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Capacitive Proximity Sensing

Capacitive proximity sensors detect nearby objects by generating an electrostatic field and reacting to changes in capacitance caused when a target enters the field. The sensor consists of a capacitive probe, oscillator, signal detector, and output switch. When an object approaches the probe, it increases the capacitance and activates the oscillator, triggering the output to switch states and indicate detection of the target. Capacitive sensors can detect metals and nonmetals but are better suited for nonmetals compared to inductive sensors.

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Sankaran Baskar
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74 views

Capacitive Proximity Sensing

Capacitive proximity sensors detect nearby objects by generating an electrostatic field and reacting to changes in capacitance caused when a target enters the field. The sensor consists of a capacitive probe, oscillator, signal detector, and output switch. When an object approaches the probe, it increases the capacitance and activates the oscillator, triggering the output to switch states and indicate detection of the target. Capacitive sensors can detect metals and nonmetals but are better suited for nonmetals compared to inductive sensors.

Uploaded by

Sankaran Baskar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CAPACITOR PROXIMITY SENSORS

What is capacitive sensing ?

Capacitive sensing is a noncontact technology suitable for detecting metals,


nonmetals, solids, and liquids, although it is best suited for nonmetallic targets
because of its characteristics and cost relative to inductive proximity sensors.

The sensor consists of four basic components:


A capacitive probe or plate
An oscillator
A signal level detector
A solid-state output switching device
An adjustment potentiometer
CAPACITOR PROXIMITY SENSORS
working principle
CAPACITOR PROXIMITY SENSORS
Principle of capacitive proximity sensors
 Capacitive proximity sensors are similar in size, shape, and concept
to inductive proximity sensors.
 Unlike inductive sensors which use induced magnetic fields to sense
objects, capacitive proximity generate an electrostatic field and
reacts to changes in capacitance caused when a target enters the
electrostatic field.
 When the target is outside the electrostatic field, the oscillator is
inactive.
 As the target approaches, a capacitive coupling develops between
the target and the capacitive probe.
 When the capacitance reaches a specified threshold, the oscillator is
activated, triggering the output circuit to switch states between ON
and OFF.
CAPACITOR PROXIMITY SENSORS

Illustration of Capacitor Proximity Sensors


CAPACITOR PROXIMITY SENSORS
working principle
CAPACITOR PROXIMITY SENSORS

 Capacitive proximity sensors are designed to operate by generating an


electrostatic field and detecting changes in this field caused when a target
approaches the sensing face.

 The sensor’s internal workings consist of a capacitive probe, an oscillator, a


signal rectifier, a filter circuit and an output circuit.
 In the absence of a target, the oscillator is inactive. As a target approaches, it
raises the capacitance of the probe system.

 When the capacitance reaches a specified threshold, the oscillator is activated


which triggers the output circuit to change between “on” and “off.”

 The capacitance of the probe system is determined by the target’s size,


dielectric constant and distance from the probe. The larger the size and
dielectric constant of a target, the more it increases capacitance. The shorter the
distance between target and probe, the more the target increases capacitance.
CAPACITOR PROXIMITY SENSORS
The advantages of capacitive sensor are 

 It can detect both metallic and non metallic targets.


 Good stability
 High Speed
 Good Resolution
 Capacitive sensors are good in terms of power usage
 Low cost

The disadvantages of capacitive sensors are

 They are affected by temperature and humidity


 Could be triggered by dust, moisture..etc
 Sensitive to noise
 Difficulties in designing
 Linearity is not good
 Capacitive proximity sensors are not as accurate compare to inductive sensors.

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