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)