Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Kevin Chen
In the manufacturing world, industrial engineers think of ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. One way is by using sensors to monitor if machines are operating correctly and not wasting time or resources.
In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about position sensors. The article covers its uses, types, advantages, disadvantages, applications, and much more. Keep reading to discover more.
What is a Position Sensor?
A position sensor is a device that measures the position of a moving or rotating part by detecting the relative position of its sensing element.
In other words, it can tell the exact location of the object being measured.
In the manufacturing world, a position sensor is used to monitor if machinery is working correctly. It can also be used to control machinery by turning it on or off at certain positions.
In the technical world, we can define a position sensor is a transducer that converts physical properties into electrical signals.
A sensor can also be used to detect the presence or absence of an object. If it detects movements, then that will be recorded as the presence of an object. If no movements are detected, then that will be recorded as an absence of a body.
While the market is flooded with different types of sensors all of them tend to serve almost the same purpose.
Read on as we do more exploration on the position sensor.
How does a Position Sensor work?
A position sensor consists of a sensor and a control circuit. The sensor is an electrical component that converts physical properties into electrical signals.
The control circuit is a circuit that amplifies, filters, and rectifies the sensor signals to produce a constant voltage output.
Here is an example of how a position sensor works: Let’s say you are using a rotary transformer-type position sensor. The sensor will be a rotating coil of wire inside a cylinder.
The cylinder will be attached to a rotating shaft.
The task of the sensor is to measure the position of the rotating shaft. So, as the shaft rotates, the cylinder rotates as well.
When the cylinder is at a certain position, the sensor will produce a specific electrical signal. The control circuit will then “read” the electrical signal and produce a constant voltage output. This voltage output will tell you the exact position of the rotating shaft.
This is just a single example of how one type of position sensor works. We will have a look at the different types of position sensors and their working mechanisms.
Types of Position Sensors
As I have already mentioned, there are different types of position sensors in the market. Let’s have a look at the most common types and how they work.
Optical position sensors
As the name suggests, this type of sensor depends on light. Light shining through a rotating object is used to find the object’s position.
An LED or light-emitting diode is placed on the rotating object. The LED will shine light into a photo-transistor or photo-detector. The photo-transistor or photo-detector will then produce an electrical signal based on the amount of light received by it. This electrical signal can be used to find out the exact position of an object.
The advantage of optical position sensors is that they are very accurate and reliable. They also have a high input impedance and can work at high speeds. However, they are not very practical when it comes to extremely low-power applications such as mobile phones because they require more power than other sensors do in order to work properly.
Potentiometric position sensor
These are basically resistance-based position sensors. They work by measuring the change in the resistance of a conductor when it is moved.
The conductor used in potentiometric position sensors is usually a resistive wire. As this wire moves, the amount of resistance that it presents to the circuit also changes. The change in resistance can be measured using an amplifier and then used to calculate the object’s position. Potentiometric position sensors are very easy to use and inexpensive, but they are also not very accurate and reliable.
Capacitive position sensor
These sensors use capacitance to measure distance and motion. They use two plates, one fixed and one moveable, connected by a circuit that includes some electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, etc. Capacitive sensors work by measuring changes in capacitance as an object moves closer or further away from the moveable plate.
The advantage of capacitive sensors is that they can be built into small packages which are suitable for mobile phone applications where space is limited. They are also fairly inexpensive and easy to integrate into other circuits. However, they do have a few disadvantages as well: they cannot measure acceleration accurately (which limits their applications).
Ultrasonic position sensors
Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to determine position. They are generally very accurate (within 1 mm or better), but they are also expensive and require special hardware in order to work properly.
Laser position sensors
Laser sensors use a laser beam to determine position. They are very accurate (usually within a few micrometers) but can be expensive and require special hardware in order to work properly.
Magnetic position sensing
These sensors measure the presence of a magnetic field in order to determine position. They can be made quite small, and some models can even detect changes in magnetic fields.
This feature makes them well suited for applications like hard drive head positioning or machine tooling where information about the object’s speed is needed as well as its location. Unfortunately, they tend to be expensive and require special hardware in order to work properly.
Fiber-optic position sensor
These are the modern-day position sensors that use optical fiber to detect and locate the position of an object. They work by reflecting light off a moving object and measuring the amount of time it takes for the reflected light to return to the sensor. They are quite accurate, but require special hardware and are usually limited to working over distances of less than 10 meters.
Uses of Position Sensor
– Control – Position sensors are often used to control machinery. They can be set to turn on or off at certain positions. For example, an elevator door can open at a certain floor every time the elevator reaches that position.
– Position feedback – This application uses the sensor to detect the position of an object and send a signal to the control circuit. For example, a sensor can detect the position of the elevator door and send a signal to the control circuit. The control circuit can then send a signal to the machinery to close the door.
– Positioning – This application uses the sensor to detect the position of an object and send a signal to another sensor. For example, a sensor can detect the position of the elevator door and send a signal to another sensor. The sensor can then send a signal to a motor that moves the door to close.
– Measurement – A position sensor is used to measure how far an object has moved from its original location. This type of measurement is known as displacement measurement. Displacement sensors are often used in industrial settings where very large distances are being measured, such as on assembly lines or in mining operations.
What are some of the applications of position sensors?
-Automotive industry: Position sensors are widely used in the automotive industry for engine control, automatic door operation, and power window operation.
-Medical Industry: Position sensors are used to measure how far a bone has moved from its original location, which is important in the treatment of broken bones.
-Elevator Industry: Position sensors are used to measure the position of an elevator door and send a signal to machinery to close the door.
-Industrial Automation: Position sensors are used in industrial automation where very large distances are being measured, such as on assembly lines or in mining operations.
-Geological Industry: Position sensors are used in the geological industry to measure the movement of the earth.
-Electronics Industry: Position sensors are used in the electronics industry to measure how far an object has moved from its original location.
Advantages of Position Sensor
– Accuracy – Position sensors are very accurate. They are designed to detect exact positions.
– Wide range of applications – Position sensors are used in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, mining, and construction.
– Reliability – Position sensors are very reliable and durable.
– High-end technology – Position sensors use high-end technology for precise measurements.
– Low maintenance – Position sensors are low maintenance.
– Cost-effective – Position sensors are cost-effective. They are the least expensive of all sensor types.
– Compatible with other technologies – Position sensors can be used with other technologies such as proximity, inductive, and photoelectric.
Limitations of a Position Sensor
– Expensive – Position sensors are very expensive. However, if you are looking for a solution that requires accuracy, then this sensor is worth the price.
– Sensitive to vibrations – Position sensors are sensitive to vibrations. So, they can only be used in a controlled environment.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Position Sensor
There are many different types of position sensors available in the market. Given the high price of this sensor, you will want to be sure that you are getting the best product. Here are some things you should keep in mind while buying a position sensor:
– Accuracy – The most important thing to consider when buying a position sensor is accuracy. You want to be sure that the sensor will be able to produce accurate measurements. Be sure to ask for accurate specifications before buying.
– Signal type – There are two types of signals produced by position sensors: voltage and current. The type of signal that the sensor produces will determine how you can use it. Voltage signals are easier to process in an electrical circuit.
– Temperature range – Sensors are very sensitive to temperature changes. Make sure you are buying a sensor that has a wide enough temperature range. You also want to know whether the sensor is for indoor or outdoor use.
-Measurement range: This is the distance that the sensor is able to measure. The range of the sensor will be determined by its design and construction.
-Power supply – You should make sure that the position sensor you are buying has a power supply of 12V DC.
-Communications: This is the communications channel used by the sensor to transmit its data back to your computer. There are two types of communication: analog and digital.
-Frequency – If you want to use your position sensors in a control system, you will need to make sure that it can communicate with your computer at a certain frequency.
-Linearity: The linearity of a sensor is the measure of how well it can measure accurately and consistently over time.
-Stability: A stable sensor will produce a consistent reading over time. A stable sensor contains a voltage reference, which allows for accurate measurements to be made.
-Power consumption: Power consumption is measured in milliwatts (mW) and is dependent on the operating conditions of your system. The more power you are using, the higher your power consumption will be.
-Size and weight: You should also consider the size and weight of your sensor. A small and light sensor will be more stable, but can also be more difficult to install. A larger sensor will take up more space, but might also be less likely to malfunction.
Where to buy position sensors?
You should buy position sensors from reputable manufacturers and suppliers. This is the surest way of ensuring that you get quality and reliable motion sensors for sale.
In case you are planning to buy motion sensors in China, then consider using a sourcing agent.
These sourcing agents are well-versed in the market and have access to large stocks of quality products.
And that is what we at ICRFQ do. We are a sourcing agent that provides the best motion sensors at reasonable prices.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help you source the right motion sensors in China.
If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:
Electronic Components Distributors In the USA
Electronic Components Distributors In UK
Electronic Components Distributors In China
Electronic Components Distributors In India
Electronic Components Distributors In Singapore
Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia
Electronic Components Distributors In Vietnam
Electronic Components Distributors In South Korea
- The Art of Sourcing: How We Identify and Partner with Top IC Manufacturers - November 24, 2023
- Essential Electronics Test Equipment You Should Know About - November 24, 2023
- How To Finish PCBA Design Process Quickly? - November 24, 2023
