sensory

adj 1: of a nerve fiber or impulse originating outside and passing

toward the central nervous system; "sensory neurons"

[syn: {centripetal}, {receptive}, {sensory(a)}]

2: involving or derived from the senses; "sensory experience";

"sensory channels" [syn: {sensorial}] [ant: {extrasensory}]

3: relating to or concerned in sensation; "the sensory cortex";

"sensory organs" [syn: {sensational}]

sensor

An electronic device used to measure a physical

quantity such as temperature, pressure or loudness and convert

it into an electronic signal of some kind (e.g a voltage).

Sensors are normally components of some larger electronic

system such as a computer control and/or measurement system.

Analog sensors most often produce a voltage proportional to

the measured quantity. The signal must be converted to

digital form with a {ADC} before the CPU can process it.

Digital sensors most often use serial communication such as

{EIA-232} to return information directly to the controller or

computer through a {serial port}.

(1997-04-15)