Choosing a linear sensor This blog help to identify the purpose of the sensor, in order to ensure the correct sensor is chosen to match the type of job it is expected to do. When choosing anything, from a linear position sensor to a washing machine, if the purpose and expected functions of the item are not considered properly is it easy to end up with an item that, on paper, looks the part, but which fails to perform as needed.When choosing a linear position sensor, is it vital that you consider the type of job it is expected to do, whether that is to measure something and provide feedback on the size of the object, or to monitor a process in a continuous loop, ensuring moving parts of machinery are performing as they are supposed to. It may also be necessary to control the motion of a moving part, such as a hydraulic servo or other piece of equipment. In each case, the properties of the sensor itself will have varying degrees of importance and by knowing what the most important features are you can make a good choice.If your sensor is needed to measure something that will change depending on the situation or item, then the sensor needs to provide a high level of accuracy and fine resolution. Example applications include in automated wood mills when a plank needs to be cut to exactly the right length. A sensor detecting the location of a saw blade is what controls the length of wood cut.If the sensor is needed to monitor a process, then linear accuracy may not be the most important thing as it is merely detecting that an action has happened, rather than playing any role in the definition of the location or size of anything being made. Continuous feedback is needed and it must be well constructed in order to handle the repeated use and potentially heavy duty environment in which it will be used.A sensor needed for linear motion control, such as the movement of a hydraulic ram or actuator, will be used in a closed loop system where the sensor feedback directly impacts on the next stage in the process. The sensor must be able to deliver a high level of accuracy, fine resolution and most crucially, data output that is deterministic and can be used to feed in to the next stage of a process.Still confused? Talk to the Positek team today and we can help you choose the right linear position sensor for your application. Article published on: 28/03/2017 Article last updated on: 28/03/2017