Sensors, as an important pillar of modern information technology, serve as a bridge connecting the physical world and the digital world. From the initial simple mechanical structure to today's highly intelligent systems, the development of sensors has gone through multiple stages, each accompanied by technological leaps and expanded applications. This article will delve into several key stages of sensor development from traditional to intelligent, revealing the technological innovations and application changes behind them.

Phase 1: The Age of Mechanization (around 1870)

Although the concept of sensors was only explicitly proposed in modern technology, its basic principles and applications have existed since ancient times. For example, the Zhang Heng seismograph during the Eastern Han Dynasty, which detected earthquakes by sensing the direction of seismic waves, can be said to be the earliest vibration sensor in human history. In the era of mechanization, the development of sensors is mainly reflected in the use of mechanical structures to perceive and convert signals. For example, Emperor Xuanyuan's guide cart, measuring instruments, etc., all work based on mechanical principles. These early sensors, although limited in functionality, laid the foundation for later sensor technologies.

Phase 2: Electrification Era (1870-1940)

With the advent of the electrification era, sensor technology has entered the stage of electrical automation. In 1876, Siemens in Germany manufactured the first platinum resistance thermometer, which was the earliest sensor to output electrical signals. Subsequently, structural sensors gradually developed, utilizing changes in structural parameters to sense and convert signals. Meanwhile, the emergence of semiconductor technology has also provided new possibilities for the development of sensors. At this stage, sensors began to be applied in industrial control, temperature measurement, pressure detection and other fields, greatly promoting the development of industrial automation.

Phase Three: Semiconductorization Era (1940-1970)

The rapid development of semiconductor technology has led sensors into the era of semiconductor technology. Sensors during this period were mainly composed of solid components such as semiconductors, dielectrics, and magnetic materials, such as thermocouple sensors and Hall sensors. These sensors utilize physical principles such as the thermoelectric effect and Hall effect of materials to detect and convert signals, and have advantages such as small size, light weight, low power consumption, and fast response speed. Sensors in the semiconductor era are widely used in industrial automation, aerospace, military and other fields, promoting technological progress and industrial development.

Phase Four: Micro Mechanization Era (1970-2010)

With the advancement of microelectronics technology, micro mechanical technology, and materials science, sensors have entered the era of micro mechanization. During this period, sensors began to develop towards miniaturization, multifunctionality, and integration. Microsensors utilize microelectronics technology to integrate sensors with signal processing circuits, forming miniaturized sensor systems. Meanwhile, with the application of new materials and the advancement of manufacturing processes, the performance of sensors has been greatly improved. Sensors in the era of micro mechanization are widely used in fields such as healthcare, communication, and consumer electronics, driving the rapid development of information technology.

Stage 5: The Era of Intelligence (2010 present)

Entering the 21st century, sensor technology has entered the era of intelligence. Intelligent sensors are a product of the combination of computer technology and detection technology, capable of detecting, self diagnosing, data processing, and adapting to external information. Intelligent sensors not only have the functions of traditional sensors, but also have capabilities such as data processing, network communication, self-learning, etc. They can collect, analyze, and transmit data in real-time, providing strong support for fields such as industrial automation, intelligent manufacturing, and smart cities. Sensors in the era of intelligence have become an important force driving technological progress and industrial upgrading.

From the era of mechanization to the era of intelligence, the development of sensors has gone through multiple stages of transformation and leaps. Each stage is accompanied by technological innovation and the expansion of applications, driving technological progress and industrial development. In the future, with the emergence of new materials, technologies, and application scenarios, sensor technology will continue to develop towards miniaturization, multifunctionality, digitization, intelligence, systematization, and networking. We have reason to believe that sensors will play an important role in more fields and make greater contributions to the progress and development of human society.