Position sensors

Position sensors detect movement of things by measuring distances and angular movements. They can be used in a variety of industries and can be used to track the position of objects. For example, in manufacturing and transportation, position sensors can determine the speed of a moving object. Similarly, a robot wheel can use this type of sensor to determine the distance traveled. But there are many more applications for position sensors. Let’s examine a few of the most common ones.

Inductive position sensors are the simplest and most widely used type of position sensor. These sensors don’t measure displacement, but rather detect the presence of objects in close proximity. They work by detecting a magnetic field. The simplest magnetic sensor is the reed switch, which is made of a series of coils wound around an iron core. Unlike optical encoders, these devices do not require delicate silicon-based electronics at the sensing point, which makes them a popular choice for extreme environments.

Another type of position sensor is capacitive. The capacitive type relies on dialectric material between two charged plates. This dielectric changes with a rotor’s rotation. This change in dielectric leads to a change in potential between the transmitter and receiver. Often, multiple modulating tracks are used to define an absolute position. The benefits of capacitive sensors include their low power consumption and compact size. But these sensors must be installed properly to avoid errors and to minimize downtime.

Another type of position sensor is based on photoelectric effect. Its sensitivity is sensitive to the position of a light spot when it hits a photosensitive surface. After a precision installation, the photoelectric position sensor will output a position signal. Regardless of the type of sensor, a few important specifications are crucial to choose the correct one. They include the sensor type, intended application, and transducer features. For more information, visit All About Vision and Imaging Sensors.

An absolute scale is a more complex type. It uses multiple code bits and has a higher latency than the incremental track. The absolute scale has several disadvantages. In addition to increased latency, absolute scale sensors may also suffer from noise and a dirty disc. If this type of sensor fails to work, the controller will have to servo the joints. But they do not have the reliability of a position sensor. A controller that uses position determination methods should be able to determine whether the absolute scale is correct.

Another type of position sensor is the Rotary Encoder. This sensor is similar to a potentiometer, but it uses a non-contact optical device to convert angular position of a rotating shaft into a digital or electrical signal. As a result, this type of sensor has a relatively low noise level and is suitable for many applications. Depending on the application, these sensors are a versatile and affordable way to measure the position of a machine.