With the augmentation of the function, the sensor is becoming a replacement for part of the old mechanical and electrical switch technology. Using sensors to detect objects, can promote the miniaturization of equipment. A growing number of sensing technology constantly emerging, existence, horizontal and replace the old mechanical and electrical switch position sensor is fast. At the same time, because of microprocessor-based control technology is becoming more and more widely in various applications, capacitive and inductive, ultrasonic sensors, optical and hall sensor in industrial and consumer market has found a wide place.

Touch sensing technology is becoming more and more popular. More common is the touch screen, it provides the operator with a direct communication between visual interface with a large number of devices. Expanding the scope of application of all kinds of sensor, will further stimulate the demand for the technology.

Although the sensor has the characteristics of miniaturization and simplification, but in many applications also showed the disadvantage in durability, using the sensor directly replace the mechanical and electrical switch is not easy. Switch is a key advantage is that it is higher than sensor can withstand of electrical load, for the high resistance or inductance load is of vital important mechanical and electrical equipment. And secondary switching devices, such as sensors usually need to relay to handle these types of load. Switch is usually two line device, does not require an external power. Sensor is generally at least three line configuration, need to be redesigned to replace the switch. In all of the application, provide the power switch, sensor requires power. Obviously, switch and sensor strengths, so according to the requirements of the specific evaluation seriously, determine who is the most suitable.

Sensor, of course, if you want to completely replace the mechanical and electrical switch will also need to control the cost, product cost reduction, new sensor manufacturers may use more sensors to replace the switch. Improved electrical design, using fewer sensors to replace multiple switches, sensors in the new application to improve the reliability, will open new doors for sensor market.