response Time

Definition: The time taken by the sensor to react to a change in the measured parameter.
Importance: Critical in applications requiring real-time data.
Example: A PIR motion sensor with a response time of 1 second is suitable for detecting quick movements.
 Classification of Sensors
1. Physical Sensors : Measure physical quantities such as temperature, light, pressure, or motion.
Examples:
Temperature Sensors:
▪ Measure ambient or object temperature.
▪ Examples: LM35, DHT11/DHT22, thermocouples.

▪ Use Case: Monitoring room temperature in smart thermostats.

Light Sensors:
▪ Measure light intensity.
▪ Examples: LDR (Light-Dependent Resistor), TSL2561.

▪ Use Case: Automatic adjustment of screen brightness.

Pressure Sensors:
▪Detect changes in pressure levels (air, liquid, etc.).
▪ Examples: BMP180, MPX5010.

▪ Use Case: Altitude measurement in drones.

Motion Sensors:
▪ Detect movement or vibrations.
▪ Examples: PIR (Passive Infrared), accelerometers.
▪ Use Case: Security systems and fitness trackers.
 Classification of Sensors
2. Chemical Sensors : Detect chemical substances or changes in chemical properties.

Exemples:
Gas Sensors::
▪ Measure concentrations of gases like CO, CO2,
methane, or oxygen.
▪ Examples: MQ series (e.g., MQ-2 for smoke
detection, MQ-135 for air quality).
▪ Use Case: Air quality monitoring in smart homes.

pH Sensors:
▪ Measure the acidity or alkalinity of liquids.
▪ Example: E201-C pH electrode.
▪ Use Case: Monitoring water quality in aquariums
or agriculture.
 Classification of Sensors
3. Biological Sensors: Monitor biological signals or changes in biological systems.

Examples:
Heart Rate Monitors :
▪ Detect heartbeats using photoplethysmography (PPG).
▪ Examples: MAX30102, pulse oximeters.
▪ Use Case: Fitness tracking in wearable devices.

Glucose Sensors:
▪ Measure blood glucose levels.
▪ Use Case: Diabetes management.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) Sensors:
▪ Measure brain activity.
▪ Use Case: Neurofeedback systems
DHT11/DHT22 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
Temperature Sensors: Measure ambient or object temperature.

The DHT11 and DHT22 sensors are used to measure temperature and relative humidity. These are very
popular among makers and electronics hobbyists. Inside the DHT Sensor If you remove the sensor’s casing,
you will find an NTC thermistor and a humidity sensing component inside.

https://lastminuteengineers.com/dht11-dht22-arduino-tutorial/
 Classification of Sensors
DHT11/DHT22 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
The humidity sensing component has two electrodes with a moisture-holding substrate (usually a salt or
conductive plastic polymer) in between. As the humidity rises, the substrate absorbs water vapor, resulting in
the release of ions and a decrease in the resistance between the two electrodes. This change in resistance is
proportional to the humidity, which can be measured to estimate relative humidity.

https://lastminuteengineers.com/dht11-dht22-arduino-tutorial/
 Classification of Sensors
DHT11/DHT22 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
The sensor also includes a NTC thermistor for measuring temperature. A thermistor is a type of resistor
whose resistance varies with temperature.
Technically, all resistors are thermistors in the sense that their resistance changes slightly with
temperature, but the change is typically very small and difficult to measure. Thermistors are designed
so that their resistance changes dramatically with temperature (by 100 ohms or more per degree).
The term “NTC” stands for “Negative Temperature Coefficient,” which means that resistance
decreases as temperature rises.

The sensor also includes an 8-bit SOIC-14 packaged IC. This IC measures and processes the analog signal using
stored calibration coefficients, converts the analog signal to digital, and outputs a digital signal containing the
temperature and humidity.
https://lastminuteengineers.com/dht11-dht22-arduino-tutorial/
 DHT11/DHT22 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
The DHT11 and DHT22 are very similar, but differ in their specifications. The following table compares some of the most
important specifications of the DHT11 and DHT22 temperature and humidity sensors.

The DHT22 sensor has a better resolution and a wider

temperature and humidity measurement range. However, it is a
bit more expensive, and you can only request readings with 2
seconds interval.
The DHT11 has a smaller range and it’s less accurate. However,
you can request sensor readings every second. It’s also a bit
cheaper.
Despite their differences, they work in a similar way, and you
can use the same code to read temperature and humidity. You
just need to select in the code the sensor type you’re using.
 DHT11/DHT22 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
DHT11 and DHT22 Pinout
The DHT11 and DHT22 sensors are both relatively simple to connect. They have four pins:

VCC pin provides power to the sensor. Despite the fact that the
supply voltage ranges from 3.3V to 5.5V, a 5V supply is
recommended. With a 5V power supply, the sensor can be
placed up to 20 meters away. With 3.3V supply voltage, the
sensor can be placed up to 1 meter away; otherwise, the line
voltage drop will cause measurement errors.

Data pin is used for communication between the sensor and

the microcontroller.

NC Not connected

GND is the ground pin.

https://lastminuteengineers.com/dht11-dht22-arduino-tutorial/
 DHT11/DHT22 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
Wiring DHT11 Sensors to an ESP32

https://lastminuteengineers.com/esp32-dht11-dht22-web-server-tutorial/