A Quick Look at Different Types of Position Sensors
Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO
Our modern world relies heavily on position sensors. In fact, you probably wouldn’t be reading this without them since touch screens and computer mice use position sensors. Outside of phones and computers, you likely interact with dozens of position sensors every day through the use of cars, gaming controllers, volume knobs, dimmable lights and much more.
These sensors are widespread in almost every industry including aerospace, medical, and manufacturing. Knowing where something is located relative to something else turns out to be extremely useful data for most everyone.
What are the different types of position sensors?
Different shapes and sizes of sensors are used for different applications. These are the most common types when it comes to their configuration:
- Linear: Measures movement along a straight line
- Rotary: Tracks position around a circular path
- Angular: Detects changes in angle
- Flexing/bending: Increases resistance in a circuit the more a component bends
Position sensors can track incremental changes from one point to another or track something’s position relative to a fixed reference point. Some sensors are static and simply measure position while others are dynamic so they can measure speed and acceleration.
How do position sensors work?
Many technologies have been developed for sensing position which allows for such vast applications. Here are some types that are commonly used with an application example:
- Potentiometric (Volume knobs)
- Inductive (Metal detectors)
- Eddy current detection (Car Anti-Lock Braking Systems)
- Capacitive (Touchscreens)
- Magnetostrictive (Industrial robotics)
- Hall effect (Detecting speed in vehicles by measuring the speed of rotating parts)
- Fiber optic technology (High-speed internet systems)
- Optical (Computer mouse)
- Ultrasonic detection (Parking sensors in cars)
What sensor do you need for your project?
Consider this when choosing the sensor for your project:
- What configuration do you need? It could be linear, rotary, angular, or flex.
- Do you need to measure how something moves incrementally or its absolute position based on a reference point?
- What will it be exposed to? (e.g. extreme temperatures, moisture, repetitive motion, etc.)
- What is your budget?
SpectraSymbol position sensors
Our position sensors are incredibly versatile and are used in dozens of industries. If you are looking for the right sensor for your project or want to learn more, feel free to reach out. We would be more than happy to help.