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56 SMT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2025 A RT I C L E by S a n j e ev M a n e, B ro o ks Au to m a t i o n Sensors: The Invisible Force Behind Modern Convenience and Safety S e n s o r i nte r fa c e i n syste m ▼ stage introduced after the sensor to modify its out- put. It may involve amplification, filtering, or con- verting the signal into a format suitable for further processing or interpretation. This ensures that the sensor's response is accurate, reliable, and com- patible with the system it feeds into. The final output from the sensor system is sent to the decision-making and control unit. This unit could be a simple controller, a closed-loop control- ler, a PID controller, a PLC, or even an AI-based sys- tem, depending on the application and current tech- nological trends. This unit acts based on the input received from the sensors. Therefore, the speed of decision-making is directly influenced by the sen- sor's response time. Key performance param- eters of sensors—such as accuracy, precision, and response time—play a critical role in determin- ing the overall behavior of the system. Sensor Classification and Application- specific Selection Selecting the right sensor is a complex process that involves evaluating multiple parameters to ensure optimal performance for the intended application. Key factors to consider include: S ensors and sensor technology are fundamen- tal components of modern life that drive inno- vation across various electronics and devices. From smartphones to industrial machinery, these small but powerful tools enable seamless interaction with the environment, ensuring efficiency and safety. This article serves as an introduction and overview of sensor technology, highlighting its significance in modern applications and its growing importance in the market as we embrace smarter, more con- nected systems. Sensors are transducers, devices that convert one form of energy into another. Specifically, a sen- sor converts a physical stimulus—such as heat, light, pressure, or motion—into electrical energy. This electrical output is proportional to the input stimulus and is referred to as the sensor's sig- nal or response. It represents how the sensor inter- prets and communicates the presence or intensity of the stimulus. Sometimes, the output from a sensor is directly usable. However, in many cases, the sensor's out- put needs to be adjusted to bring it within a detect- able and practical range. This is where signal con- ditioning comes into play. Signal conditioning is a