Inductive & Capacitive Proximity Sensor.
Inductive Proximity Sensor
What is an Inductive Proximity Sensor?
The inductive proximity sensor detects the metallic
object that is present next to its active side. This sensor operates under the
electrical principle of inductance, where a fluctuating current induces an
electromotive force (EMF) in a target object. These non-contact proximity sensors
detect ferrous targets, ideally mild steel thicker than one millimetre. They consist
of four major components: a ferrite core with coils, an oscillator, a Schmitt trigger,
and an output amplifier. This sensor has two main versions and they are:
Unshielded: Electromagnetic field generated by the coil is unrestricted,
allowing for wider and greater sensing distances
Shielded: The electromagnetic field generated is concentrated in the front,
where the sides of the sensor coil are covered up
WORKING OF INDUCTIVE PROXIMITY SENSOR
The oscillator creates a symmetrical, oscillating magnetic field that radiates from
the ferrite core and coil array at the sensing face. When a ferrous target enters this
magnetic field, small, independent electrical currents (eddy currents) are induced
on the metal’s surface.
An inductive proximity sensor has a frequency range of 10 to 20 Hz in AC, or 500
Hz to 5 kHz in dc. Because of magnetic field limitations, inductive sensors have a
relatively narrow sensing range from fractions of millimetres to 60 mm on average
Due to this, load will be caused on the sensor that decreases the electromagnetic
field amplitude. If the metal object moves towards the proximity sensor, the eddy
current will increase accordingly. Thus, the load on the oscillator will increase,
which decreases the field amplitude.
The Schmitt trigger block monitors the amplitude of the oscillator and at a
particular level (predetermined level) the trigger circuit switches on or off the
sensor. If the metal object or target is moved away from the proximity sensor, then
the amplitude of the oscillator will increase.
The above image shows the waveform of the inductive proximity sensor oscillator
in the presence of the target and in the absence of the target.
Nowadays, inductive proximity sensors are available with different operating
voltages. These inductive proximity sensors are available in AC, DC, and AC/DC
modes (universal modes). The operating range of the proximity sensor circuits is
from 10V to 320V DC and 20V to 265V AC.
Advantages of Inductive Proximity Sensors
Contactless detection
Environment adaptability- resistant to common conditions seen in industrial
areas such as dust and dirt
Capable and versatile in metal sensing
High switching rate
No moving parts, ensuring a longer service life
Disadvantages of Inductive Proximity Sensors
Lack in detection range, averaging a max range of up to 60 mm
Can only detect metal objects
External conditions like extreme temperatures, cutting fluids, or chemicals
affect the performance of the sensor.
Applications of Inductive Proximity Sensors
Machine tools, assembly lines, automotive industry
Detection of metal parts in harsh environments
High-speed moving parts
Capacitive Proximity sensor
What is Capacitive Proximity sensor?
Capacitive Proximity Sensors detect changes in the capacitance between the
sensing object and the Sensor. As per the name, capacitive proximity sensors
operate by noting a change in the capacitance read by the sensor.
The amount of capacitance varies depending on the size and distance of the sensing
object. An ordinary Capacitive Proximity Sensor is similar to a capacitor with two
parallel plates, where the capacity of the two plates detected.
One of the plates is the object being measured (with an imaginary ground), and the
other is the Sensor’s sensing surface. It detectes the changes in the capacity
generated between these two poles. The detection of the object depends on their
dielectric constant, but they include resin and water in addition to metals.
Working Principle of Capacitive Proximity Sensor
The capacitive proximity sensor consist a high-frequency oscillator along with a
sensing surface formed by two metal electrodes. When an object comes near the
sensing surface, it enters the electrostatic field of the electrodes and changes the
capacitance of the oscillator.
As a result, the oscillator circuit starts oscillating and changes the output state of
the sensor when it reaches certain amplitude. As the object moves away from the
sensor, the oscillator’s amplitude decreases, switching the sensor back to its initial
state.
A typical sensing range for capacitive proximity sensors is from a few millimeters
up to about 1 inch. (or 25 mm), and some sensors have an extended range up to 2
inch. Where capacitive sensors really excel, however, is in applications where they
must detect objects through some kind of material such as a bag, bin, or box. They
can tune out non-metallic containers and can be tuned or set to detect different
levels of liquids or solid materials.
The capacitive proximity sensor detects the larger dielectric constant of a target
easilty. This makes possible the detection of materials inside nonmetallic
containers because the liquid has a much higher dielectric constant than the
container, which gives the sensor ability to see through the container and detect the
liquid.
For best operation, they should use in an environment with relatively constant
temperature and humidity.
When dealing with non-conductive targets there are three factors that determine the
sensing distance.
The size of the active surface of the sensor – the larger the sensing face the longer
the sensing distance
The capacitive material properties of the target object, also referred to as the
dielectric constant – the higher the constant the longer the sensing distance
The surface area of the target object to be sensed – the larger the surface area the
longer the sensing distance
Advantages of Capacitive proximity sensors
Contactless detection
A wide array of materials can detect
Able to detect objects through non-metallic walls with its wide sensitivity
band
Well-suited to be used in an industrial environment
Contains potentiometer that allows users to adjust sensor sensitivity, such
that only wanted objects will be sensed
No moving parts, ensuring a longer service life
Disadvantages of Capacitive proximity sensors
Relative low range, though incremental increase from inductive sensors
Higher price as compared to inductive sensors
Capacitive sensing technology uses in other sensing technologies such as:
flow
pressure
liquid level
spacing
thickness
ice detection
shaft angle or linear position
dimmer switches
key switches
x-y tablet
accelerometers
The difference between Inductive and Capacitive Proximity Sensor:
Inductive sensors use a magnetic field to detect objects. Capacitive sensors use an
electric field. In order to be sense by an inductive sensor an object must be
conductive. This limits suitable targets to metal objects (for the most part). In order
to be sense by a capacitive sensor the target doesn’t need to be conductive.
A capacitive sensor will react to an object acting as a dielectric material as well as
a conductive object. This makes metal and non-metal objects suitable targets.
