Jun 02, 2021 Proximity Sensor
A proximity sensor is a non-contact sensor that detects the presence of an object (often referred to as the “target”) when the target enters the sensor’s field. Depending on the type of proximity sensor, sound, light, infrared radiation (IR), or electromagnetic fields may be utilized by the sensor to detect a target. Proximity sensors are used in phones, recycling plants, self-driving cars, anti-aircraft systems, and assembly lines. There are many types of proximity sensors, and they each sense targets in distinct ways. The two most commonly used proximity sensors are the inductive proximity sensor and the capacitive proximity sensor.
An inductive proximity sensor can only detect metal targets. This is because the sensor utilizes an electromagnetic field. When a metal target enters the electromagnetic field, the inductive characteristics of the metal change the field’s properties, thereby alerting the proximity sensor of the presence of a metallic target. Depending on how inductive the metal is, the target can be detected at either a greater or shorter distance.
Capacitive proximity sensors, on the other hand, are not limited to metallic targets. These proximity sensors are capable of detecting anything that can carry an electrical charge. Capacitive sensors are commonly used in liquid-level detection. Possible targets for capacitive sensors include but are but not limited to: glass, plastic, water, wood, metals, and a myriad of targets of other materials.
Another type of proximity sensor is called a photoelectric proximity sensor. There are two main types of photoelectric proximity sensors: reflective and through-beam. Reflective proximity sensors detect objects when the light emitted from the sensor is reflected back at the photoelectric receiver. Through-beam sensors detect targets when the target breaks the beam of light between the sensor’s emitter and receiver.
Two other commonly used proximity sensors are magnetic proximity sensors and ultrasonic proximity sensors. Magnetic proximity sensors are only used to detect permanent magnets. Ultrasonic proximity sensors emit a high pitch sound. The distance between the sensor and the target is determined by how long the sound takes to reflect back to the sensor.
Proximity sensor is available through Quick Time Engineering Inc.
Photoelectric Sensors
A photoelectric sensor is a device that detects a change in light intensity. Typically, this means either non-detection or detection of the sensor’s emitted light source. The type of light and method by which the target is detected varies depending on the sensor.
Photoelectric sensors are made up of a light source (LED), a receiver (phototransistor), a signal converter, and an amplifier. The phototransistor analyzes incoming light, verifies that it is from the LED, and appropriately triggers an output.
Photoelectric sensors offer many advantages when compared to other technologies. Sensing ranges for photoelectric sensors far surpass inductive, capacitive, magnetic, and ultrasonic technologies. Their small size versus sensing range and unique variety of housings make them a perfect fit for almost any application. Finally, with continual advances in technology, photoelectric sensors are price competitive with other sensing technologies.
Photoelectric sensors are available through Quick Time Engineering Inc.
Inductive Sensors
Inductive sensors use currents induced by magnetic fields to detect nearby metal objects. The inductive sensor uses a coil (an inductor) to generate a high-frequency magnetic field. If there is a metal object near the changing magnetic field.
This resulting current flow sets up a new magnetic field that opposes the original magnetic field. The net effect is that it changes the inductance of the coil in the inductive sensor. By measuring the inductance, the sensor can determine when a metal have been brought nearby.
These sensors will detect any metals, when detecting multiple types of metal multiple sensors are often used. These work by setting up a high-frequency field. If a target nears the field will induce eddy currents. These currents consume power because of resistance, so energy is in the field is lost, and the signal amplitude decreases. The detector examines field magnitude to determine when it has decreased enough to switch.
Inductive sensors are available through Quick Time Engineering Inc.
Linear Transducer
A Linear Transducer is a type of position sensor. Linear transducers measure linear displacement or movement along a single axis in any direction. They do this by converting the movement into an electrical signal which is proportional to the displacement so that it can be processed by various devices.
Linear Transducers are available in different types, each type is better suited to a different application or environment. Some linear transducers have different certifications making them well suited to hazardous areas or intrinsically safe applications. They are also available in various sizes to suit long range applications or applications where space is restricted.
The different types of the linear transducer are:
- Potentiometer – Uses internal resistive track and wipers to monitor the position of an object.
- LVDT – a non-contact type of linear transducer
- Cable Extension Transducer - alternative solution for linear displacement, a cable extension transducer uses a flexible cable. These have a greater stroker to length ratio making them well suited to long-range applications
Linear Transducer is available through Quick Time Engineering Inc.
Digital Image Sensor
Digital Image Sensor is a technology used to record electronic images. The most commonly recognized application of the digital image sensor is the digital camera. In digital cameras, the image sensor is used in conjunction with a colour separation device and signal processing circuitry to record images. The two main technologies used to fabricate the sensors are CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), each bearing certain advantages and disadvantages. Applications of the digital image sensor, including the pill camera and vision in robotics, are rapidly expanding, and soon sensors will be an everyday occurrence.
Digital Image Sensor is available through Quick Time Engineering Inc.
Quick Time Engineering Inc is an international company with offices and distribution networks in the USA, Hong Kong, Europe and Malaysia.
In its 20 years of operation since 1998, Quick Time Engineering Inc had emerged from a local engineering company with a single staff that provided solutions in factory automation to become nowadays a company that serves the Oil & Gas industries, EPC contractors, System Integrators and other industrial automation and process control companies worldwide. Customers from over 50 countries worldwide trust us with their need for process control instruments and industrial automation products.
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