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Different Types of Sensor Used in The Industry
Different Types of Sensor Used in The Industry
SENSORS USED IN
THE INDUSTRY
Content
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 3
2. PROXIMITY SENSORS .................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Mechanical Proximity Switches ............................................................................. 3
2.2. Optical Proximity Sensors ...................................................................................... 5
2.3. Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors ................................................................................. 6
2.4. Inductive and Capacitive Proximity Sensors .......................................................... 7
3. POSITION AND VELOCITY SENSORS .............................................................................. 8
3.1. Potentiometers ...................................................................................................... 9
3.2. Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) ................................................. 10
3.3. Optical Encoders .................................................................................................. 11
3.4. Tachometers ........................................................................................................ 13
4. FORCE AND PRESSURE SENSORS ................................................................................ 13
4.1. Piezo Load Cells.................................................................................................... 14
5. CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................. 15
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1. INTRODUCTION
A sensor is a device that detects and responds to some type of input from
the physical environment. The input could be light, heat, motion,
moisture, pressure, or any one of a great number of other environmental
phenomena. The output is generally a signal that is converted to humanreadable display at the sensor location or transmitted electronically over a
network for reading or further processing.
There are certain features which have to be considered when we choose a
sensor. They are as given below:
Accuracy: The agreement between the actual value and the
measured value.
Resolution: The change in measured variable to which the sensor
will respond.
Repeatability: Variation of sensor measurements when the same
quantity is measured several times.
Range: Upper and lower limits of the variable that can be measured.
Sensitivity: The minimum input of physical parameter that will
create a detectable output change. In some sensors, the sensitivity
is defined as the input parameter change required to produce
standardized output change.
Linearity: The linearity of the sensor is an expression of the extend
to which the actual measured curve of a sensor departs from the
ideal curve.
2. PROXIMITY SENSORS
These type of sensors could detect the presence of object that are so
closed without any physical contact. They are very used in industrial
automation, such as:
Conveyor lines: counting, jam detection, etc.
Machine tools: safety interlock, sequencing.
These sensors have long functional life and high reliability. The different
types of proximity sensors are:
2.1. Mechanical Proximity Switches
Basically a mechanical switch. This type only has two general
modes (Normally open NO- and Normally closed NC-). It can be
utilized in a wide range of uses.
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Inductive Sensors II
Capacitive Sensors
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3.1. Potentiometers
A potentiometer, informally a pot, is a threeterminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that forms
an adjustable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used,
one end and the wiper, it acts as a variable resistor or
rheostat.
The measuring instrument called a potentiometer is
essentially a voltage divider used for measuring electric
potential (voltage); the component is an implementation of
the same principle, hence its name.
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Example LVDTs
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5. CONCLUSION
Nowadays is very easy to find several types of sensors in the markets.
But one of the most important things is selects the right sensor, and it
supposes a critical part of the design cycle. It requires taking in mind and
understanding of many features, such us:
Type of motion
Precision of motion
Magnitude of motion
Operation conditions
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