Types of Inductive Sensors

This article discusses the different types of inductive sensors used in many forms in today’s society. Encoders, or metallic objects such as hammers and keys, work by sending pulsed radio waves into a coil of wire and measuring how long it takes for an electrical current to travel down the wire.

This is known as Passive Interrupter or Pulse-Frequency Modulation (PFM) sensing technology. Other types discussed include Capacitive Sensors, Ultrasonic Sensors, Magnetic Sensors, Acoustic Sensors, and Resonance Frequency sensors (RF). 

Types of Inductive Sensors

A magnetic encoder works by its design, placing a magnet under its coil that moves when an object passes over it. On the other side of the coil is connected to a transistor. The transistor is activated by the passage of the object and turns on.

The transistor sends a signal that coils can pick up on either side of an encoder. The information about the object’s location then gets displayed or transmitted to other components, such as an electronic control panel or computer system.

The only problem with this type of sensor is that it may not work properly if it is not kept clean and free from dust, dirt, and other foreign objects that may cause interference to the sensors. If this happens, entire system functions may shut down until repairs are made.

Encoders are used in many different industries and products. They can be used in various applications to measure the position of a stationary or moving object, with high accuracy and reliability, over a long time. Examples include industrial automation, robotics, machine tooling, and automotive and packaging machinery. Though various types of encoders have been developed for use in these applications, the most common type used is magnetic encoder technology.

The first type of magnetic encoder was developed in the early 1960s by Universal Motion Devices (UMD) and Kollmorgen. Both companies were looking for a way to improve the accuracy and reliability of linear encoders. In 1969, the first magnetic encoder created by UMD was marketed by Universal Charles Electronics as the UCE-100 electronic inductance sensor for angle-only measurement. By 1972, Kollmorgen developed their electronic inductance sensor type and gave it Pulse-Frequency Modulation (PFM) sensing technology. That same year, Kollmorgen filed a patent for this magnetic encoder design.

Today, many different magnetic sensors are used in several industries, but four main types are capacitive, ultrasonic, magnetostrictive, and eddy current.

What are the different types of inductive sensor?

Different types of inductive sensors can be used in various applications. One of the main types to focus on is the inductive proximity sensor. This type of sensor works by sending a radio wave through a coil and measuring how long it takes for the charge to pass through it. This sensor detects changes in volume and is often used when a product needs to be protected from dust and dirt. The other common type is magnetic encoder technology, consisting of an encoder disk with a small magnet under its coil. It activates a transistor that turns on when its disk passes over an object or person. This type of sensor is commonly used in rails or other tracks that move quickly.

These sensors are often used on conveyor belts to detect items being moved by the conveyer belt and are also used on automated assembly lines. An inductive proximity sensor can be used as a safety precaution so that the sensor will stop the production line from continuing if anything gets stuck in a moving part. This type of sensor is also used in many industrial machinery and robotics, along with other control panels requiring high accuracy levels, such as printers and scanners.

This technology has been around for over fifty years and is constantly evolving for use in more applications every year. The main technology is simply using radio waves sent into a conductor and measuring the time it takes for a signal to travel through it. The first type of this technology was developed in the early 1960s when Universal Motion Devices (UMD) and Kollmorgen worked together to create a new way to measure changes in position on an axis. They developed a passive interrupter or Pulse-Frequency Modulation (PFM) sensor. This type of sensor measures changes in the distance by sending radio waves through a coil containing small copper wires. This coil is then closely monitored by an electronic circuit that measures how long it takes for the charge to travel through it.

In 1969, Universal Electronics began distributing the UCE-100 sensor for use in industrial automation. This was the first sensor of its kind to be marketed and was an advancement over previous linear encoders that were often unreliable and difficult to work with. Many companies quickly adopted the magnetic encoder sensor as a more accurate and reliable way to measure change on an axis.

The technology behind inductive encoders is constantly evolving. For example, UMD developed a new type of magnetic sensor called “Senseg,” a technology that senses forces instead of distance. This allowed for easier integration into handheld devices and other types of products that require small size and accuracy. Another recent improvement to this technology is creating a new kind of sensor by a company called Clearpath Robotics. This sensor is smaller and works from very long distances compared to previous sensors, making it suitable for industrial production applications.

Final Words

Inductive sensors are used in many different industries and products. They can be used in various applications to measure the position of a stationary or moving object, with high accuracy and reliability, over a long period. Examples include industrial automation, robotics, machine tooling, and automotive and packaging machinery. Though various types of encoders have been developed for use in these applications, the most common type used is magnetic encoder technology.

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