Mechatronics & Robotics

Interfacing with Sensors: Proximity Sensor

Proximity Sensor

In order to carry out any assigned/ or programmed task on an
object, first it must be able to detect the exact location of an
object only in its vicinity or neighborhood.

A proximity sensor detects an object when the object
approaches within the detection boundary of the sensor.

In short, it is used as an Object Detector.

Types: -

Inductive type Sensor (Detects only metallic object)

Capacitive type Sensor (Detects any object)
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Common types of non-contact proximity sensors include inductive
proximity sensors, capacitive proximity sensors, ultrasonic proximity
sensors, and photoelectric sensors.
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Inductive Proximity Sensors

Inductive sensor is an electronic proximity sensor which
detects metallic objects without touching them.

When the detecting distance is 5mm or less than 1 inch and
the application is required for metal sensing, the inductive
proximity (IP) sensor provides the needed solution.
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Inductive sensor used for auto leveling
Inductive Proximity Sensor: Working Principle

Inductive proximity sensors operate under the electrical
principle of inductance.

Inductance is the phenomenon where a fluctuating current,
which by definition has a magnetic component, induces an
electromotive force (emf) in a target object.

Hence, it can detect only metal object.

To amplify a device’s inductance effect, the sensor twists wire
into a tight coil and runs a current through it.
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Construction and Working

An inductive proximity sensor has four elements: coil,
oscillator, trigger circuit, and an output.

The oscillator is an inductive capacitive tuned circuit that
creates a radio frequency.

The electromagnetic field produced by the oscillator is
emitted from the coil away from the face of the sensor.

The circuit has just enough feedback from the field to keep the
oscillator going.

When a metal target enters the field, eddy currents circulate
within the target.

This causes a load on the sensor, decreasing the amplitude of
the electromagnetic field.
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As the target approaches the sensor, the eddy currents
increases, increasing the load on the oscillator and further
decreasing the amplitude of the field.

The trigger circuit monitors the oscillator’s amplitude and at a
predetermined level switches the output state of the sensor
from its normal condition (on or off).

As the target moves away from the sensor, the oscillators
amplitude increases. At a predetermined level the trigger
switches the output state of the sensor back to its normal
condition (on or off).
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Advantages:
1. They are very accurate to other technologies.
2. Have high switching rate.
3. Can work in harsh environment condition.

Disadvantages:
1. It can detect only metallic target.
2. Operating range may be limited
Interfacing with Arduino UNO

Specification:

Working Voltage: DC 6V - 36V

Loaded Current: 300mA

Response Frequency: 500Hz

Detect Range: 0 - 4mm

Pin-outs:

Brown - VCC (+)

Blue - Ground (-)

Black - Trigger Signal
Proximity Induction Sensor NPN Normally
Open Switch LJ12A3-4-Z/BX
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The metal proximity sensor will have three color wire. The
blue should be in the ground, brown is on +VCC which should
be giving to Arduino + 5v VCC.

When you take metal near the sensor it induces more current
which results in higher voltage and the same one decreases as
the metal taken away from the sensor.

Serial monitor will depict the incoming signal from the analog
pin then make a threshold to determine if metal is detected or
not
Capacitive Proximity Sensor

Capacitive proximity sensors can be used to detect metallic and also
non metallic targets like paper, wood, plastic, glass, wood, powder,
and liquid.etc without physical contact.

Capacitive proximity sensors sense “target” objects due to the
target’s ability to be electrically charged.

Even non-conductors can hold charges and so could be detected
rather any object can be detected with this type of sensor.

The capacitive proximity sensor works on the principle of
capacitance.

Capacitive Proximity Sensors detect changes in the capacitance
between the sensing object and the Sensor.

The amount of capacitance varies depending on the size and
distance of the sensing object.
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Circuit Diagram

The main components of the capacitive proximity sensor are a
plate, oscillator, threshold detector and the output circuit.
Construction and Working

The plate inside the sensor acts as one plate of the capacitor
and the target acts as another plate and the air acts as the
dielectric between the plates.
 As the object comes close to the plate of the capacitor the
capacitance increases and as the object moves away the
capacitance decreases.
 The detector circuit checks the amplitude output from the
oscillator and based on that the output switches.
 The capacitive sensor can detect any targets whose dielectric
constant is more than air.
 The changes in the capacitance generated between these two
poles are detected.
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Advantages:
1. It can detect both metallic and non metallic targets.
2. Good stability
3. High Speed
4. Good Resolution
5. Capacitive sensors are good in terms of power usage
6. Low cost
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Disadvantages:
1. They are affected by temperature and humidity
2. Could be triggered by dust, moisture, etc.
3. Sensitive to noise
4. Difficulties in designing
5. Linearity is not good
6. Capacitive proximity sensors are not as accurate compare to
inductive