Magnetic speed sensors use a magnet as the sensing element or sensed target in order to capture rotational or linear speed. Typically, they are used as gear-tooth speed sensors or incorporated into stroboscopes or tachometers. Technology choices magnetic speed sensors include magnetoresistive, inductive, variable reluctance, and Hall Effect. With magnetoresistive sensors, the resistance of the sensing element is a function of the direction and magnitude (proximity) of an applied magnetic field. With inductive sensors, an oscillator circuit generates a radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field that radiates from a ferrite core and coil assembly. The field is directed at the sensor face. When a metal target enters the field, eddy currents are induced into the surfaces of the target. This causes a reduction in the amplitude of the oscillator circuit (change in inductance).
Most variable reluctance magnetic speed sensors are self-generating. In other words, they do not require an external power source. When a magnetic surface is passed in close proximity to the sensor, a small voltage is induced. With Hall Effect magnetic speed sensors, a current is passed through a semiconductor material. When a magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to the surface of the semiconductor, a voltage is developed. This Hall voltage is proportional to the applied field intensity, driving the magnetic speed sensor.
Magnetic speed sensors use a magnet as the sensing element or sensed target in order to capture rotational or linear speed. Typically, they are used as gear-tooth speed sensors or incorporated into stroboscopes or tachometers. Technology choices magnetic speed sensors include magnetoresistive, inductive, variable reluctance, and Hall Effect. With magnetoresistive sensors, the resistance of the sensing element is a function of the direction and magnitude (proximity) of an applied magnetic field. With inductive sensors, an oscillator circuit generates a radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field that radiates from a ferrite core and coil assembly. The field is directed at the sensor face. When a metal target enters the field, eddy currents are induced into the surfaces of the target. This causes a reduction in the amplitude of the oscillator circuit (change in inductance).
Most variable reluctance magnetic speed sensors are self-generating. In other words, they do not require an external power source. When a magnetic surface is passed in close proximity to the sensor, a small voltage is induced. With Hall Effect magnetic speed sensors, a current is passed through a semiconductor material. When a magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to the surface of the semiconductor, a voltage is developed. This Hall voltage is proportional to the applied field intensity, driving the magnetic speed sensor.
Performance specifications to consider when selecting magnetic speed sensors include rotary speed range, linear speed range, and accuracy. Rotary speed and linear speed are two mutually-exclusive ranges. With rotary speed sensors, the speed is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). This is useful for gear speed or belt speeds. With linear speed sensors, the speed is measured in inches per second. This is useful for linear speed applications such as web processes and robotic arm movements. Accuracy is measured as a percent of the full-scale range. A lower percentage indicates a more accurate device.
Electrical specifications to consider when selecting for magnetic speed sensors include power requirements and output. Some magnetic speed sensors are self-generating. Others use direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). Common outputs for magnetic speed sensors include resistance, voltage, current, and frequency. Switch output and communication type (serial or parallel) are also important parameters to consider.
Magnetic speed sensors carry display options and control options. Display options include analog meters, digital readouts, and video displays. Control options include analog front panels, digital front panels, or computer controls. Body-style choices for magnetic speed sensors include barrel, limit switch, rectangular or block, slot and ring. Other features for magnetic speed sensors include shielding, an intrinsically safe (IS) rating, short circuit protection, weld field immunity, the sensing of non-magnetic targets, and the sensing of non-ferrous targets.
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