The various uses of capacitive sensors

Capacitive sensors can measure distance, position or even the displacement of a conductive target. They are suitable for use in a wide range of industrial applications and are available in many different designs.

Capacitive sensors can be categorised by the range they are designed to measure and the technology used in their manufacture. They are available as cylindrical or flat devices and come with an integral cable or with a socket connection, so replacement of the sensor can be quickly actioned.

How do capacitive sensors work?

Capacitive sensors use the principle of capacitance to work, where the target and the sensing element behave like electrodes in a parallel plate capacitor. If an alternating current flows through the sensor capacitor, the distance between the sensor and the target can be accurately determined due to the change in capacitance.

Because conductivity of the target does not affect the measurement in a capacitive sensor, temperature will have very little effect on distance or position readings, making this type of sensor suitable for use in applications where high temperature ranges occur.

Capacitive sensors work best in clean environments because changes in the sensor gap due to dust or dirt contamination can affect the readings taken.