What is a proximity sensor?

Hello friends, today our topic is "Proximity Sensor", in which we are going to talk about what is Proximity Sensor, what are the types of Proximity sensors, and What are Applications and Features of Proximity sensors? The previous blog talked about Sensor Kya Hota Hai. So let's know now,

What is a Proximity Sensor?

As you may know, Sensors are used to detect objects which convert any physical object into an electric signal. At present, different types of sensors have been made for each specific task. There are many types like Temperature sensors, Proximity Sensors, Infrared Sensor Light Sensor, Ultrasonic Sensor, Touch sensors, and many more. One of these is the Proximity Sensor, today we are going to talk about these Sensors.

The use of Proximity Sensors is not limited to smartphones or electronic devices, but it is used in industrial, manufacturing, and automation machines and many other places. For example, distance measurement, environmental conditions detection, security devices, vehicles, factories such as food processing and packaging, electrical motors, etc.

Proximity is 'closeness'. Proximity Sensor Means, Sensing the nearest object means to know or feel it. A proximity Sensor is a sensor that is capable of detecting the presence of any physical objects nearby without touching them within a certain distance. That is, if seen in another way, the Proximity Sensor is the sensor that detects the movement or presence of any object around it and converts it into an Electrical Signal.

Proximity Sensor is used in many different electronic devices. These sensors are used in parking spaces, smartphones, self-driving cars, anti-aircraft systems, and many other devices or locations. Proximity Sensors devices fall into several different categories to identify different objects. According to the different categories of Proximity Sensors, the sensor is used to detect light, sound, electromagnetic field, infrared radiation, industrial, various environmental conditions, or target any object.

For example- The most common and easy example of a proximity sensor is a 'smartphone'. During a phone call, when the mobile is taken near the ear, its display light turns off and when the mobile is removed from the ear, the display light turns on. This Sensor is around the front camera or front speaker of the mobile.

Metallic object detection is another application for inductive proximity sensors in automatic machinery. Magnetic fields have an impact on Hall-effect sensors. Source: Inductive Sensors Dubai

Proximity Sensor Type

Proximity Sensors are divided into different classes according to the use of Detection. Which are used in many applications today, such as Andriod and iPhone Proximity Sensing, distance measuring, detecting small particles and weather information, etc. Following are some of the main types of Proximity Sensors.

Inductive Proximity Sensors

An inductive Proximity Sensor is used to detect Metallic Objects. These sensors generate an electromagnetic field of high frequency in which an oscillator circuit, coil, Schmitt Trigger, and Output Switching Circuit are used.

This sensor is made of an Inductive Loop. When the cable of this sensor comes out, it turns red, which triggers the sensor and detects the metal. When the cable moves away, the output of this sensor also stops.

For example- The elevator is an example of this, Inductive Proximity Sensor is used to deduct the floor position in the lift.

Capacitive Proximity Sensors

Capacitive Proximity Sensors are contactless sensors. Which are capable of detecting fine particles of liquid, solid objects, glass, plastic, wood, and dust. It detects both metallic and non-metallic objects. There are two conduction plates in it which are located on the sensitive part above it, due to which they recognize any object.

When an object comes near its Sensing part, the capacitance of both its Conduction plates increases due to which Oscillator Amplitude and Schmitt Triggers position change, after that the output signal starts to form. When an object comes in front of this sensor, the capacitive sensor starts vibrating. The charging plates of this sensor range from 10 to 50 HZ. This sensor can detect any type of object. It is used in production automation machine product counting, fluid level, pressure, humidity control, touch applications, etc.

Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors

The ultrasonic proximity sensor detects the presence of objects by emitting high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves. This is due to the change of electric energy. It can also detect granular particles of solid, liquid, and dust like a capacitive sensor. Usually it is used to find out the distance from an object or surface area.

It has three main components, ultrasonic transmitter, ultrasonic receiver, and trans receiver. They use sound waves to detect objects, so they cannot be affected by the color and transparency of objects. The cost of this sensor is higher than other sensors. This sensor is used in measuring distance, detecting wind speed and direction, monitoring unmanned objects and robotics, etc.

Magnetic Proximity Sensors

Magnetic Proximity Sensor Permanent magnets are used to detect magnetic objects only from a certain distance in a magnetic field. GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistive Effect) technology is used in this.

When a magnetic object comes close to the magnet sensor, it is attracted toward the sensor due to its magnetic properties. These sensors are contactless, detect position, and can attract magnetic objects from a long distance. Magnetic Proximity Sensor gives accurate information about the position of objects from a distance. These sensors are mostly used in food and beverage industries, smartphones, tablets, security devices, and robotics.

Optical Proximity Sensors

Optical Proximity Sensors work to detect light with the help of a Light Source. When the light comes out from the light source, it collides with the object and comes back, then the sensor detects that object, in this way the presence of the object is detected.

Usually, these sensors are used in alarm systems, object detection, motion detection, product sorting, and many more. Optical sensors can detect a wide variety of objects from short distances. However, sometimes its sensing capability may be affected by the presence of objects, dust or particles, or other environmental conditions.

Photoelectric Proximity Sensors

Photoelectric Sensors detect the presence or absence of objects very fast as they can sense the target within 1 mm diameter. That's why it is considered an advanced sensor in comparison to other sensors. It detects light emission with the help of a Laser Diode, Photodiode, and Receiver. Generally, these sensors are very perfect to be used in industrial applications. These are often used in residential and commercial applications such as automatic door opening or closing of automatic stair tread (Escalator), Elevator, X-ray machines, etc.

Proximity sensor applications

You know, what is a Proximity Sensor and how many types of Proximity Sensors are there? Have known about Now let's talk about what is the application of proximity sensors. Proximity Sensor is mostly used in Industrial Automation, Factories, and Manufacturing applications because this sensor has the ability to detect objects without coming in contact. Some of the applications below are as follows.

The main function of the Proximity Sensor is to detect the presence of an object without touching it, position, and inspection and are used in Automated Production Machines.

Another important application is measuring distance and detecting changes in the surrounding environment.

Proximity Sensors are also used in smartphones. When a user brings the phone near his ear or face during a call, the display lights of the phone automatically turn off.

This sensor is used in home automation systems to automatically open doors or turn on lights when someone enters a room.
These sensors are used for measuring the direction of rotation of electrical motors, measuring the speed of vehicles, and for gaming, touchscreen, etc.

This sensor is also used in robotics, manufacturing automation, and as a touch switch on/off electronic products.

A proximity Sensor is also used to measure the vibration of electrical motors.

Diffuse sensors are used to control the flow of water in public washrooms.

These sensors can be used while parking the car. When the car is parked, a signal sound is generated by the sensor to avoid collision near the object.

• Proximity Sensor Features
• contactless sensor
• short response time
• long-lasting
• Making Sense at High Speed
• Since from a very short distance
• Ideal for large industrial applications
• No effect on the surface area for sensing
• Sensing not to be affected by the color of an object

Proximity sensor findings:

Hopefully from this blog, what is a Proximity Sensor? And what is the type of proximity sensor? Must have come to know. As we discussed in the previous blog, what is a sensor? Had discussed. Proximity sensors are used to detect the presence of nearby objects without contact and there are many different options for this sensor depending on the requirement.