- The inductive sensor is used to detect a metal object. It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction which inducts the magnetic field when current flow through it.
- Near the changing metallic field if there is an object then current flow in the object.
- The new magnetic field is generated and this new magnetic field opposes the original magnetic field.
- The inductive sensor also detects the nonferrous metal target, but it decreases the sensing range.
- Its sensing range is the distance from the sensor face to the distance of the sensor to detect a metal target and the sensing distance is 12mm.
- It works only if the object is steel and it has a significant amount of iron in it.
Working of Inductive Sensor
- It detects metal objects located in their measurement field.
- The interaction of the metal object as an electrical conductor with the emitted magnetic field of the sensor.
- In the electrical conductor, eddy currents are induced, which extract energy from the field and thus affect the level of the oscillation amplitude.
- The core of the inductive sensor is a coil, which allows the magnetic field to flow in a specific direction.
- The oscillator located back to the sensor uses an LC resonant circuit to generate a magnetic field, which flows from the sensing face of the sensor.
- Then eddy currents are induced in the metal object located in the measurement field.
- The oscillator changes the signal level. The change in signal level then switches the output stage in binary sensors via a Schmitt trigger.
- In measuring sensors, this change in signal level affects the analog output signal depending on the object distance.
Applications of Inductive Sensor
- It can be used to detect parts in place at workstations, conveyor stops, and robots.
- It is used to detect if an air cylinder is extended or retracted and if a pallet stop or chain transfer is raised or lowered.
- It is also used in traffic signals to control the intersection of the road.
- Inductive sensors can be used to tell the VFD (Variable frequency drive )when to slow down and stop.
- It is also used in Space magnetometers to investigate electromagnetic waves in space plasma as well as natural electromagnetic wave observations on Earth.
