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Transducers convert input signals or energy into a different form of output signal or energy. For example, a microphone is a transducer that converts sound waves to corresponding electric waves. Transducers are found in a wide variety of industries, serving an extensive range of uses, including sound engineering equipment, sensor devices and photoelectric circuits.

A common form of transducer is the pressure transducer, which is a device that converts pressure input to an electric signal. Underwater transducers are designed to transmit and receive input signals while subjected to the environmental conditions of deep sea locations. Rotational transducers track the position of rotating shafts or objects in machinery or other applications. Certain musical instruments utilize transducers called pickups to transmit acoustic sounds into electric signals. Ultrasonic transducers are used to detect flaws, gage materials and diagnose system attributes. Research laboratories use a wide assortment of transducers to record positioning data and other information.

Transducers are selected by their function and efficiency. Transducer efficiency can be regarded as a ratio between input and output, although total efficiency is not possible—something is always lost in translation. This issue makes exact positioning impossible, although ultra-precise measurements are attainable and can be achieved to virtually any standard.

As mentioned, transducers are used extensively in sensing applications, including temperature, position, linear displacement and motion sensing. Materials used in these devices include a wide range of alloys and synthetics, as well as different fluids for component suspension and for measurement. Transducers tend to have extremely sensitive parts due to the nature of their use; piezoelectric transducers, for example, respond to minute changes in the input source. Due to their design, some high-precision transducers may suffer calibration issues after mishandling, or can be affected by external influences.