Feature: Sensor technology
Key parameters to consider
when selecting a
measurement sensor By Glenn Wedgbrow, Business Development Manager, Micro-Epsilon UK
W 2 3
hen addressing a measurement task, sensor suppliers will oſten ask detailed
questions about the application: do you need the sensor to measure distance, deflection, position, gaps, edges, temperature, surface profile or colour? Since there are different measurement technologies and so many different sensors and variants, asking detailed questions helps determine the most appropriate technology and sensor for the application. Here are the top ten questions to consider in detail:
1
What are you measuring? Describe the application and even have a drawing ready.
When you call a supplier, for them it can oſten be difficult to imagine exactly what you are trying to achieve, especially over the phone. Pictures, drawings and photos
30 November 2021
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
can help the supplier better understand your requirements.
Why do you need the measurement and what benefits are you expecting from it?
Understanding the exact need for the measurement is crucial. Tis might end up in a sensor or system over and above what you first thought, but could lead to tremendous savings.
What are the technical requirements; i.e., how far can the target move, how fast does
it travel and what tolerances must be achieved? We supply sensors that measure displacement (changes in position, thickness, etc), temperature and colour, among many other parameters. Tolerances are probably the most important information you can provide to the supplier, as these ultimately define the real accuracy required in the application. Understanding the boundaries of the
measurement helps to identify the possible sensor technologies.
4 5
What is the target material and its surface condition? If a supplier knows they are
measuring against metal, plastic, glass, rubber or other materials, this will also help define which sensor technologies to use. In addition, knowing the surface conditions and whether they change over time or in certain conditions – be that colour, shine or temperature – will also help identify the right technology; surface roughness/smoothness or variation has an effect on measurement performance.
What is the shape, size and movement of the target? Tis question is all about the
physical aspects of the target. By understanding the geometry, a supplier can determine if the target is large enough for a specific sensor, or if a smaller sensor is more suitable.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
