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Capacitive Sensor
Capacitive Sensor
Capacitive Sensors
The concept of Capacitive sensing relies on the phenomenon of capacitive coupling. In
this technique, human body capacitance is the input to the system. In this article, you
will read about capacitive sensors, their working principle and applications.
Capacitive sensors can sense anything. The object should have a dielectric different from
that of air, or it must be conductive; the only conditions for the detection by capacitive
sensing.
This technique is used by many types of sensors. The main applications consist of the
sensors used to detect position or displacement, proximity, fluid level, humidity and
acceleration. Capacitive sensors can also replace mechanical buttons. Capacitive
sensing touch screens as input devices are used by some modern technical devices such
as digital audio players, mobile phones & tablet computers.
If the value of the dielectric constant of a target is larger, then it becomes easier for the
capacitive proximity sensor to detect it. Regardless of the type of material being sensed,
they naturally have a short sensing range of about 1 inch.
With an increase in the sensing surface size of the sensor, the surface area of the target
and the dielectric constant of the target, the sensing distance increases while dealing
with non-conductive targets.
3. With small sensor sizes, capacitive sensing has the capability to sense up to a large
distance.
4. For low noise, choose a high enough excitation frequency. External and circuit-
generated noise decreases when the excitation frequency increases.
2. Pressure: With the help of a spacing-sensitive detector and a diaphragm with steady
properties of deflection, pressure can be measured.
5. Multi-plate scanned sensor: By using several plates, each addressed separately, the
single-plate spacing measurement can be extended to contour measurement. Both
dielectric conductive surfaces can be measured.
6. Measurement of thickness: If its dielectric constant is known, you can measure the
insulator thickness of two plates that are in contact with an insulator. Or, if the
thickness is known, the dielectric constant can be measured.
7. Ice detector: Using insulated metal strips on wing leading edges, the icing on the
aeroplane wing can be detected.
8. Linear position or the angle of shaft: With a multi-plate arrangement giving high
precision and digital output, capacitive sensors can measure angle or position.