Position Sensor 101: Types And Working Principle Of Linear Position Sensors

Position sensors are a vital component of many industrial processing set-ups and monitoring equipment. Sensors are typically needed for quality control and ensuring safety. In some commercial applications like consumer products, sensors provide the framework for some functions.

How Does A Position Sensor Work?

The type of position sensor also dictates its working principle. There are several kinds of position sensors categorised according to how they measure and detect an object’s displacement as well as the method of producing an output signal.

At Positek, we manufacture Linear Position Sensors which use our own unique non-contacting technology.
 

What Kind Of Position Sensors Are There?
 

There are different types of linear position sensors available, they are distinguished by the type of technology they use to measure linear displacement. Some of these different types are;
 

Inductive Sensors – our own sensors use a unique inductive technology to measure either linear or rotary displacement

Capacitance sensor. It is a type of non-contact position sensor which works by determining the difference in voltage applied to the sensor and the target object.

Linear potentiometers. Which measures displacement by producing a resistive output which is directly proportional to the target object’s displacement.

Eddy current sensors. Another non-contact type of linear sensor, they use magnetic fields to produce alternating small currents to measure displacement. 

Photoelectric sensors. Just as the name suggests, a photoelectric sensor uses fibre optics and optical triangulation to detect object displacement.

Hall-effect sensors. This type of sensor uses magnetic fields to measure movement.

Ultrasonic sensors. This type of sensor measures displacement through sound projection and detection.

Although these types of position sensor are not available directly from Positek, they can all be found within at least one organisation within the Variohm Group.
 

You can further classify sensors according to the type of movement they detect. There are rotary sensors and angle sensors which detect rotational and angular motion respectively. Sensors are also categorised as submersible if they are used in applications which require submersion in liquid.
 

Positek specialises in manufacturing sensors using our own non-contact technology suitable for various industrial applications. Our range of linear, rotary, submersible, and tilt angle sensors have the most robust fabrication capable of withstanding even the harshest working conditions. With proven durability and robustness, Positek’s sensors have an unlimited lifecycle and measurement repeatability.
 

Can Positek build a sensor to my size requirements?
 

In some industrial applications, it is possible to require sensors with unique specifications not found in pre-fabricated products.

At Positek we understand that manufacturing a sensor with the exact size requirements is vital to maintaining the integrity of the application. If you need custom sensors, Positek can build the sensor you need by letting you get in touch with their team of engineers ready to assist you with the design process.

With over 25 years of experience in building high-quality sensors, every customer is guaranteed the same attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship.

Take a look at our full range of position sensors;

Linear Position Sensors 

Rotary Position Sensors 

Tilt Sensors 

Custom Position Sensors 

Intrinsically Safe Sensors 

Submersible Sensors