Understanding Capacitive and Inductive Sensors
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overschieUnderstanding Capacitive and Inductive Sensors
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overschieNon-Contact Measurement
Comparing Capacitive and Inductive Sensors
Non-contact sensors
using capacitive and
inductive measuring
technologies each
represent a unique
blend of advantages
and disadvantages for
a variety of applications.
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Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Typical applications
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Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Our inductive and capacitive measuring systems
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
A comparison will help you
to select the best technology
for your application.
Understanding the Capacitive sensor
difference between
capacitive and inductive
(or eddy-current) sensors
begins by looking at how the
probes are constructed.
Inductive sensor
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Capacitive probe
construction
At the center of a capacitive
probe is the sensing tip
generating the electric field
used to sense the distance
to the target. The guard ring,
separated by an insulating
layer, surrounds the sensing
tip and focuses the electric
field toward the target.
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Inductive probe
construction
In the sensing coil of wire
alternating current is
passed through, creating an
magnetic field, used to sense
the distance to the target.
The epoxy and plastic
covered coil extends from
the steel housing to allow the
full sensing field to engage
the target.
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Sensing area
Capacitive
Sensing area diameter: 130% of sensing tip diameter.
Inductive
Sensing area diameter: 300% of sensing tip diameter.
Capacitive Inductive
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Capacitive sensing
technique
Capacitive sensors use a
high-frequency electric
field to determine the
capacitance. Changes in the
distance between the probe
and the target change the
capacitance, which changes
the current flow in the
sensing element.
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Inductive sensing technique
Inductive sensors use magnetic fields. Alternating
current is passed through the sensing coil, creating an
alternating magnetic field. This induces an eddy current
in the target that opposes
the magnetic field of the
coil. The impedance of the
sensing coil will change. The
amount of impedance change
is dependent on the distance
between the target and the Magnetic field induces eddy current
sensing coil in the probe. (blue) in conductive target
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Gap contamination
Capacitive: Contamination (dust, oil, and water) also
increases the capacitance. Therefore capacitive sensors
must be used in a clean environment.
Inductive: Magnetic fields are not affected by non-
conductive contaminants such as dust, water, and oil. So
these sensors are the best choice when the application
involves a dirty or hostile environment.
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Target materials and rotating targets
In capacitive sensors the electric field uses the target
as a conductive path to ground and does not penetrate
the material. Once calibrated, they can be used with any
conductive material with no material related errors, and
they work well with rotating targets.
Inductive sensors need to be calibrated to the same
material as the target and should
not be used with rotating magnetic
material targets unless the electrical
runout errors are acceptable in the
application. Actual runout (blue), and electri-
cal runout from ind. sensor (red).
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Temperature and Vacuum
Capacitive probes (affected by condensation) have an
standard operating range of +4 to +50°C. On request
available: 150°C or cryogenic options.
Inductive probes aren’t affected and have an operating
range from -25 to +125°C. On request available: 200°C
or cryogenic options.
Both sensors types can work well in vacuum
environments. In temperature sensitive vacuums, inductive
sensors may cause too much heat for the application, due
to the larger power consumption. In these applications,
capacitive sensors will be a better choice.
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Probe Mounting
When your application requires the use of multiple probes
with a common target, synchronized sensors are easy to
use. If the application requires inductive (or eddy-current)
technology, special care must be taken in the mounting
plan (mounting block may interfere) and special calibration
may be required.
Synchronized capacitive Synchronisation can eliminate interfer- Mounting hardware can
sensors will not interfere when ence occurring when inductive probes interfere with inductive
used on the same target. are mounted near each other. probe magnetic field.
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Comparison table
•• Best Choice • Good Choice – Not an option
Factor Capacitive Inductive
Dirty environments – ••
Small Targets •• •
Large Range • ••
Thin Materials •• •
Material Versatility •• •
Multiple Probes •• ••
Resolution •• ••
Bandwidth •• ••
Comparing Non-Contact Sensors
Further reading
Visit our website for more educational and technical
information about our non-contact sensors.
https://www.ibspe.com/measuring-systems/capacitive-
measuring-systems
https://www.ibspe.com/measuring-systems/inductive-
measuring-systems
https://www.ibspe.com/expertise/technical-resources