Sensors are almost indispensable in modern industrial production, especially in automated production processes. They serve as the link between the mechanical and control systems of equipment. The mechanical system feeds back motion parameters and operating status to the control system through sensors, and the control system issues commands to drive the mechanical system based on the signals and data fed back by the sensors. Their importance is self-evident.
Sensors are extensions of the human five senses, also known as electrical senses. Equipment control systems rely on them to determine crucial parameters such as the position of mechanisms, the presence or absence of products, and the precision of products, in order to monitor and control the equipment's operational status and the product's production process. Specifically, industrial producers need to use various sensors to monitor and control various parameters in the production process, ensuring that equipment operates normally and that any malfunctions are detected promptly.
This article mainly summarizes five common types of industrial sensors in the field of industrial automation.
A photoelectric sensor
A photoelectric sensor is a device that converts light signals into electrical signals. Its working principle is based on the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect refers to the phenomenon where, when light shines on certain materials, the electrons in the material absorb the energy of the photons, resulting in a corresponding electrical effect. Based on different phenomena, the photoelectric effect is divided into three categories: external photoelectric effect, internal photoelectric effect, and photovoltaic effect. Photoelectric devices include phototubes, photomultiplier tubes, photoresistors, photodiodes, phototransistors, and photovoltaic cells.
Photoelectric sensors possess advantages such as high resolution, short response time, long detection distance, and few restrictions on the objects being detected. Particularly noteworthy is their ability to distinguish colors. This is because the reflectivity and absorptivity of light emitted from an object vary depending on the wavelength of the emitted light and the color of the object. This property allows for the detection of the object's color.
Two proximity sensors
Proximity sensors enable non-contact sensing, eliminating wear and damage to the object being detected, and producing no sparks or noise. Due to their non-contact output method, they have a long lifespan, with virtually no impact on the lifespan of the contact point. Unlike other detection methods, proximity sensors are suitable for use in water and oil environments, remaining almost unaffected by dirt, water, or oil on the object being detected.
Among them, proximity sensors can only detect metal objects at close range without contact. The biggest feature of the range-changing spring lever device is that it can overload the sensing range of the contact point. Spring-loaded pistons, probes, and buttons are generally used to contact the product and then detect whether the product is in place, accurately positioned, and to verify the product being tested.
Three- fiber sensor
The development of fiber optic sensors began in 1977, and the technology immediately attracted great interest. Currently, fiber optic sensors have experienced rapid development. Because optical fiber itself is a dielectric, and the sensing element can also be made of dielectric materials, fiber optic sensors possess excellent electrical insulation properties. The surface of the optical fiber can withstand a voltage of 80kV / 20cm , making it particularly suitable for high-voltage power supply systems and the testing of large-capacity motors. It can be used in high-voltage, electrical noise, high-temperature, corrosive, or other harsh environments, and it has inherent compatibility with fiber optic telemetry technology.
Optical fibers can be used to construct a wide variety of sensors, hence the term "universal sensor." They can measure numerous physical quantities and have applications spanning military, commercial, civilian, medical, and industrial control fields. It's important to clarify that traditional sensors are based on electromechanical measurements, while fiber optic sensors are based on optical measurements.
Four displacement sensors
A displacement sensor is a device that converts the motion and displacement of an object into a measurable electrical quantity. It is typically used to convert physical quantities such as deformation, vibration, displacement, position, and size, which are difficult to detect and process quantitatively, into electrical quantities that are easy to detect quantitatively and facilitate information transmission and processing.
Displacement sensors come in a wide variety of types, and their application areas have been expanding in recent years. More and more innovative technologies are being incorporated into sensors. For example, technologies such as fiber optics, time-grating technology, OEM -based LVDT technology, ultrasonic technology, and magnetostrictive technology have all seen significant improvements in sensor performance and reductions in cost due to technological advancements.
Five Hall effect sensors
Rotating Hall effect sensors typically do not use any moving parts. These semiconductor-based sensors combine Hall effect sensing elements with circuitry to provide an analog output signal corresponding to changes in a rotating magnetic field. Two output options are available: analog or pulse width modulation ( PWM ).
The linear Hall effect sensor measures the linear motion of a magnetic field, rather than its rotation. Reportedly, this sensor can be programmed to output a voltage that is proportional to a given distance traveled. Currently, Hall sensor technology is continuously evolving, and programmable Hall sensors, smart Hall elements, and miniature Hall sensors have promising market prospects.
summary:
The advent of the new technological revolution has ushered in the information age. In utilizing information, the first challenge is obtaining accurate and reliable information, and sensors are the primary means and method for acquiring information in both natural and industrial fields.
In modern industrial production, especially automated production, various sensors are used to monitor and control various parameters in the production process, ensuring that equipment operates in a normal or optimal state and that products achieve the best quality. Therefore, it can be said that without numerous high-quality sensors, modern production would lose its foundation.
Sensors are characterized by miniaturization, digitization, intelligence, multifunctionality, systematization, and networking. They not only promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, but also have the potential to establish new industries, thus becoming a new economic growth point in the 21st century.
In the coming years, with the accelerated advancement of intelligent manufacturing, market demand for intelligent sensing, monitoring, production, and surveillance systems, technologies, and equipment is expected to further increase. Among these, different types of sensors will be integrated into common automotive electronics, communication electronics, consumer electronics, and specialized electronic devices. To better meet customer needs, companies will also dedicate themselves to developing more high-quality new sensor products.
