What device is primarily used to convert a mechanical signal into a proportional electrical signal?

The device that is primarily used to convert a mechanical signal into a proportional electrical signal is a transmitter. Transmitters take the input from a sensor—such as pressure, temperature, or level measurements—and convert this mechanical or physical measurement into an electrical signal that can be easily transmitted over distances or processed further.

Transmitters are essential components in control systems as they provide the necessary interface between the physical measurements and the control or monitoring systems. They are designed to ensure accurate representation of the mechanical quantity being measured, allowing for effective monitoring and control of processes.

In contrast, sensors are responsible for detecting physical phenomena and generating a raw signal, which may be mechanical or electrical; however, they do not typically format or condition this signal for data transmission. Actuators, on the other hand, are devices that carry out control actions based on outputs from controllers, while controllers are responsible for taking inputs (like the signals from transmitters) to manage and regulate processes. Thus, the function of converting mechanical signals specifically to proportional electrical signals is most accurately described by the role of a transmitter.