10 best proximity sensor
A proximity sensor is an electronic device used to detect the presence or absence of objects within a certain range of its sensor field. These sensors are widely used in various industrial and scientific applications for automation, control, and safety purposes. Here are some key points about proximity sensors:
Working Principle: Proximity sensors operate on different principles depending on their type. The common types include:
Inductive Proximity Sensors: These sensors detect metallic objects by generating an electromagnetic field. When a metallic object enters this field, it induces eddy currents in the object, which alters the sensor's output signal.
Capacitive Proximity Sensors: These sensors detect objects with varying dielectric constants.When an object enters the sensor's field, it changes the capacitance, leading to a change in the sensor's output.
Ultrasonic Proximity Sensors: These sensors use sound waves to detect objects. They emit ultrasonic waves and measure the time it takes for the waves to bounce back after hitting an object. The distance can then be calculated.
Photoelectric Proximity Sensors: These sensors use light beams to detect the presence or absence of an object. When an object obstructs the light path, the sensor's output changes.
Applications: Proximity sensors are used in a wide range of applications, including:
Manufacturing Automation: They are commonly used in manufacturing lines for detecting the presence of objects, controlling robotic arms, and ensuring accurate positioning of components.
Machine Safety: Proximity sensors are used in safety systems to detect the presence of personnel in hazardous areas and can trigger safety measures like emergency stops.
Object Counting: In industrial settings, they are used for counting objects on conveyor belts or in sorting processes.
Level Sensing: Proximity sensors can be used to detect the level of liquids or solids in tanks and bins.
Access Control: They are employed in security systems to detect when doors or gates are opened or closed.
Advantages: Proximity sensors are favored for their non-contact detection, long life, and reliability. They can operate in harsh environments and can be highly accurate.
Types: In addition to the mentioned types, there are other variations such as magnetic proximity sensors, Hall-effect sensors, and more, each with specific applications and advantages.
Output: Proximity sensors typically provide a digital or analog output signal that indicates the presence or absence of an object, as well as its distance or position in some cases.
Adjustability: Some proximity sensors allow for adjustments in sensitivity and detection range to suit different applications.
In industrial and scientific settings, proximity sensors play a crucial role in improving efficiency, safety, and control of various processes. Their versatility and reliability make them essential components in modern automation and control systems.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best proximity sensor on the marketProduct description
Specification:
Type: LJ18A3-8-Z/BX
Supply Voltage : DC 6-36V
Detection distance: 8 mm
Switching frequency: 200MHZ
Current Output : 200-300mA
Output form: NPN DC three-wire normally open
Output level: low level (when there is metal)
Output indication: LED (red)
Detection substance: metal
Line length: 115cm
Nut size: M18
Product size: 18mm in diameter, 68mm in total length
The package includes:
2 x Inductive Proximity Switch
- 【High Quality】: Brass nickel-plated shell, not easy to rust and fade. With 115CM high-quality copper wire, strong and durable, and excellent electrical conductivity.
- 【Sensitive Detection】: ABS material detection surface, the built-in intelligent sensing chip of the proximity switch can sensitively detect objects, when proximity switch is close to single target object, it will send control signal.
- 【Strong anti-interference】:TVS tube protection, strong anti-interference ability. Non-contact output, and long service life.
- 【Theory】: Output Type: NPN NO(Normal Open); Diameter of Head : 18mm;Detecting Distance: 8mm; Supply Voltage: DC 6-36V; Current Output : 200-300mA; Detect Object : Metal.
- 【Application】: It is a component widely used in automatic control industry for detecting, controlling, and contactless switching. It is Widely used in mechanical automation, 3D printing limit positioning, paper making, light industry for limiting station, orientation taking count, speeding trial etc.
Product description
When proximity switch is close to some target object, it will send out control signal. It is widely used in machine, paper making, light industry for limiting station, orientation taking count, speeding trial ect. It is a component widely used in automatic control industry for detecting, controlling, and noncontact switching.
- Product Name:Inductive Proximity Switch; Wire Type : DC 3 Wire Type (Black, Brown, Blue);Switch Appearance Type : Cylinder Type
- Supply Voltage : DC 6-36V;Current Output : 300mA;Detect Object : Iron
- Model: LJ12A3-4-Z/AY;Theory : Inductive Sensor;Output Type: PNP NC;Diameter of Column Sensor: 12mm;Detecting Distance : 4mm
- Total Size: 6.2 x 2cm/2.4'' x 0.8'' (L*Max. Dia); Cable Length: 1.2m/47'';Net Weight :44g
- External Material : Plastic, Alloy;Package Content : 1 x Inductive Proximity Switch
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this sensor work on a printer with a glass bed |
Answer: | Yes. But I would reccomend an inductive sensor with an 8mm to 10mm sensing distance. Make sure to power it with 12v to get a sensing distance closer to what the sensor is rated for. |
Question: | Will this work with an Anet A8? If so, are there any guides to follow |
Answer: | You have to do more research to determine how to wire the sensor to you 3D printer. Search on Google, youtube and Facebook pages for you specific printer. |
Question: | Is this a Hall Effect sensor |
Answer: | ASIN:B07P1GKQRM This is a Hall effect sensor |
Question: | used for geeetech A |
Answer: | Use Google, Facebook and other forums to determine how to wire this with your 3D printer. |
Product description
It is a component widely used in automatic control industry for detecting, controlling, and noncontact switching.
When proximity switch is close to some target object, it will send out control signal.
It's widely used in machine, paper making, light industry for limiting station, orientation taking count, speeding trial ect.
- Item Name : Inductive Proximity Switch; Model : LJ18A3-8-Z/BX; Package Qty: 1 Piece Switch
- Wire Type : DC 3 Wire Type (Black, Brown, Blue);Switch Appearance Type : Cylinder Type; Material : Plastic, Alloy;
- Theory : Inductive Sensor; Output Type: NPN NO(Normal Open);Diameter of Head : 18mm;Detecting Distance : 8mm
- Supply Voltage : DC 6-36V;Current Output : 300mA;Detect Object : Iron;
- Operating Temperature : -25C to +55C (Non-freezing Condition);Size : 7 x 3cm/2.8'' x 1.2'' (L*Max. Dia);Cable Length : 103cm / 40.55"
User questions & answers
Question: | Do you need an optocoupler or resistors on an Anet A8 stock board? Or will it work if its plugged straight into the board |
Answer: | Just buy a jst connector (the white connectors at the end). You dont need anything else to get this working on stock anet board |
Question: | what are those white power plugs for the Blue Brown and Black power called |
Answer: | They are called JST connectors. You need the 3 slot connectors for this sensor. Here is the exact product I bought. (I needed a lot) 750 Pieces 2.0mm JST-PH JST Connector Kit. 2.0mm Pitch Female Pin Header, JST PH - 2/3 / 4 Pin Housing JST Adapter Cable Connector Socket Male and Female, Crimp DIP Kit. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0731MZCGF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RP5GDbV82M575 |
Question: | Does this sensor turn on when it touches metal or turns off |
Answer: | It's a normally open and completes the circuit when made. The sensor does not touch the metal, it detects it when it gets within a certain distance. |
Question: | Is this sensor supposed to output voltage when not activated by metal? And if so, would that mean it is actually normally closed |
Answer: | On the NPN NO version, the black wire (sense) is pulled up to the input voltage via an internal 10k resistor. This is to prevent the sense wire from floating (i.e. standard pullup). So, when away from metal, it will pulled up. When near metal, the NPN transistor "closes" and shunts the black sense wire to ground (goes low). |
Product description
The IR Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module detection range can be through the potentiometer to adjust and have small interference, easy to assemble, easy to use. It can be widely used in robot obstacle avoidance, obstacle avoidance car, line count, and black and white line tracking and so on
On-line tutorial: http://osoyoo.com/2017/07/arduino-lesson-obstacle-avoidance-sensor/
Specification
The output port OUT sensor module can be directly connected to the microcontroller IO port , you can directly drive a 5V relay ;
the module detects the distance 2 ~ 30cm, detection angle 35 °, the distance can detect potential is adjusted
Can be used for 3-5V DC power supply modules
When the power is turned on, the red power indicator light
Using the comparator LM393
Interface :
1. VCC: External 3.3V-5V voltage (can be directly connected to 5v MCU and 3.3v MCU)
2. GND: GND External
3. OUT: Small board digital output interfaces (0 and 1)
Connection : VCC-VCC; GND-GND; OUT-IO
With the screw holes of 3mm , easy fixed installation
Board Size : 3.1CM * 1.5CM / 1.22 * 0.59"
Package includes:
10 x Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Module
- IR Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module can be widely used in robot obstacle avoidance, obstacle avoidance car, line count, and black and white line tracking and so on.
- the module detects the distance 2 ~ 30cm, detection angle 35 °, the distance can detect potential is adjusted
- The output port OUT sensor module can be directly connected to the microcontroller IO port, you can directly drive a 5V relay.
- It has a pair of infrared transmitting and receiving tube, tube infrared emit a certain frequency, when detecting direction meet with obstacles (reflecting surface), reflected infrared receiving tube, after the comparator circuit processing, green indicator will light up, at the same time signal output interface to output digital signal (a low level signal).
- Can be used for 3-5V DC power supply modules. It has red power indicator.
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this illum a led and send to a ext dev for when ir strikes reflective tape or connection is interrupted. I have 5 to 15 volts 150mA |
Answer: | Hello Jason: I think the question you are asking is: Can this device be used to trigger an L.E.D. by sending a signal to an illuminating circuit (i.e. switching circuit) if and when the built-in Infra-Red led transceiver's reflected beam is broken or interrupted by an object or obstacle placed in the path? Is my assumption correct? If so, then yes it is possible to perform this task with this device as the sensor/activator front end to either the Arduino (for processing) or an adequate momentary logic circuit and an IR reflector designed to make this happen...Kind of like an "electric-eye" type of intrusion detecting device. Hope this helps. |
Question: | Will these work with a Raspberry pi |
Answer: | The quick answer is YES, they will. The longer answer is BUT, there are not that many I/O pins on a Raspberry Pie so it would be easy to use up your pins with just a few of the IR devices. So possibly a analog or digital multiplexer would allow you to use say 8 of the IR devices using 3 output pins to select which IR unit you wanted and a pin to read the value of the IR device. There maybe some Raspberry hats that have this kind of thing all figured out though. |
Question: | Will this work for a 24 volt solenoid |
Answer: | These devices, by themselves, will not handle a 24 volt ac or dc solenoid. The output of these devices is strictly a T.T.L. or RS-232C level. You might want to interface a trigger interface that could handle the current involved, to do the job; which could easily be done. But the answer to your question is no, they cannot by themselves handle 24 volts. Hope this helps. |
Question: | What is the repeatability of these sensors? I'm trying to use them to measure length |
Answer: | You can't measure length with these sensors. They are photo-switches. The emitter reflects off the surface back into the photo-diode. You set the level at which the photo-diode meets the comparator threshold by way of potentiometer on the sensor. So how "repeatable" is the sensor - fairly under ideal conditions. You can detect the position of an object to a few millimeters repeatably, but the "repeatability" is affected by a number of other factors:1. Distance - as the distance increases the reflected light decreases (as a square of the distance - both out and return) so the sensitivity wrt distance drops. 2. Emissivity of the surface - it has to reflect the IR ligth afteral3. Angle of the surface relative to the transmitter - a smarter man would say something about solid-angles4. Ambient light - probably the worst gremlin, especially as distance increases and you drop the sensitivity. In my experience, when you get out past 20 cm, sig/noise goes to hell outdoors.5. Direction/speed object is moving - There is a bit of a hysteresis, We've never noticed any timing delay, but YMMMV.I'm sure there's more, but you get the idea. |
Product description
Module Description The sensor module adaptable to ambient light, having a pair of infrared emitting and receiving tubes, transmitting tubes emit infrared certain frequency, when the direction of an obstacle is detected (reflection surface), the infrared reflected is received by the reception tube, After a comparator circuit processing, the green light is on, but the signal output interface output digital signal (a low-level signal), you can adjust the detection distance knob potentiometer, the effective distance range of 2 ~ 30cm, the working voltage of 3.3V- 5V. Detection range of the sensor can be obtained by adjusting potentiometer, with little interference, easy to assemble, easy to use features, can be widely used in robot obstacle avoidance, avoidance car, line count, and black and white line tracking and many other occasions. Module Parameters When the module detects an obstacle in front of the signal, the green indicator lights on the board level, while the OUT port sustained low signal output, the module detects the distance 2 ~ 30cm, detection angle 35 °, the distance can detect potential is adjusted clockwise adjustment potentiometer, detects the distance increases; counterclockwise adjustment potentiometer, reducing detection distance. 2, the sensor active infrared reflection detection, target reflectivity and therefore the shape is critical detection distance. Where the minimum detection distance black, white, maximum; small objects away from a small area, a large area from the Grand. 3, the sensor module output port OUT port can be directly connected to the microcontroller IO can also be directly drive a 5V relay; Connection: VCC-VCC; GND-GND; OUT-IO 4, comparators LM393, stable; 5, the module can be 3-5V DC power supply. When the power is turned on, the red power indicator lights; 6, with the screw holes 3mm, easy fixed installation; 7, board size: 3.2CM * 1.4CM 8, each module has been shipped threshold comparator voltage adjusted by potentiometer g
User questions & answers
Question: | Is output is at high voltage ~3.7V without no an obstacle is present and it drop to zero when an obstacle is detected |
Answer: | No, it will change the voltage depending on the distance. |
Question: | How output voltage changes when a obstacle moves to the distance can be detected |
Answer: | The unit uses a 5 volt supply. The output pin changes from 5 volts to ground when the unit detects the obstacle. |
Product description
Parameter:
Induction type: diffuse reflection;
Induction distance: 30cm adjustable;
Working voltage: 6-36V 300mA;
Brown- positive, blue - negative , black - data
Working environment: temperature -40 to +70 degrees Celsius;
Protection level: IP61-IP67;
Corresponding time: the function reset time is below 2.5MS;
Detecting objects: transparent, opaque;
Differential distance: the detection distance is below 20%;
Insulation resistance: 20M ohms or more;
Precautions:
1. When the switch is connected to the power supply, check whether the wiring is correct and check whether the voltage parameter is rated.
2. The switching load cannot be short-circuited, and the power supply in the load should not exceed the maximum output current;
Package Included:
1Pcs NOYITO E3F-DS30C4 Diffuse Reflection Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor
- Induction type: diffuse reflection;
- Induction distance: 30cm adjustable;
- Working voltage: 6-36V 300mA;
- Brown wire - positive, blue wire - negative , black wire - data
- There are two models of this product: E3F-DS30C4 NPN NO; E3F-DS30P1 PNP NO, please choose according to your needs.
User questions & answers
Question: | Are the outputs of the 2 different types ( npn / pnp ) open collector or does the output actually supply current to the signal pin |
Answer: | E3F-DS30C4-NPN NO, E3F-DS30P1- PNP NO Negative output |
Question: | Trying to use this to power a motor. The switch is working, but the motor will not run. Any ideas |
Answer: | One suggestion is that this unit is equivalent to a switch, which can control the motor on and off, or control the on and off of the circuit, but it cannot directly supply power to the motor. Does the motor need external power supply in your circuit? |
Product description
Feature:
1, When the module detects an obstacle in front of the signal, the green indicator lights on the board level, while the OUT port sustained low signal output, the module detects the distance 2 ~ 30cm,
detection angle 35 °, the distance can detect potential is adjusted clockwise adjustment potentiometer, detects the distance increases; counterclockwise adjustment potentiometer, reducing detection distance.
2, The sensor active infrared reflection detection, target reflectivity and therefore the shape is critical detection distance.
Where the minimum detection distance black, white, maximum; small objects away from a small area, a large area from the Grand.
3, the sensor module output port OUT port can be directly connected to the microcontroller IO can also be directly drive a 5V relay; Connection: VCC-VCC; GND-GND; OUT-IO
4, comparators LM393, stable;
5, the module can be 3-5V DC power supply. When the power is turned on, the red power indicator lights;
6, with the screw holes 3mm, easy fixed installation;
7, board size: 3.2CM * 1.4CM
8, each module has been shipped threshold comparator voltage adjusted by potentiometer good, non-special case, do not adjustable potentiometer.
PIN Description:
1 VCC 3.3V-5V external voltage (can be directly connected to 5v and 3.3v MCU MCU)
2 GND GND External
3 OUT small board digital output interface (0 and 1)
Package Includes:
10 * IR Infrared Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module
- Can be widely used in robot obstacle avoidance, obstacle avoidance car, line count, and black and white line tracking and so on.
- The effective distance range of 2 ~ 30cm, the working voltage of 3.3V- 5V
Product description
It is a component widely used in automatic control industry for detecting, controlling, and noncontact switching. When proximity switch is close to some target object, it will send out control signal. As it is capacitive type proximity switch, its detecting object target is not limited to only conductor, but also liquid and even powder things, like plastic, water, glass, oil, etc. It's widely used in machine, paper making, light industry for limiting station, orientation taking count, speeding trial ect. Product Name : Capacitive Proximity Switch;Switch Appearance Type : Cylinder Type Theory : Capacitance Sensor;Output Type : NPN NO(Normal Open);Diameter of Head : 18mm;Detecting Distance : 1-10mm Detecting Object : Metal or Nonmetal Material;Supply Voltage : DC 6-36V;Current Output : 300mA;Response Frequency : 100Hz Size : 7.5 x 4cm/3'' x 1.6'' (L*Max. Dia);Material : Plastic, Alloy
- Special attention: There are two friends recently. The reaction product does not work, First note: our products are 100 % tested before they leave the factory. Solution: 1. Turn Switch control sensing distance behind the product; 2 .Send us an email and we will send you a new one.Product Name : Capacitive Proximity Switch; Model : LJC18A3-H-Z/BX;
- Wire Type : DC 3 Wire Type (Brown, Black, Blue);Theory : Capacitance Sensor; Output Type : NPN NO(Normal Open);Diameter of Head : 16mm; Thread Diameter:18mm; Detecting Distance : 1-10mm
- Operating Temperature : -25 to +65 Celsius (Non-freezing Condition);Size : 7.5 x 3cm / 3"x 1.2"(L*Max. Dia);Cable Length : 120cm/47";External Material : Plastic, Alloy
- Detecting Object : Metal or Nonmetal Material; Supply Voltage : DC 6-36V;Current Output : 300mA;Response Frequency : 100Hz
- Net Weight : 85g;Color : Silver Tone, blue, Gray; Package Content : 1 x Capacitive Proximity Switch
User questions & answers
Question: | is this sensor measuring a distance and sending out the data or is it only sending a signal when a specific distance is achieved |
Answer: | It's a powered relay with an adjustable threshold proximity switch. It's not sending out data. It's a simple proximity switch. You set the distance that's the zero point and adjust the trimmer until the relay just toggles. |
Question: | Is there any warranty on these? Mine just failed after about 9 months |
Answer: | I doubt it . They are cheap enough to just get a new one. Hard to get a warranty unless you pay extra on any electronics. |
Question: | how do you wire this up |
Answer: | Brown to VCC ej 12V (BN) Black to Signal (BK) Bluw to Gnd (BV) |
Question: | What is the output signal? High/Low or is it a variable voltage based on the distance |
Answer: | on/off |
Product description
- Product Name : Capacitive Proximity Switch;Model : LJC18A3-B-Z/BX;Wire Type : DC 3 Wire Type (Brown, Black, Blue);Switch Appearance Type : Cylinder Type
- Theory : Capacitance Sensor;Output Type : NPN NO(Normal Open);Diameter of Head : 18mm;Detecting Distance : 1-10mm
- Detecting Object : Metal or Nonmetal Material;Supply Voltage : DC 10-30V;Current Output : 200mA;Response Frequency : 100Hz
- Operating Temperature : -25 to +65 Celsuis (Non-freezing Condition);Size : 7.5 x 3cm / 3"x 1.2"(L*Max. Dia);Cable Length : 120cm/47";External Material : Plastic, Alloy
- Net Weight : 108g; Package Content : 1 x Capacitive Proximity Switch
User questions & answers
Question: | Are these IP65 rated |
Answer: | IP67 rated. |
Question: | Could this sensor differentiate an empty plastic container vs one filled with pure de-ionized water |
Answer: | Im not sure for every fluid, but the sensor can be "tuned" to tell the difference between an empty bottle and a full one. |
Question: | What are the dimensions? Specs claim 3in x 1.2in diameter yet the shipping package has 0.5in as one of its dimensions, which would not fit |
Answer: | The mounting hole size is 18mm(0.7 inch). The shipping package is about 5" X 2.5" X 1.8". |
Question: | How long can you keep them on? Let's say several hours a day, would they burn out |
Answer: | No, it will not burned , because the TX Led has current limiting resistor which save the IR tx LED from burning. |
Product description
Explanation on the definition of NO, NC, NPN, PNP:
NO(Normally open): the circuit is open when there is no sensing object, and the circuit is closed after sensing the object
NC(Normally closed): the circuit is closed when there is no sensing object, and the circuit is open after sensing the object
NPN: Taking 24V voltage as an example, the output voltage is 0V when sensing objects, and the output voltage is 24V when not sensing.
NPN: Taking 24V voltage as an example, the output voltage is 24V when sensing an object, and the output voltage is 0V when not sensing.
Sensing object: non-transparent object
- Photoelectric Switch control by infraredray, as a apporach sensor, includeing a transmitter and receiver in it. A retroreflective arrangement places the transmitter and receiver at the same location and uses a reflector to bounce the light beam back from the transmitter to the receiver. An object is sensed when the beam is interrupted and fails to reach the receiver.
- Product model: E3Z-R61,Output: NPN output.
- Working voltage: DC6~26V,Working current: 300mA,Working temperature: -25℃~+75℃,Frequency: 50Hz,Sensory Distance: 2m,Wire Type:DC 3 Wire,Wire length: 2m.
- Package Content: 1 x Photoelectric Switch, 1 x Reflector Panel, 1 x Users Guide,Note: Without Mounting Bracket.
- Proximity sensor can be applied in security system, manufacturing industry. Weatherproof (IP67) construction for indoor/outdoor usage.Safety sensor is widely used in garage doors or automatic gates,Overhead door security sensor,Industrial automation, Detect small objects on manufacturing line,Entry detection for store fronts,Assist in measuring parking distance,Alarm sensor etc
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this work with my AutoPage C3-RS |
Answer: | This will work, on any alarm system, it is an internal proximity sensor for the vehicle. Be advised, it is fairly sensitive and bugs and birds will trigger it. Just ensure the jacks are the same, or you will have to splice the harness. |
Question: | There are videos on Youtube showing how this can be added to a basic factory alarm and work. So can it or not |
Answer: | It's meant for plug and play with specific DEI alarms. But you can cut the connector off and wire it up manually. Power, ground, warn away, full trigger |
Question: | Can I install to factory alarm system |
Answer: | I installed in the factory alarm of a Hyundai. Most alarm modules have extra pins available for accessories. This sensor uses only two pins for energy (that you can get from so many cables behind the dash) and the next two wires are to trigger the "warning" status and "Alarm" status. It should work. |
Question: | Does this sensor stay on while security system is disarmed? The LED keeps blinking while driving, plus it always activates my cobra radar detector |
Answer: | It depends on how you wire it, but, yes, if you have it powered and grounded while the car is running, then it will stay on all the time you are driving. In my case, I wired a relay into the ground circuit, where the contacts were normally closed when the Accessory supply was OFF. Thus when the car was running (accessories on) the ground circuit was DIS-connected and the sensor OFF. |
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