Transmitter vs Transducer
Transmitters and transducers are devices that are discussed in physics. A transmitter is a device which emits electromagnetic waves that correspond to a given signal. A transducer is any component that changes one form of energy to another. Both of these devices have a large variety of applications such as in radio communication, navigation, mobile technology, wireless communication, Radar technology, measuring and instrumentation technology and numerous others. In this article, we are going to discuss what are transmitters and transducers, their applications, the definitions of transmitters and transducers, the similarities between transmitters and transduces, and finally the difference between transmitters and transduced.
What are Transmitters?
A transmitter is a term mostly discussed in radio and wireless technology. A transmitter can be defined as a set of devices that with the help of an antenna produces radio or electromagnetic waves. Transmitters are used in devices such as mobile phones, wireless internet adapters, Bluetooth devices, radar machines, walkie-talkies, two way radios, GPS devices and other navigation technologies.
An alternating electric signal is produced inside the transmitter which is in the range of radio frequency. When this signal is sent through the antenna, the excitation of the antenna causes corresponding radio waves to be emitted.
The concept of a practical transmitter was first developed by Heinrich Hertz based on ideas by James Clark Maxwell. Even though, the microwave producers of the microwave ovens and diathermy devices operate based on the same principle and method of the transmitters, they are not usually categorized as transmitters as to avoid confusion with radio technology.
What are Transducers?
A transducer is any device or component that is capable of converting one form of energy to a different form of energy. Some examples for transducers are microphones, speakers, LEDs, light bulbs, thermocouples, solar panels, electric motors, turbines, heat engines, etc. Some of these devices are very important in energy production. Transducers are also very important as measuring devices for instrumentation.
Transmitters are also a type of transducers. The antenna of the transmitter is a transducer component which converts electric energy to electromagnetic waves. The antenna of a receiver also operates as a transducer. In this case, the antenna is responsible for converting electromagnetic waves to electric signals. The term “trans” refers to change between two different forms of a system. Most of the time, transducers are used to convert electric energy to other forms or other forms of energy to electric energy.
What is the difference between Transmitter and Transducer?
• A transmitter is a device dedicated to emitting electromagnetic signals corresponding to the given electric signal whereas transducers are devices to transform energy from one form to another.
• The transmitter is also a type of transducers.
• Transducers in general can be used as measurement devices, but transmitters cannot be used as measuring devices.
• Transmitters do not have any mechanical movements, but transducers in general can have mechanical movements.