Sensor:

A sensor (also called detector) is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, a mercury-in-glass thermometer converts the measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated glass tube.

Use:
Sensors are used in everyday objects such as touch-sensitive elevator buttons (tactile sensor) and lamps which dim or brighten by touching the base. There are also innumerable applications for sensors of which most people are never aware. Applications include cars, machines, aerospace, medicine, manufacturing and robotics.

Proximity sensor:
A Proximity sensor can detect objects without physical contact. A proximity sensor often emits an electromagnetic field or beam and look for changes in the field. The object being sensed is often referred to as the proximity sensor's target. Different proximity sensor targets demand different sensors. For example, a capacitive or photoelectric sensor might be suitable for a plastic target; an inductive proximity sensor requires a metal target.

Type
Inductive: Capacitive: Photoelectric: Ultrasonic sensors:

Use
Detection of metallic objects Detection of metallic and non-metallic objects Use light sensitive elements to detect objects
Reflection of high frequency sound waves

Features:
Non-contact detection, eliminating damage to sensor head and target. Non-contact output, ensuring long service life. Stable detection even in harsh environments exposed to water or oil splash. High response speed.

Inductive Proximity Sensors

Inductive proximity sensors are widely used in the modern high speed process control environment for the detection, positioning and counting of ferrous and non-ferrous metal objects. Due to the method of construction and superior performance of inductive sensors, they are increasingly used to replace the traditional limit switch, thus upgrading speed and reliability of existing machinery.

Principle of Operation:
Inductive proximity sensors respond to ferrous and non - ferrous metal objects. They will also detect metal through a layer of non - metal material. An inductive sensor consists of an oscillator circuit (ie. the sensing part) and an output circuit including a switching device (e.g. transistor or thyristor), all housed in a resin encapsulated body. An essential part of the oscillator circuit is the inductance coil creating a magnetic field in front of the sensing face. When the magnetic field is disturbed, the output circuit responds by either closing the output switch (normally open version type NO) or by opening the output switch (normally closed version type NC).

Capacitive Sensors
Capacitive sensors are often successfully used in applications which cannot be solved with other sensing techniques. Capacitive sensors respond to a change in the dielectric medium surrounding the active face and can thus be tuned to sense almost any substance. Capacitive sensors can, also, sense a substance through a layer of glass, plastic or thin carton. Some typical applications for capacitive sensors are: 1. Level control of non-conductive liquids (oil, alcohol, fuel). 2. Level control of granular substances (flour, wheat, sugar). 3. Sensing substances through a protective layer (eg. glass). The fact that capacitive sensors respond to most substances, necessitates some care during the installation, adjustment and long term operation of the sensor. The sensitivity of capacitive sensors is affected by the moisture content and the density of the substance to be sensed. Deposits of excessive dust and dirt on or around the sensing face of the sensor, cause erratic response and hence the sensor may require periodic cleaning if used in a polluting environment.

Principle of Operation
Capacitive sensors respond to any substance with a high dielectric constant (water, oil, fuel, sugar, paper) without necessarily making physical contact. They are less suitable for polystyrene and similar low density substances. Operation is based on an internal oscillator with two capacitive plate-electrodes, tuned to respond when a substance approaches the sensing face.

When the target is sensed, the output switch will either close to activate a load for a normally open option or the switch will open to de-activate the load for a normally closed option. The LED will illuminate when the output switch closes.

Photoelectric Sensors:
These sensors use light sensitive elements to detect objects and are made up of an emitter (light source) and a receiver. Four types of photoelectric sensors are available.

Direct Reflection (Diffused): Emitter and

receiver are housed together and use the light reflected directly off the object for detection. In the use of these photocells, it is important to bear in mind the color and the type of surface of the object. With opaque surfaces, the sensing distance is affected by the color of the object. Light colors correspond to the maximum distances and vice versa. In the case of shiny objects, the effect of the surface is more important than the color. The sensing distance in the technical data is related to matte white paper.

Reflection with Reflector (Retro reflective) - Emitter and receiver are housed together
and requires a reflector. An object is detected when it interrupts the light beam between the sensor and reflector. These photocells allow longer sensing distances, as the rays emitted are almost totally reflected towards the receiver.

Polarized Reflection with Reflector - Similar to Reflection with Reflector, these

photocells use an anti-reflex device. The use of such a device, which bases its functioning on a polarized band of light, offers considerable advantages and secure readings even when the object to be sensed has a very shiny surface. They are not in the technical data affected by random reflections.

Thru Beam - Emitter and receiver are housed separately and detect an object when it
interrupts the light beam between the emitter and receiver. These photocells allow for the longest distances.

Ultrasonic sensors:
Ultrasonic sensor utilizes the reflection of high frequency (20 KHz) sound waves to detect parts or distances to the parts. The two basic ultrasonic sensor types are:

Electrostatic - Uses capacitive effects for longer range sensing and wider bandwidth with
more sensitivity.

Piezoelectric - These rugged and inexpensive sensors operate by a charge displacement during
the strain in crystal lattices. In general, ultrasonic sensors are the best choice for transparent targets. They can detect a sheet of transparent plastic film as easily as a wooden pallet.

Uses:
Proximity sensors are also used in machine vibration monitoring to measure the variation in distance between a shaft and its support bearing. This is common in large steam turbines, compressors, and motors that use sleeve-type bearings. They are used in security systems, in applications such as detecting the opening of a door. In robotics, where they can monitor a robot or its components' nearness to objects and steer it accordingly.