INDUCTIVE SENSOR

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 as shown in Figure 1 below. If there is a metal
object near the changing magnetic field, current will flow in the object

(An inductor, also called a coil, choke , or reactor, is a passive two-

terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field
when electric current flows through it. An inductor typically consists of
an insulated wire wound into a coil around a core).

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 senor can determine when a metal have
been brought nearby.

CAPACITIVE PROXIMITY SENSORS

Capacitive proximity sensors sense "target" objects due to the target's

ability to be electrically charged. Since even non-conductors can hold
charges, this means that just about any object can be detected with this
type of sensor.

Capacitance describes how two conductive objects with a space between

them respond to a voltage difference applied to them. When a voltage is
applied to the conductors, an electric field is created between them causing
positive and negative charges to collect on each object (Fig. 1). If the polarity
of the voltage is reversed, the charges will also reverse.

Capacitive sensors use an alternating voltage which causes the charges to

continually reverse their positions. The moving of the charges creates an
alternating electric current which is detected by the sensor (Fig. 2).
The amount of current flow is determined by the capacitance, and the
capacitance is determined by the area and proximity of the conductive
objects. Larger and closer objects cause greater current than smaller and
more distant objects. The capacitance is also affected by the type of
nonconductive material in the gap between the objects.