When crafting an electronic application or appliance, more often than not, engineers will need to incorporate magnetic sensors into the design. The question is, what are these magnetic sensors and how do they work? Also, which industries do they benefit the most? Read on for the answers.
What are magnetic sensors and how do they work?
Magnetic sensors work to detect and measure the strength of the magnetic fields of the earth. In doing so, they covert this data into output electrical signals. Some magnetic sensors can detect and measure both the strength and the direction of a magnetic field. Generally, these sensors are designed to be extra sensitive to magnetic field changes, to consume minimal power, and to allow for high-temperature and high-frequency operation. As such, magnetic sensors promise maximum longevity, as long as you ensure that you purchase from a quality manufacturer.
Remember, there are several different types of magnetic sensors, each with its own pros and cons. Some of the most common types include coil, reed switch, and Hall elements, and magnetoresistive element magnetic sensors. Because all elements sensors can detect a magnetic field even if there is no fluctuation in the magnetic flux density, it is arguably the most popular among engineers.
The best approach to finding the right magnetic sensor for the right application is to use a search engine specifically created to help you source the electrical components that you need. Octopart is a great example of one of these search engines that compares manufacturers, distributors, and pricing.
Which industries benefit most from magnetic sensors?
Magnetic sensors are extremely diverse and versatile, meaning they are sure to come in useful when incorporated into electronic applications for a broad array of industries.
For instance, as technology continues to advance within the realm of production, magnetic sensors are being seen more frequently in the design of applications focused on factory automation and robotics. In these cases, the magnetic sensors work to keep an eye on and ensure accuracy and precision in relation to the robots’ movements.
It is true that magnetic sensors are commonly employed in the creation and production of high-tech appliances and electronics. However, they also have their place in old-school applications. A good example of this is how they are utilized in the energy and water conservation industry to allow for contactless sensing when it comes to water or energy levels. You also often see magnetic sensors used in the design of refrigerators and vacuum cleaners. Other everyday appliances and solutions that comprise of magnetic sensors include:
- Security systems
- Home automation solutions
- Flow speed monitoring and tamper detection in metering
- Industrial smoke alarms
Finally, these electronic components are hugely important when it comes to the production of renewable energy. They play a significant role on solar panel and wind turbine power plants and farms across the globe to optimize the generation of renewable energy through angular position sensing and contactless current sensing.
Ultimately, there are many different types and sizes of magnetic sensors to choose from, so be sure to conduct plenty of research into finding the perfect fit.
