The indicator is an important component of technical devices

An indicator is a device showing some kind of information. It is used for visual control of certain events, signals, processes. There are many different types of indicators: electronic, mechanical, etc. Electronic devices have gained popularity.

An electronic indicator is a device that allows the display of any information. Such devices are installed on all household appliances, in industrial equipment, etc. The indicator helps the operator in the workplace or the layman at home, in the car quickly, and most importantly, clearly evaluate the required parameters (for example, the battery indicator), especially those that he is unable to determine with the help of his senses. In those cases where high accuracy is required, digital multi-digit indicators are used, and when it is sufficient to see the absence or presence of a signal, single-type indicators are used.

There are many options for indication. In addition to specialized indicators, such as mechanical switches, electronic digital or matrix, often use household electronic components. For example, a conventional incandescent lamp or a semiconductor light-emitting diode can serve as an element of indication in warning systems or control panels and controls. A specialized matrix type indicator can be used for domestic purposes, for example, to create billboards. That is, depending on the use of both the lamp, and the diode, and the electronic matrix can have a general purpose. His name is the indicator. This allows us to draw the following conclusion: the indicator is determined not so much by designation and design features, but by its application in a specific device or device.

Classification of indicators

1. By appointment - group and individual.

2. By the method of image formation:

- passive: liquid crystal, electrochromic, electrophoresis, ferroelectric;

- active: LED, cathodoluminescent, gas-discharge, incandescent.

3. By the nature of the information displayed:

- digital - displays digital information;

- single - transmits the state of color, brightness;

- scale - is performed in the form of several single indicators, displays the level or value of the value (for example, the charge indicator);

- Mnemonic - in the form of a geometric figure or image;

- alphanumeric - displays data in the form of letters, numbers and signs;

- graphic - transmits both character data and pictures;

- combined - combines two or more options.

4. On the design of the information field :

- Familiar. Such a type includes vacuum, gas-discharge, and glowing indicators.

- Syntaxynthesizing. These include matrix, segment, seven-segment indicators.

5. According to the information capacity: single-charge and multi-charge.

6. By the method of image formation: dynamic (multiplex) and static.

7. By color: monochrome and full-color.

8. By the method of information transfer: analog and discrete.

We listed the main types of indicators, but there are a number of parameters (overall dimensions, brightness of elements, viewing angles, response time, voltage, etc.) that divide these devices into subgroup groups.

Summarizing, let's say that the indicator is a device that displays information about the level, the value of various data such as voltage, current, temperature, battery charge, etc. The indicators greatly simplify the work of a person with different devices, they save time, help avoid accidents etc.