Proximity Sensors

1. Definition

A proximity sensor is a sensor able to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical
contact. A proximity sensor often emits an electromagnetic or electrostatic field, or a beam of
electromagnetic radiation (infrared, for instance), and looks for changes in the field or return signal.
The object being sensed is often referred to as the proximity sensor's target. Different proximity
sensor targets demand different sensors. For example, a capacitive or photoelectric sensor might be
suitable for a plastic target; an inductive proximity sensor requires a metal target.

The maximum distance that this sensor can detect is defined "nominal range". Some sensors have
adjustments of the nominal range or means to report a graduated detection distance.

Proximity sensors can have a high reliability and long functional life because of the absence of
mechanical parts and lack of physical contact between sensor and the sensed object.

2. Types

There are many types of proximity sensors, however, only these types are important.

• Inductive

• Capacitive

• Optical

• Magnetic

• Photocell

• Laser Rangefinder

3. Working

Depending upon the type of proximity sensor, the working principle and construction of the proximity
sensor will differ, however, working of inductive sensor has been explained in detail to understand the
basic working of a proximity sensor.

Inductive proximity sensors operate under the electrical principle of inductance. Inductance is the
phenomenon where a fluctuating current, which by definition has a magnetic component, induces an
electromotive force (emf) in a target object. To amplify a device’s inductance effect, a sensor
manufacturer twists wire into a tight coil and runs a current through it.

An inductive proximity sensor has four components: The coil, oscillator, detection circuit and output
circuit. The oscillator generates a fluctuating magnetic field the shape of a doughnut around the
winding of the coil that locates in the device’s sensing face.
When a metal object moves into the inductive proximity sensor’s field of detection, Eddy currents
build up in the metallic object, magnetically push back, and finally reduce the Inductive sensor’s own
oscillation field. The sensor’s detection circuit monitors the oscillator’s strength and triggers an output
from the output circuitry when the oscillator becomes reduced to a sufficient level.

4. Applications

• Car bumpers that sense distance to nearby cars for parking

• Ground proximity warning system for aviation safety
• Sheet break sensing in paper machine.
• Anti-aircraft artillery
• Used in mines – Proximity Mines
• Navigation systems of aircraft and ships
• Security systems of banks, etc.
• Automatic night lamps
• Security systems at the borders
• Touch buttons of mobile phones and other gadgets
• Remote sensing in modern cars (keyless entry and ignition)
• Lifts