ifm electronic - Magnetic sensors
- Small designs with long sensing ranges up to 70 mm.
- Various designs for demanding applications.
- Extended temperature range for universal use.
- Useable for both flush and non-flush installation.
- High switching frequencies for different applications.
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Introduction
Magnetic sensors are used for the detection of positions without contact or wear and tear in control technology. They are used where inductive sensors reach their limits.
The advantage
Compared to inductive sensors magnetic sensors have a considerably higher sensing range and smaller housings. Sensing ranges up to 70 millimetres are standard. With special magnets, sensing ranges of even 90 millimetres or more can be achieved. Only prerequisite: The object to be detected must be equipped with a magnet because the sensor only responds to magnets. Since magnetic fields penetrate all non-magnetisable materials, the sensors can detect magnets through walls made of non-ferrous metal, stainless steel, aluminium, plastic or wood. A magnetic sensor is for example often used in the food industry in connection with 'pigs' - cleaning devices which pass through the inside of pipes. By means of magnetic sensors their exact position can be detected from the outside through the wall of the stainless steel pipe.
Operating principle
Magnetic sensors and cylinder sensors from ifm electronic use state-of-the-art GMR (Giant Magneto Resistive effect) technology. These resistors consist of several extremely thin, ferromagnetic and non magnetic layers. Whereas in a conventional Wheatstone bridge circuit two screened and two unscreened GMR resistors are combined, a large signal proportional to the magnetic field is produced if a magnetic field is present. As from a threshold value an output signal is switched via a comparator.
Installation types
Magnetic sensors can be mounted flush with all materials (even metals) without reduction in the sensing range. Only exception: For magnetisable materials the sensing range is reduced.
ifm electronic
ifm electronic gmbh is one of the leading manufacturers of automation technology world-wide. More than 3,000 employees in more than 70 countries develop solutions for 80,000 customers in the manufacturing industries. By optimising technical processes in the automotive, chemical and cosmetics industries or in environmental technology and automation of buildings ifm electronic has consistently set new standards and thus ensures tomorrow's production processes.
The family-run company with headquarters in Essen started with the invention of inductive proximity sensors in 1969. The German production in Tettnang on Lake Constance has ensured brand quality right from the start. Today "efector" stands for position and fluid sensors, object recognition, diagnostic and identification systems. The brand "ecomat" is synonymous with networking and control systems. In 2007 ifm made a turnover of more than € 410 million with above-average product quality, exceptional innovations and consistent close contact to the customer.
