9/28/2024

Lecture : Inductive , Capacitive

Proximity Sensor

ASSISTANT PROF. MAHMOOD ALDOBALI

25/03/1446 DR. ADEL RAWEA

Inductive Proximity Sensor

• Different methods of sensing can be used to detect a target.
• We can determine a suitable method for a specific application based on different
considerations: such as the environment of the application, type, and distance of
object placed in front of the sensor.
• Inductive sensors are designed specifically for the detection of conductive any metal
objects and also objects that can be detected from proximity. An inductive sensor is used
to detect multiple types of metal.
These sensors are non-contacting and performed based on
induction law. When a metallic object comes close to the
sensor, the oscillator coil starts to move. When the object
approaches within the detection range, the sensor uses
an electromagnetic field that is sent out for detection of the
object, then the sensor searches for changes in the returning
signal. After detecting the object, the returning signal becomes
shorter than when there is no object.

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• Inductive Proximity Sensor Working Principle

• Inductive sensors detect metallic objects which are present in their determined
space. In these non-contact proximity sensors, the operating principle is based on
the interaction between the metal object as an electrical conductor and the
emitted magnetic alternating field of the sensor.
• Energy is extracted from the field by inducing eddy current, so the level of the
oscillation amplitude is affected by this energy.
• They consist of four major components:
• The coils that are located on a ferrite core and allow the magnetic field to escape
in a specific direction.

• An oscillator that generates a high-frequency magnetic field in front of the sensor, that
radiates from the ferrite core, and a coil at the sensing face.
• When a target enters this magnetic field, eddy currents are induced on the metal’s surface and
extract energy from the oscillator.
• So, the level of the signal in the oscillator changes. The change in signal level then switches the
output amplifier in binary sensors via a Schmitt trigger.
• In measuring sensors, this change in signal level affects the analog output signal depending on
the object distance.

• The typical measuring range of inductive proximity sensors is between 0.1 cm and 5 cm.
• They come in different body sizes, the important aspect of the body is the diameter of the
sensor which comes in 8mm, 12mm, 18 mm, and 30 mm.

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• Inductive Sensor Wiring

• The most popular types of proximity sensors is the 3-wire type. They use PNP or
NPN type transistors to switch the output when an object is detected. Depending
on the types of output the way that load is connected to the sensor can be
determined. It’s worth mentioning that if they are physically similar but
interchangeable usage of them can lead to damage.
• Every switch has 2 functions: Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC)
contacts. During damping with an object, sensors with normally open functions
establish contact connections, while sensors with normally closed functions
disconnect connections.
• In a 3-wire configuration, two of the three leads supply power while the third
switches the load. The term load identifies as the sensor powers. The load could
be a lamp, pneumatic valve, relay or machine alarm, PLC input (programmable
logic controller) DC input that is the most common type. A typical 3-wire DC
sensor’s output has a rating of 100mA to 200mA.

• When a target object approaches the sensing field and is detected by the sensor,
an induction current (eddy current) flows in the target due to electromagnetic
induction the sensor output turns on. Standard color coding for 3 wire Proximity
switches is Brown=Positive (+), Black=Load, Blue=Negative (–)
• But 2-wire sensors can pilot a load connected in series. in this type of sensor,
separate connections for the load circuit and the voltage supply can not be
found. As an active component, 2-wire sensors require energy to function. The
demanding electrical energy for the sensor is supplied by two connecting wires.
• At the same time, the sensor signals its switch state via the same two connecting
wires. Theoretically, the sensor is easily replaced by a mechanical switch that is
open or closed depending on the sensor damping situation.

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• Advantages of Inductive Proximity Sensors

• • Detection without any touching
• Reliable function in harsh environment
• Long service life because there is no moving part
• Simple structure and cheap in price
• High measurement accuracy
• High sensing rate
• Disadvantages of Inductive Proximity Sensors
• • Limited detection range
• Sense only metallic objects
• High temperatures, cutting fluids, or chemicals can affect the operation of the
sensor

Applications of Inductive Proximity Sensors

• The design, flexibility, and exceptional performance of inductive sensors make
them an ideal fit for a wide range of various applications and industries
• • Used in industrial machinery
• Motion position detection and motion control and mechanical motion
detection
• Production of coils and transformers
• In traffic lights and traffic control and metal detectors
• Automatic car washes
• Detection of elevator door closure
• In the industrial sector, the inductive sensor is used in counting parts systems,
separation of parts with different dimensions

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Capacitive Proximity Sensor

• Capacitive proximity sensors (CPS) are sensing device designed to detect both
metallic and nonmetallic targets. They can detect lightweight or small objects
that cannot be detected by mechanical limit switches. CPS is ideally suited for
plastics and other nonmetallic targets, for liquid level control, and for sensing
powdered or granulated material.

Capacity Proximity Sensor Working

• A capacitive proximity sensor uses dielectric principles of capacitance to establish a sensing
field (depicted as the yellow circles in the drawings below) in the vicinity of the face of the
sensor that creates a detection zone.
• A detection occurs and the sensor switches on when a target in the vicinity of the sensor
disturbs that field and reaches the operating point. The sensor switches off when the target
moves away from the sensor and reaches the Release Point.
• A capacitive proximity sensor does not need to come into physical contact with the target
itself.
Operating point

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Capacitive Proximity Sensor Components

•Sensor Housing: This portion of the sensor provides the means for mounting and protecting
sensor internals
•Sensing Face: The capacitive field created by the sensor emanates from here
•Mounting Nuts: Supplied with each sensor. For smooth tube sensors a clamping bracket is
provided
•Sensor Endbell: Indicator LEDs typically appear in this area of the sensor
•Connection Interface: A sensor may be equipped with a factory-installed cable, cord set, or
built-in pin connector

Sensing distance for capacitive proximity sensors

Capacitive proximity sensors typically have extended sensing ranges when compared to other
proximity sensor technologies.

Sensor housing diameter Capacitive proximity sensing range

18 mm 10 mm

30 mm 20 mm

34 mm 40 mm

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Target material composition and size

The sensing range for capacitive proximity sensors is affected by the material composition and
size of the target object. The table lists the sensing range rerating factors that apply to capacitive
proximity sensors. Material Factor X Sn

Mild steel 1.0

Cast iron 1.0

Aluminum & copper 1.0

Stainless steel 1.0

Brass 1.0

Water 1.0

PVC 0.5

Glass 0.5

Ceramics 0.4

Wood From 0.2

Oil 0.1

Features and limitations of capacity proximity sensors

Features:
•Can detect non-metallic objects, and can detect metallic objects often at greater ranges than
inductive sensors.
•High switching rate for rapid response applications (counting)
•Can detect liquid targets through non-metallic barriers (glass, plastic)
•Long operating life, solid-state output for “bounce-free” signals
Limitations:
•Can be impacted by ambient temperature, humidity, and moisture conditions
•Not as repeatable as inductive proximity sensors

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