What are proximity sensors?
A sensor that can easily detect any physical substance or object Under its sensing range without any contact. Any object can be detected by the sensor. Whenever an object comes under its sensing area This can be any sensor infrared radiation, light, sound, or electromagnetic field Can be utilized by the sensor to detect object There are lots of sensors but the two main sensors that are mostly used in machines are Inductive proximity sensors and capacitive proximity sensors. And there are also various places where these sensors are used like Automatic machines, robotic hands, and consumer products
To know more about proximity sensors in deep we have to gather all the knowledge. you know what is proximity sensor no let’s talk about its features Now I am gonna show you some features of proximity sensors.
Features of proximity sensors
1. Sensing an object without having any physical contact.
It can identify any physical object or substance under its sensing range without having any contact to ensure whether the object is in good condition or not.
2. The response rate is high.
The proximity sensor responds very fast and on the other hand, switches need contact for sensing the object.
3. Having a longer life.
These types of sensors mostly use semiconductor outputs. So in the operating cycle, there was no disturbance by moving parts. Hence there will be longer life than traditional sensors.
4. Unaffected by object condition.
The surface of the object and the colors of the object do not affect the sensor because the sensor can only detect physical changes.
5. Wide range of temperature
There is a temperature range -40°C – 200°C under this temperature the proximity sensor can be used. So your temperature should be between -40°c to 200°c.
What are the different types of proximity sensors?
There are lots of variations in proximity sensors available. We all know what are proximity sensors now let’s understand the types of proximity sensors. These are well-conditioned sensors with their application.
1. Inductive proximity sensors
These are different types of sensors they can only detect objects which are made up of metal. These sensors are based upon a law of induction. When the form of the inductive sensor drives the coil with the oscillator then a metallic object approaches it.
Inductive proximity sensors have two versions and 4 components.
Versions: Unshielded and shielded
Components: Schmitt trigger, oscillator, coil, the output switching circuit
Application of inductive proximity sensor
Security use: to identify metal substances, land mines, armory, and more
Industrial use: in automatic machines to calculate products and more.
2. Ultrasonic proximity sensors
Ultrasonic proximity sensors can also detect objects without having physical contact they find the object with the help of emitting a high-frequency ultrasonic range. Through the conversion of electrical energy, it does. Same the capacitive sensors can also identify objects in liquid, granular or solid.
Ultrasonic proximity sensor application
Robots
Detecting fluid
Process of automation production
Measuring distance
Aeries vehicles for monitoring objects
3. Capacitive proximity sensors
An object whether it is metallic or non-metallic with granular, liquid, or powders this sensor can detect it easily even without making contact.
It is also the same as an inductive sensor because it consists Schmitt trigger, oscillator, and switching circuit but there is one difference that it comprises two plates of charging for capacitation one is internal and another one is external.
The internal plate is connected to the oscillator
The plate which is used for sensing the surface is an external plate.
Capacitive proximity sensor application
Detecting non-invasive content
Controlling moisture
Industries
automatic machines to calculate products and more.
Filling process
4. IR proximity sensors
IR proximity sensor application
Measuring distance
To control and monitor application
Security like burger alarms
5. Photoelectric proximity sensors
It is only the sensor that is using the technology of high-end photoelectric. It detects objects by emitting a beam of light which is enough to detect all types of objects. There are 3 different models available retro-reflective, beam, and reflective but all these vary light emission methods and all are completely efficient in distance detection.
Photoelectric proximity sensor application
For color detection
Distance measurement
Automatic doors
Small objects counting
Now we all know what are proximity sensors, different types of proximity sensors, proximity sensor uses, and their features.
Let’s summarize all these in a table
| Inductive | Ultrasonic | Capacitive | IR | Photoelectric | |
| Sensing range | 60mm | 25-50 khz | 5-40mm | 100CM-500CM | 10-30MM |
| Object | Metal | Simple surface | Metal, non-metal, with powders, granular and liquid | Simple and complicated surface | Metal and non-metal |
| Application | Industrial use: automatic machines | Robots, distance measurement, automation production process | Moisture control, automatic machines, filling process | Distance measurement and security system | Colours detection, automatic doors, distance measurement |
| Environment | It is good to be used in harsh environment | Best to use in harsh environment | Extremely good to be used in harsh environment | Not good to be use in harsh environment | Not good to use in harsh environment |
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