In this site we will learn about the different types of the proximity sensors, their specifications and working.

Now in this blog we are going to learn about the different types of the proximity sensor, their specifications and working.

The proximity sensor are available in different categories as per their detection. Some proximity sensor are useful to detect materials; whereas some are useful to detect different environmental conditions upon these classifications proximity sensors types are as follow.

According with the non contact object detection method, there are five types of proximity sensor. They are,

[1] Inductive proximity sensor

[2] Optical proximity sensor

[3] Capacitive proximity sensor

[4] Magnetic proximity sensor

[5] Ultrasonic proximity sensor

Let, we will discuss basic working principle of these five sensor.

[1] Inductive proximity sensors

The Inductive proximity sensor are useful to detect the metallic object which is  present next to their active side. This Inductive Proximity sensor operate under the electrical principal of inductance; where a fluctuating current induces an Electromotive force (EMF) in a target object.

[2] Optical proximity sensor

The Optical proximity sensor includes a light source, and a sensor that detects the light. These sensors detect objects directly in front of them by the detecting the sensor’s own transmitted light reflected back from an object’s surface. 

[3] Capacitive proximity sensor

The Capacitive proximity sensor can detect both metallic and non-metallic targets in powder, granulate, liquid, and solid form. The capacitive proximity sensors use the variance in the capacitance of the sensor to concluded that an object has been detected.

[4] Magnetic proximity sensor

A Magnetic proximity sensor Base on the mechanical principle, this sensor only detects the magnetic field [e.g., Permanent magnet].

They sense the presence of a magnetic object, commonly referred to as the target. The target, characterized by its magnetic field, triggers the switching process; when it enters the detection range of the sensor.

[5] Ultrasonic proximity sensors

Ultrasonic Proximity sensors emit an ultrasonic pulse which is reflected by objects in its path and the reflected wave enters the sonic cone. They employ sound waves to detect objects, so color and transparency do not affect them( though extreme textures might).