Proximity Sensors

Sensors are also known as detectors which converts physical quantity and converts it to a signal. What are Proximity Sensors a device which detects objects nearby without any physical contact up to nominal range or sensors vicinity Sensors which convert information on the movement or presence of an object into an electrical signal

How Proximity Sensors Work?

An Inductive Proximity Sensor consists of an oscillator a ferrite core with coil a detector circuit, an output circuit Housing and a cable or connector. The oscillator generates a sine wave of a fixed frequency. This signal is used to drive the coil. The coil in conjunction with ferrite core induces a electromagnetic field.

 When the field lines are interrupted by a metal object, the oscillator voltage is reduced, proportional to the size and distance of the object from the coil. The reduction in the oscillator voltage is caused by eddy currents induced in the metal interrupting the field lines. This reduction in voltage of the oscillator is detected by the detecting circuit.

Operating Principle of High-frequency Oscillation Type Proximity Sensor

A high-frequency magnetic field is generated by coil L in the oscillation circuit. When a target approaches the magnetic field, an induction current (eddy current) flows in the target due to electromagnetic induction. As the target approaches the sensor, the induction current flow increases, which causes the load on the oscillation circuit to increase. Then, oscillation attenuates or stops. The sensor detects this change in the oscillation status with the amplitude detecting circuit, and outputs a detection signal.

Types of Proximity Sensors

Inductive Proximity Sensors Device which generates output signal or electrical signal when metal objects are either inside or entering into its sensing area from any direction. The metal objects above includes iron, aluminum, brass, copper, etc with varied sensing distances.

Capacitive Proximity Sensors

detect metals but can also detect resins, liquids, powders. sensor working can vary accordingly 1.covering material 2.cable longness 3.noise senstivity. sensing distance also vary according to factors such as the temperature 1.the sensing object 2.surrounding objects 3. the mounting distance between Sensors. Its maximum range of sensing is 25 mm.

Magnetic Proximity Sensors

have no electrical noise effect and it can work on DC, AC, AC/DC, DC. Again sensing distance can vary due to factors such as the temperature, the sensing object, surrounding objects, and the mounting distance between Sensors. This type of sensors have highest sensing range upto 120 mm These sensors has been used in various devices like mobile phones, tablets, security appliances, etc. its mostly used on mobile phones in order to make it more functional, responsive and useful