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EXPERIMENT 1
"PROXIMITY SENSORS"
OBJECTIVE
Proximity sensors are the most basic data acquisition devices in automation. They measure /
detect physical input such as temperature, pressure, force, length, and proximity of an object.
Transducers are typically a sensorial system capable of signal processing, equipped with
electronic instrumentation. Position sensors give a “yes” or “no” response according to the place
of the object.
The aim of this experiment is to illustrate the aspects of different types of proximity sensors,
their properties, and to compare them. For this, a setup table containing Magnetic, Inductive,
Capacitive, and Optical sensors is used. A positioning slide coupled with a vernier caliper is
used to measure switching distances.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Sensors are the first of the four milestones of Automation:
1. Sensing
2. Signal Processing
3. Planning and Response
4. Memory
They usually convert some physical data into a voltage difference for further processing by a
Computer, PLC or I/O Card. The advantages of proximity sensors are:
They determine the geometrical positions automatically and sensitively.
They do not need of a direct contact with the workpiece.
They do not have movable parts that can wear out.
They are usually equipped with electronic circuits for failure protection.
They have various types that can be used under different situations.
They provide the secure working of the process.
They are used for the system failure analysis.
CATEGORIES
According to I/O processing:
Binary: Convert a physical measurement value to a binary code (in the form of ON/OFF
signals in a selected voltage range)
Analog: Convert a physical measurement into an analog signal (e.g. temperature readings
to variable voltage differences)
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TYPICAL USAGE
Positioning of an object:
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Determining the rotational speed:
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TYPES
1. Mechanical switches:
Mechanical switches are simple GO/NoGO indicators. They have physical contact with the
object, usually coupled with relays and contactors to drive a circuit. Widely used in the industry
to mark the end-start points of cylinders, pistons, linear and rotary drives, to sense doors. They
are less sensitive and have lower maximum switching frequency compared to proximity
switches. Because of the physical contact with the object, they require maintenance and
replacement.
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Light sensors (can be equipped with fiber-optic cabling for long distance transmission, may
use ambient light or the light produced in a coupled unit)
Reflected light sensors (can be equipped with fiber-optic cabling for long distance
transmission, uses the reflected light produced in the same unit from the part or a reflector
sheet)
Optical sensors have a relatively greater switching distance. Therefore they may be used in
detecting surface irregularities, failure detection, detection of transmissive surfaces, colors etc.
Fiber optic cabling for transmission also gives a flexibility to use small units at difficult
locations.
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SELECTION CRITERIA
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PROTECTION CLASSES
The protection classes of the mechanical elements are defined in DIN 40050. For example, IP67
represents a device with protection against contact and foreign material according to 6 (Table
A1) and against water and humidity according to 7 (Table A2).
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DEFINITIONS
Object material: The material of the object to be sensed. Note that under non-ideal
circumstances reduction factors are defined. All tabular data about the properties of the sensor
are based on identifying the indicated object under ideal circumstances.
Switching Voltage: The operating supply/output voltage of the sensor. The sensor must
definitely be operated at the permitted voltage range. For most industrial applications typically
5V DC, 12-24V DC, 110-220V AC.
Switching Distance: The maximum distance of the object to be sensed from the head of the
sensor. Reduction factors about the environment and object properties not applied.
Max. Current: The maximum allowable current at the sensor output. To avoid excess currents
a protection circuit may be necessary.
Protection Class: The physical protection of the industrial device against foreign material, dust,
water and humidity. Defined in DIN 40050. Generally related with the construction.
Life: The theoretical life of the device. Indicated as time or in operating cycles.
Switching Frequency: The maximum occurrence of the object material at the switching
distance of the sensor in one second.
Reduction factor: The ratio of switching distance of metals (typically Fe37) to other materials
at the same ambient conditions. Some guide values are given in the table:
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EXPERIMENTAL DATA
The following equipment is contained on the setup table. In the experiment, you may use this
list as a reference to distinguish between equipment.
Component Designation
Proximity Sensor, non-contact, inductive-magnetic 167055
Reed switch 167056
Optical proximity sensor with fiber optic connector, block shaped (2 pieces) 167065
Diffuse reflective optical sensor, block shaped 167068
Optical sensor with fiber optic connector, cylindrical, M18 167166
Inductive Proximity Sensor, cylindrical, M12 177464
Inductive Proximity Sensor, cylindrical, M18 177466
Capacitive proximity switch, cylindrical, M18 177470
Ultrasonic proximity sensor, cylindrical, M18 184118
Component Designation
Reflector unit for reflex light barrier 150504
Optical fiber for one-way light barrier (2 pieces) 150505
Optical fiber for diffuse reflective optical sensor 150506
One way light barrier, transmitter 167064
One way light barrier, receiver 167067
Component Designation
Set of test objects 034083
Graph paper, mm grid 034085
Positioning slide 034094
Adapter set 035651
Vernier caliper 035653
Digital multimeter 035681
Ruler 035697
Distributor unit 162248
Counter unit 162252
Rotary unit 167097
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Part no Material, Dimensions (mm)
1 Magnet 1
2 Magnet 2
3 Mild steel (St 37), 90 x 30
4 Stainless steel, 90 x 30
5 Aluminium, 90 x 30
6 Brass, 90 x 30
7 Copper, 90 x 30
8 Cardboard, 90 x 30
9 Rubber, 90 x 30
10 Plastic, transparent, 90 x 30
11 Mild steel (St 37), 30 x 30
12 Mild steel (St 37), 25 x 25
13 Mild steel (St 37), 20 x 20
14 Mild steel (St 37), 15 x 15
15 Mild steel (St 37), 10 x 10
16 Mild steel (St 37), 5 x 5
17 Kodak gray card, 100 x 100
18 Plastic, transparent, 100 x 100
19 Plastic, red, 100 x 100
20 Plastic, blue, 100 x 100
21 Plastic, black, 100 x 100
22 Cardboard, white, 100 x100
23 Plastic, 2.0 mm thick, 90 x 30
24 Plastic, 3.0 mm thick, 90 x 30
25 Plastic, 4.0 mm thick, 90 x 30
26 Plastic, 8.0 mm thick, 90 x 30
27 Plastic, 11.0 mm thick, 90 x 30
28 Plastic, 14.0 mm thick, 90 x 30
29 Plastic, 17.0 mm thick, 90 x 30
30 Holder for fiber optic cable
31 Base plate with gear wheels
32 Holding bracket for liquid level measurement, through-beam sensor
33 Beaker
34 2 test screws
35 Valve housing
36 Screw driver
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PART 1 (Switching characteristics of a contacting magnetic proximity sensor)
The objective of the experiment is to learn about the switching characteristics of a contact based
magnetic proximity sensor (Reed contact) as a function of position and orientation of a magnet.
Setup
Mount the distribution plate (1), the positioning slide (2), and the magnetic Reed sensor (3,
Designation 167056) on the assembly board. Mount the magnetic sensor laterally offset by 5
cm to the center of the positioning slide. Plug in the electrical power supply and connect the
sensor to the distribution plate. Note that the red color represents (+24V), the blue (0 V or
natural) and the black is the sensorial output (either +24V or 0, ON/OFF). Mount the test object
(Magnet 1) on the positioning slide. Adjust the distance from 0 to +18 mm with 2 mm
increments and at a constant distance adjust the stroke from -50 to +50 mm manually to detect
on/off positions. Enter the response points into the data sheet provided in the following pages.
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Conclusion
When working with magnetic proximity sensors, one has to take into account that there may be
several switching areas. This can lead to multiple counting when counters are employed. This
effect depends on the field strength of the permanent magnet used, and/or the distance of the
magnet to the proximity sensor.
As can be seen from the response diagram, two or even three switching areas may be observed,
depending on the orientation of the axis of the magnetic poles. This ambiguity of the output
signals can be prevented by attaching the magnet with the correct orientation of the axis and,
given a specific field strength, at the correct distance.
Discussion
What would be the result if orientation of the magnet is changed by 90 degrees? Which
orientation of the magnet would be appropriate if the magnet is located on a wheel and for each
rotation it should count only once? Is there a similarity of the response diagram and magnetic
field lines, why?
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Data sheet for Part 1
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PART 2 (Switching characteristics of different types of sensors)
The objective of the experiment is to learn about the switching characteristics of different types
of sensors, their interaction with material, thickness, color. The reduction factors and hysteresis
will be investigated.
Setup
Mount the distribution plate (1), the positioning slide (2) on the assembly board. In this
experiment you will use all other sensors (3) available:
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Data sheet for Part 2
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Component Workpiece Switch-On Switch-Off Hysteresis
Point Point
Optical sensor with fiber Kodak grey
optic connector, cylindrical, card, white
M18 (167166) side, part 17
"" Kodak grey
card, grey
side, part 17
"" Plastic,
transparent,
part 18
"" Plastic, red
part 19
"" Plastic, blue,
part 20
"" Plastic, black
part 21
"" Cardboard,
white, part 22
"" Mild steel
(St37), part 3
"" Rubber,
part 9
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Discussion
Industrial solutions are highly problem dependent so that the selection of sensor for particular
cases is very important. Which sensor would you prefer in an installation if you were to count:
1. Automobile tyres,
2. Tiny industrial metallic chips,
3. Plastic cups,
4. Bottles to determine either filled or empty.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIMENT
Grading
1. Your individual contributions in the laboratory will be assessed and graded.
2. Prepare a lab report according to the report outline that will be provided to you as a word
document.
3. Submit your report one week after the lab date until 17:30 to your assistant.
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