Types of Sensors Advantages Disadvantages of all types Sensors Applications of Sensors

Types of Sensors, Advantages & Disadvantages of all types Sensors, Applications of Sensors 

One type of feedback frequently needed by industrial-control systems is the position of one or more components of the operation being controlled. Sensors are devices used to provide information on the presence or absence of an object.

Sensors include limit switches, photoelectric, inductive, capacitive, and ultrasonic sensors. These products are packaged in various configurations to meet virtually any requirement found in commercial and industrial applications. 

In addition to the advantages and disadvantages of each of these sensor types, different sensor technologies are better suited for certain applications. The following table lists the sensor technologies. 

Sensor	Advantages	Disadvantages	Applications
Limit Switch Sensor	•High Current  Capability •Low Cost •Familiar “Low- Tech" Sensing	·  Requires Physical Contact with Target ·         Very Slow Response ·         Contact Bounce	•Interlocking •Basic End-of- Travel Sensing
Photoelectric Sensor	•Senses all Kinds of Materials •Long Life •Longest Sensing  Range •Very Fast Response Time	•Lens Subject to Contamination •Sensing Range Affected by Color and Reflectivity of Target	•Packaging •Material Handling •Parts Detection
Inductive Sensor	•Resistant to Harsh Environments •Very Predictable •Long Life •Easy to Install	•Distance Limitations	•Industrial & Machines •Machine Tool •Senses Metal- Only Targets
Capacitive Sensor	•Detects Through  Some Containers •Can Detect  Non-Metallic Targets	•Very Sensitive to Extreme Environmental Changes	•Level Sensing
Ultrasonic Sensor	•Senses all  Materials	•Resolution •Repeatability •Sensitive to Temperature Changes	•Anti-Collision •Doors •Web Brake •Level Control