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What Is The Difference Between Inductive and Capacitive Sensors

Inductive sensors use magnetic fields to detect conductive metal objects, while capacitive sensors use electric fields to detect both conductive and non-conductive objects like metals and non-metals. Capacitive sensors have advantages of detecting a wider range of materials but have shorter sensing distances of 1 inch or less and are more sensitive to environmental factors like humidity, while inductive sensors can only detect metals but have greater sensing ranges and operate in harsh environments.

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2K views2 pages

What Is The Difference Between Inductive and Capacitive Sensors

Inductive sensors use magnetic fields to detect conductive metal objects, while capacitive sensors use electric fields to detect both conductive and non-conductive objects like metals and non-metals. Capacitive sensors have advantages of detecting a wider range of materials but have shorter sensing distances of 1 inch or less and are more sensitive to environmental factors like humidity, while inductive sensors can only detect metals but have greater sensing ranges and operate in harsh environments.

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Anonymous AyCl4L
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is the difference between inductive and capacitive sensors?

Inductive sensors use a magnetic field to detect objects. Capacitive sensors use an
electric field. In order to be sensed by an inductive sensor an object must be
conductive. This limits suitable targets to metal objects (for the most part). In order
to be sensed by a capacitive sensor the target doesnt 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.
CAPACITIVE SENSOR-A capacitive sensor is a proximity sensor that detects nearby
objects by their effect on the electrical field created by the sensor.
ADVANTAGE
-detect meta and nonmetal, liquids and

DISADVANTAGE
- short (1inches or less) sensing distance

solids

varies widely according to material being

-can see through certain materials

sensed

(product boxes)

- very sensitive to environmental factors-

-solid-state, long life

humidity in coastal/water climates can

-many mounting configuration

affect sensing output


-not at all selective for its target-control
of what comes close to the sensor is

essential.
How Inductive Proximity Sensor works
The inductive proximity sensor can be used to detect metallic targets only. The main components of
the inductive proximity sensor are coil, oscillator, detector and the output circuit.
The coil generates the high frequency magnetic field in front of the face. When the metallic target
comes in this magnetic field it absorbs some of the energy. Hence the oscillator field is affected. This is
detected by the detector. if the oscillation amplitude reaches a certain threshold value the output
switches.
The inductive proximity sensor works better with ferromagnetic targets as they absorb more energy
compare to non Ferromagnetic materials. Hence operating distance for sensor is more for
Ferromagnetic targets.
The advantages of inductive proximity sensors are

They are very accurate compared to other technologies

Have high switching rate

Can work in harsh environmental conditions

The disadvantages of inductive proximity sensor are

It can detect only metallic targets

Operating range may be limited

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