By
applying a voltage to the oscillator coil an alternating inductive field is
created in front of the active surface of the unit.
When a
metallic object (steel, aluminum, copper, brass etc.) enters this field from
any direction and the state of the oscillator is modified until the threshold
of the trigger is inverted this induces a change in the final stage and the
subsequent command of an external load. The intervention distance depends on
the type of metal and as described earlier, in the reduction factors. All the
sensors are protected against inversion of polarity and electrical disturbances
of inductive sources and can be supplied with short circuit protection in the
D.C. version. The main advantages offered by proximity sensors in relation to
normal limit switches are mainly unlimited duration as they have no moving
parts (wheels, springs etc.) lack of maintenance requirement and elimination of
possible false contacts due to contact movement.