Describe the operation of a basic capacitive proximity sensor.
1 Answer
A basic capacitive proximity sensor operates on the principle of changes in capacitance. Capacitance is the ability of an object to store an electric charge. In this type of sensor, a change in the capacitance between the sensor and an object in its vicinity is used to detect the presence or absence of the object.
Here's how a basic capacitive proximity sensor works:
Sensor Construction: The sensor consists of two conductive surfaces, typically in the form of plates or electrodes. One of these plates is part of the sensor itself, and the other is the object being sensed or a reference plate. These plates are separated by a dielectric material, which can be air or any other non-conductive substance.
Capacitance Formation: When there is no object near the sensor, the electric field between the two plates is relatively undisturbed, and the capacitance between them remains at a baseline level.
Object Proximity: When an object comes into proximity of the sensor, it introduces a disturbance in the electric field between the plates. This disturbance alters the capacitance between the plates. The closer the object is to the sensor, the greater the change in capacitance.
Here's how a basic capacitive proximity sensor works:
Sensor Construction: The sensor consists of two conductive surfaces, typically in the form of plates or electrodes. One of these plates is part of the sensor itself, and the other is the object being sensed or a reference plate. These plates are separated by a dielectric material, which can be air or any other non-conductive substance.
Capacitance Formation: When there is no object near the sensor, the electric field between the two plates is relatively undisturbed, and the capacitance between them remains at a baseline level.
Object Proximity: When an object comes into proximity of the sensor, it introduces a disturbance in the electric field between the plates. This disturbance alters the capacitance between the plates. The closer the object is to the sensor, the greater the change in capacitance.