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)