| Active Transducer (Self-Generating) | Generates electrical output without external power. | Thermocouple, Piezoelectric Transducer, Photovoltaic Cell, Tachogenerator |
| Passive Transducer (Requires External Excitation) | Requires external power to produce output. | LVDT, RTD, Strain Gauge, Potentiometer, Thermistor, Capacitive Sensor |
| Analog Transducer | Produces a continuous output signal. | Thermocouple, LVDT, RTD, Thermistor, Strain Gauge, Potentiometer, Microphone |
| Digital Transducer | Produces discrete (ON/OFF or digital pulse) output. | Optical Encoder, Hall Effect Switch, Digital Temperature Sensor, Rotary Encoder, Digital Proximity Sensor |
| Primary Transducer | Directly senses the physical quantity. | Bourdon Tube, Diaphragm, Bellows, Spring, Float |
| Secondary Transducer | Converts the output of the primary transducer into an electrical signal. | LVDT, Strain Gauge, Potentiometer, Capacitive Pickup, Inductive Pickup |