Terminology

So much disambiguation to do... This is a work in progress.

Sensor

This term is ambiguous, it could mean:

1. Measurement instrument – scientist perspective
   • often perceived as "a single sensor", but in practice usually comprises multiple sensors
2. Phenomena detector – end-user perspective
   • a Fulmenometer (measurement instrument) detects lightning; but it can do so optically, acoustically or electromagnetically
3. Components which measure physical properties – electronic engineer perspective
   • photodiode, microphone, magnetomer, etc.

All provide metrics; either data or information. All can be singular or multiple. All are interrelated.

For disambiguation, we will define the term "Sensor" as follows:

Sensor: A physical phenomena measurement and/or detection instrument

Electronic components will be referred to as "Components".