With the enhancement of function, sensors are becoming the replacement of some old electromechanical switch technology. The use of sensors to detect objects, can promote the miniaturization of equipment. An increasing number of sensing technologies are emerging, and the presence, level, and position sensors are rapidly replacing the old electromechanical switches. At the same time, due to control technology based on microprocessor in a variety of applications increasingly widespread, capacitance, inductive, ultrasonic sensors, optical and Hall sensor in the industrial and consumer markets found a broader arena.

Touch sensing technology is becoming more and more popular. More common is the touch screen, which provides the operator with a large number of devices directly communicate with the visual interface. Expanding the scope of application of various types of sensors, will further stimulate the demand for this technology.

Although the sensor has the characteristics of miniaturization and simplicity, but also in many applications in the durability of the disadvantage, the use of sensors directly instead of electromechanical switch is not an easy task. A key advantage of the switch is that it can withstand higher electrical load than the sensor, which is very important for the mechanical and electrical equipment with high inductance or resistance load. The sensor usually requires the relay and other secondary switching devices, in order to deal with the type of load. Switches are typically two wire devices that do not require an external power. Sensor is generally at least three wire configuration, the need to re design to replace the switch. In all applications, the switch provides power while the sensor requires power. Obviously, switches and sensors for the specific needs of the each one has his good points, so the application of careful assessment to determine who is the most suitable.

Of course, in order to completely replace the mechanical and electrical switches also need to control the cost, the cost of new sensor products, manufacturers may be more use of the sensor to replace the switch. The improved electrical design, the use of fewer sensors to replace a number of switches, sensors in the new application of reliability improvement, the sensor market will open a new door.