Capacitive Linear Position Sensors

Capacitive linear position sensors are designed primarily to take noncontact measurements of position, displacement, vibration, and run out or thickness measurements. These sensors can be used on conductive and nonconductive target materials, but may be sensitive to environmental parameters that change the dielectric constant of the medium between the sensor and the target (usually air).

The most important specification for capacitive linear position sensors is measuring range. Also important is the maximum usable range of the sensor. This is the absolute maximum range over which the device can provide sensible readings, even if nonlinear. Accuracy is measured as a percentage of the full scale of measurement. The sensing frequency range may be critical to applications as well.

Many output options are available. Analog outputs include current, voltage or a frequency. Digital outputs can include serial, parallel or other digital such as TTL output. Another option is that the output can be an alarm or a change in state of switches.

The packaging of the capacitive linear position sensor is important to consider. Sometimes the sensor element with no external packaging or signal conditioning is available. More common is a transducer, a more complex device with packaging and/or signal conditioning and provides an output such as dc volts, 4-20mA, etc. Instruments and meters are often available. These are usually self-contained units that provide an output locally at or near the device. These usually also include signal processing or conditioning. A gauge or indicator is a capacitive linear position sensor with a local readout and no electrical output. Recorders and totalizers are available as well for collecting and storing data locally.

• Position Sensors and Position-Sensing Instruments
  Position sensors include wide range of sensors, switches and technologies that are used to determine the placement, speed or movement, direction, and location of a given target. Linear position...
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