Understanding proximity sensors (capacitive, inductive, and photoelectric)
Proximity sensors are commonly used in industrial applications. Knowledge of proximity sensors can help you understand other types of sensors.
Proximity sensors detect the presence or absence of objects using electromagnetic fields, light, or sound. There are various types, each suited to a specific environment or application.
The available types of proximity sensors are as follows:
- Inductive proximity sensors
- Capacitive proximity sensors
- Photoelectric proximity sensors
In the next few sections, we are going to discover each of these proximity sensors.
Inductive proximity sensor
This is a non-contact sensor that detects ferrous metals, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and cast iron.
An inductive proximity sensor consists of a coil, oscillator, detection circuit, and output. The oscillator provides an oscillating magnetic field that radiates around the winding of the coil, which is located at the sensor...