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Inductive proximity sensors design
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Inductive proximity sensors are
widely used in various applications to detect metal devices. Inductive proximity sensors generate an electromagnetic field and detect the eddy current losses induced when the metal target enters the field. The field is generated by a coil, wrapped round a ferrite core, which is used by a transistorised circuit to produce oscillations. The target, while entering the electromagnetic field produced by the coil, will decrease the oscillations due to eddy currents developed in the target. If the target approaches the sensor within the so-called "sensing range", the oscillations cannot be produced anymore: the detector circuit generates then an output signal controlling a relay or a switch. Predicting then the field distribution around the sensor can enhance the sensor design. |
| FLUX software are Finite
Element Software dedicated to electromagnetic and thermal applications.
Both 2D and 3D software packages enable reliable analysis of electromagnetic behaviour of proximity sensors in various working states (static, harmonics, time transient) with several features enhancing the simulation such as cinematic coupling (rotation and translation) modelling the interaction between mechanical and electromagnetic quantities or coupling to external circuit equations. |
Click on the picture to animate the target (FLUX2D animation) |
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A simple FLUX
simulation allows the user to: Moreover, using the electrical circuit coupling, the output signal characteristics (current, voltage) can be computed. The electrical behaviour of the device (output circuit) can be indeed modelled: diodes, switches, resistor, inductor are some of the many components available in the FLUX components library enabling to compute electrical signal characteristics. An example of 2D and 3D sensor computations is given in the following article (pdf file): i
speed
sensor on phonic wheel
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Flux density distribution in a speed sensor and the corresponding cogwheel computed by FLUX3D |
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Cedrat software's experience covers others sensors applications, such as non destructive testing, measurements of acceleration, force, torque, power, consumption, current, fields, flow, tele-detection, coding, presence detection, spectrometers, transponders, gyroscopes ... Its partners are, among others:
Moreover, Cedrat's field of competencies covers all Electrical Engineering, from Piezo Actuators design and manufacture to consulting, from software development and distribution to various trainings. We are willing to show you the numerous possibilities Flux software can offer in sensors design. Do not hesitate to contact us at :
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