13. CONTINUOUS SENSORS
There are a number of defining properties of interest when considering sensors,
- Accuracy - a sensor will statistically vary about an exact reading. If we take a statistical range for all readings (e.g., ±3 standard deviations) this will be a reasonable accuracy. Accuracy can also be given as a relative value (e.g. percentage)
- Resolution - Typically used for systems that `step' through readings. This is the smallest increment that the sensor can detect.
- Repeatability - When a single sensor condition is made and repeated, there will be a small variation for that particular reading. This is the repeatability.
- Range - Natural limits for the sensor
- Dynamic Response - the frequency range for regular operation of the sensor. Typically sensors will have an upper operation frequency, occasionally there will be lower frequency limits.
- Environmental - temperature and humidity limits exist for many sensors
- Calibration - most sensors require some degree of calibration, and their readings may drift over time.
